2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Sift the first 6 ingredients together. If adding nuts and raisins, mix them with 2 tablespoons of the dry ingredients and set aside. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and buttermilk. Add dry ingredients, and then the nuts and raisins. Pour batter into greased and floured 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

FROSTING:

1/3 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Cook butter and brown sugar over low heat for 2 minutes - add salt and milk and cook for 3 minutes. Cool; add vanilla and powdered sugar.