1 c. butter
1 c. sweet milk
1 c. nuts (pecans)
1 c. blackberry jam
1 c. seedless raisins
2 c. sugar
3 c. self rising flour
3 eggs
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. cocoa
1 c. pear preserves (optional)

Cream butter and sugar well, beating until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Mix and add all other ingredients, except milk and flour, then add milk and flour alternately until smooth. Pour into 3 (9 inch) layer pans (grease and flour pans). Bake at 350 degrees. Test doneness with toothpick until it comes out clean.

FROSTING:

2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
1 c. sweet milk