Mashed Potato Cake

2/3 cups shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup hot mashed potatoes

Cream shortening. Add sugar gradually and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and beat until light. Add hot mashed potatoes and blend together.

Sift flour; measure and add salt, baking powder, cocoa and spices. Sift again; add dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla extract. Beat thoroughly after each addition. Fold in slightly floured nuts. Pour into greased loaf or layer pans.

Bake layers at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes and loaf for one hour.

Makes 2 (8-inch) layers or one 4 x 8 x 3 1/2-inch loaf.