Arabian Spice Cake

3/4 c. shortening                              3/4 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 c. sugar                                  3/4 tsp. nutmeg
3 eggs                                             1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 c. sour milk* (or buttermilk)        2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. salt                                        1 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 c. sifted all purpose flour          1 tsp. lemon extract
3/4 tsp. baking soda                         1 c. raisins (or nuts)

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Add nuts and/or fruit. Bake at 350 deg. for 35-40 min. in 9x13" pan.

Ice with Seven Minute Icing.

* To make sour milk add 1 tbsp. vinegar to 3/4 c. milk.

SEVEN MINUTE ICING

1 c. sugar                                        1/4 c. water
2 egg whites                                    Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Boil sugar, water, egg whites in double boiler. Beat constantly for seven minutes with electric beater, or until it stands in stiff peaks. Remove from heat and beat in vanilla (or desired flavor).