2 1/2 c. sifted cake flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. cloves
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of pepper
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 c. plus 2 tbsp. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, soda, spices and pepper. Cream shortening thoroughly, gradually add sugars and cream together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one a time, beating well after each. Add flour alternately with buttermilk; add vanilla.

Pour batter into 3 (8 inch) layer pans or 2 (9 inch) layer pans which have been lined on the bottom with wax paper. Bake in a 350 degree oven 25 to 30 minutes for 8-inch layers and 30 to 35 minutes for 9-inch layer. Frost with a butter cream frosting.