-(quick or old-fashioned) Beat shortening and sugar together until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla. Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk; blend well. Stir in nutmeats, dates and oats. Pour into well-greased and floured 1-1/2 quart ring mold. Bake in preheated slow oven (325 F.) 45 to 50 minutes. Loosen edges; cool on wire rack about 15 minutes. Remove from mold; cool. Frost with orange butter cream frosting. Decorate with red and green candied cherries.