Favorite Raisin Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box raisins (15 oz. size)
• 4 c. water
• 1/2 lb. or 2 sticks butter or margarine
• 3 1/2 c. flour
• 2 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. cloves
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 c. walnuts (black walnuts are especially good)