PRUNE SPICE COFFEECAKE Recipe

12 oz. (1 1/2 c.) pitted dried whole prunes
3 c. flour
2 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. ground cloves
3/4 c. cooking oil
4 eggs

In a saucepan cover the whole prunes with water; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Drain and reserve 2/3 cup liquid. Chill prunes then chop fine. In bowl stir together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. Add prune liquid (2/3 cup) and cooking oil. Mix at low mixer speed until blended. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Add eggs; beat at medium speed 1 minute. Stir in prepared prunes. Pour batter into greased and floured 9'x13" pan. Sprinkle with crumb topping made of 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour with 2 tablespoons butter cut in. Add chopped nuts if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Makes 20 to 24 bars.