2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
2 c. beer
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
2 c. chopped dates

Cream brown sugar and shortening until smooth. Add eggs, blending well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture, alternately with beer, beating well after each addition. Stir in pecans and dates. Spoon batter into a well-greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.

Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool. Frost with Caramel Frosting.

Caramel Frosting:

1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. powdered sugar

Combine butter and brown sugar; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Add milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add salt, vanilla and powdered sugar; beat to spreading consistency.