1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. blackberry jam

Cream shortening; add sugar slowly, beating in well. Add unbeaten eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add jam, beating well. Sift flour, salt and spices together; add buttermilk and soda together. Add flour and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beating after each addition. Bake in greased 9 inch layer pans at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

NEVER-FAIL CARAMEL ICING:

1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. cream
1/4 lb. butter
1 1/2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar

Combine brown sugar, cream and butter. When mixture starts to boil, cook 2 minutes by the clock. Remove from fire; add confectioners' sugar. Beat and spread.