1/2 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour, sifted
1 sq. melted unsweetened chocolate
1 c. raisins
1 c. walnuts, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add soda to buttermilk and stir in alternately with sifted flour. Add melted butter, raisins, nuts and vanilla. Bake in two 9 inch layer pans for 30 minutes in medium 350 degree oven.

ICING:

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. cream
1 c. sugar
14 caramels, melted