2/3 c. butterscotch morsels
1/4 c. water
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening (part butter)
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
2 1/4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs

Melt morsels over water in pan and cool. Sift flour with salt, soda and baking powder; set aside. Cream shortening; add sugar and cream well. Add eggs, one at a time; beat well after each one. Add melted morsels. Mix well. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Turn into 9-inch pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool. Spread filling on top of each layer.

BUTTERSCOTCH FILLING:

1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1/3 c. water
1 beaten egg yolk
2 tbsp. butter
1 c. coconut
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a 2-quart pan. Stir in evaporated milk, water and morsels. Add beaten egg yolk and cook, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons butter, coconut, chopped pecans or walnuts, and a dash of salt. Cool. Spread on Mardi Gras Party Cake layers.