TOMATO SOUP CAKE

2 c. sifted cake flour or 1 3/4 c.
sifted all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 c. hydrogenated shortening
1 can (10 1/2 oz.) condensed tomato
soup
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (8 inch) round layer pans. Sift dry ingredients together into large bowl. Add shortening and 1/2 can soup. Beat on medium speed of electric mixer 2 minutes (150 strokes per minute by hand). Add remaining soup and eggs. Beat 2 minutes more, scraping bowl frequently. Pour into pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand in pans 10 minutes; remove and cool on rack. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting or use your favorite white frosting. --VARIATIONS:--
DATE AND NUT: Fold 1 1/2 cups chopped dates and 1 cup chopped walnuts into batter after mixing. Pour into greased and floured pan (9 x 5 x 3 inches). Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 1 hour. NUT OR RAISIN: Fold 1 cup chopped nuts or 1 cup chopped raisins into batter after mixing. Pour into 2 greased and floured 8-inch round layer pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Dunedin, Florida