Grandma M's Spice Bars

The is from my mom's recipe box with a note that it's from her mom.

1 cup sugar

1/2 t. cloves

1 t. nutmeg

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup raisins

1 cup water

Boil together 4 minutes then cool, add

1 t. soda

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 t. salt

1/2 cup nuts

Mix together. Bake 30-35 min. 350. Ice with thin icing while warm.