Cream until light: 1 cup shortening and 1 cup sugar. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time. Mix:

4 c. sifted flour
4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. almond flavor

Add alternating with 1 cup milk to mixture (shortening and sugar misture). Beat batter after each addition. Optional: add and mix 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 cup chopped dates, 1/4 cup orange peel, nuts or any dry fruits of your choice. Pour into greased 9 inch tube or bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Remove from pan while warm and frost.

FROSTING:

2 tbsp. hot water
1 c. confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp. almond flavor
1/4 c. almonds or just dust with confectioners sugar