1 c. butter
1 c. blackberry jam
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. chopped nuts
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. allspice
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. dates, if desired
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar. Add jam, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, beat well after each egg. Mix soda in buttermilk. Add flour, salt, and spices to the sugar and jam mixture. Add buttermilk and soda. Add nuts and dates. Line cake pans with wax paper and bake 350 degrees until done.