Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1-1/2 cups ground black walnuts

2 packages (one 8 ounces, one 3 ounces) cream cheese, softened (frosting)

3/4 cup butter, softened (frosting)

5 to 5-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (frosting)

1-1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (frosting)

1/3 cup finely chopped black walnuts (frosting)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and vanilla. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in the walnuts.

2. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

3. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Add sugar; mix well. Beat in vanilla until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Bon Appetit!