1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
5 eggs, well beaten
3 c. sifted cake flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. (seedless) blackberry jam
1 1/2 tsp. allspice
1 1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. dates (or raisins)
1 c. pecans

Cream butter and sugar, beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs. Sift dry ingredients together. Set aside. Add soda to buttermilk. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk into egg mixture.

Mix lightly floured nuts and dates (or raisins) into batter. Fold in jam with rubber spatula. Do not mix. Flour and grease 2 (9 inch) pans. Line the bottom with wax paper. Bake at 32 degrees F. for 40 minutes.