Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10x15 inch baking pan.

In a medium size mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.

Combine raisins and water (or juice) in saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in shortening.

When the mixture has cooled to lukewarm beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in sugar; stir to blend. Beat flour mixture into the shortening mixture. Stir in the walnuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 12 minutes. When they have cooled cut them into bars; sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.