Election Cake

Election Cake came to be associated with election-day celebrations.

Makes 16 servings.

1 1/2 cups raisins
1/2 cup brandy

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105 degrees to 115)
1 tablespoon sugar

4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup butter , softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs

In small bowl, cover raisins with brandy, set aside.

In medium bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water, stir to dissolve. Stir into the dissolved yeast 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 cup flour until smooth. Cover with towel; let rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees F.) free from draft, until doubled, about 1 hour.

Grease 10 inch tube pan. In large bowl with mixer at medium speed, cream butter until fluffy. Beat in brown sugar, lemon peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves until well combined. Beat in eggs until mixture is light and fluffy.

Stir in raisin mixture, yeast mixture and remaining 3 cups flour; mix well. Turn dough into prepared pan. Cover with towel; let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

Bake at 350 degrees F. about 45 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan on wire rack 20 minutes. remove from pan; cool completely.