Caramel Frosting:

1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
1 1/4 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
pecans for topping, if desired

Melt butter; add brown sugar and salt. Cook 2 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly. Add milk; stir until mixture boils. Remove from heat; stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Use 1 recipe for each layer or 1 1/2 recipes for tube cake.

Cake:

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs, bananas, and vanilla. Mix well. Add dry ingredients; mix 2 minutes at medium speed. Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 inch cake pans; bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. You can also use greased and floured tube pan and bake 1 hour.