Sweet Apple Cake (Joanna’s Family Recipe)

1/3 cup raisins
6 tablespoons hot water
1 2/3 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cup chopped apples (any variety)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup margarine or butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Soak raisins in hot water. Sift dry ingredients in large bowl. Combine raisins, water, chopped apples, applesauce, melted butter and eggs.
Add dry ingredients 3 different times, mixing well after each addition. Mix in nuts if desired.
Pour batter into 9x13 inch cake pan that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable coating. Bake for 45 minutes and top with cream cheese or caramel frosting. Serves 12.