Apple Butter Cake

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash ground cloves
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 cup apple butter
walnut or pecan halves, optional

 Preparation:

Generously grease and flour bottoms of 3 8-inch layer cake pans. Measure sifted flour, baking soda, salt, and spices into sifter. Measure milk into a 2-cup measure; add vinegar.
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift in dry ingredients in about 4 additions, alternating with the soured milk. Beat on low speed just until blended. Stir in the apple butter and pour into pans. Bake in preheated 350° oven for 30 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly touched with finger. Cool in pans on racks for 5 minutes. Loosen sides with a knife; turn out onto racks.
Cool layers completely.

Cream cheese icing:

1 stick butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese
2 to 3 c powdered sugar
vanilla