Irish Brown Bread

2 c. sugar
2 c. water
1 (15 oz.) pkg. seedless raisins
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. baking soda
3 c. flour, spooned into a cup
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Blend sugar and water; Cook 3 minutes or until boiling. Add raisins, simmer 3 minutes or until raisins are tender. Remove from heat, add butter. Let stand 15 minutes or until cool. Add baking soda. Mix flour and spices together, blend with raisin mixture. Pour into buttered, floured pan 9 x 5 x 2 3/4 inch. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until knife comes out clean.