Eggless, Milkless, Butterless Cake II

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)