Cut three 9″ circles of wax paper to fit layer cake pans; grease pans, line bottoms of pans with wax paper, then grease and flour paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (moderate).

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Cream shortening, add sugar; cream until light and fluffy. Add flavoring, blend well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat smooth after each addition. Divide batter into cake pans. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until cake tests done. Cool. When completely cool, frost.