1 box light or dark brown sugar
1 1/2 stick butter, semi-soft
2 c. unsifted flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves or allspice
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. buttermilk

Cream sugar and shortening. Add flour and cut into sugar and shortening mixture with fork. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture.

To rest add the spices, soda, eggs and mix all until moist. Stir in lightly the buttermilk. Pour into an ungreased 13 x 9 inch pan and sprinkle on top the previously set aside cup of sugar, shortening and flour mixture. Bake in 350 degree oven until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake.