There is no one definitive answer to this question as the recipe may vary depending on the region or culture. However, a basic poor man's cake recipe may include ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk.
The original recipe calls for Lard.
I don't know if shortening will~Boil together all ingredients.
Add water just enough water to coverraisins.
Boil until raisins are tender.
Cool.
Add 1 t baking soda andenough Unbleached flour to make a stiff batter.
Pour batter into 9-inchround cake pan.
Bake in moderate oven until cake springs back when touchedlightly (about 1 hour at 350 degrees F).
Serve warm or cold with cream,custard sauce or powdered sugar frosting.
Walnuts may be added to batterjust before baking.