Sift to - gether the dry ingredients, cream the sugar and shortening then add the beaten eggs. Put the 1/2 cup milk in measuring cup and fill up with hot water. Add this alternatly with the dry ingredients and adding the raisins with each dry ingredient addition. Add vanilla and mix well. Put into a greased and floured 9x13 in. Pan and bake 45 - 50 minutes in a 350 oven.