Fig Cake II

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan. Sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Set aside. Dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in 2 teaspoons hot water; set aside.

Step 2
In a large bowl, beat eggs with electric mixer until thick and lemon colored. Beat in 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 cup oil. Combine buttermilk and dissolved baking soda. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, figs, and nuts. Pour into prepared pan.

Step 3
Bake in the preheated oven for 70 to 75 minutes. Remove from pan and pour hot Buttermilk Icing over warm cake.

Step 4
To make Buttermilk Icing: In a heavy saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil and cook to soft ball stage (240 degrees F/ 115 degrees C). Remove from stove and stir in vanilla. Pour over warm cake.