Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and spices together. Cream shortening, add sugar gradually until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat egg well and add to creamed mixture. Add applesauce, prunes, then the flour gradually. Add nuts last if you desire, beating well after each addition. Pour into a greased and floured 9x4x3 inch baking pan. Bake for about 50 minutes or until done.