Great Depression Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

In a large saucepan, simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally:
2 cups sugar
2 cups root beer
1/2 cup shortening
1 apple, peeled and grated

Set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Blend together in a bowl:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 Tablespoon allspice
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon cloves
1 Tablespoon nutmeg

Combine the dry and the wet ingredients in the bowl. Pour batter into pan.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
When cooled, dust with powdered sugar.

Stays nice and moist even uncovered. They didn't have plastic wrap in the 30's :)