Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices and sift together three times. Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition. Add raisins. Add flour alternately with buttermilk, beating until smooth after each addition. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into a greased loaf pan about 7 x 11" in size and bake in a moderate oven, 350 degrees about 40 minutes, or until done. Frost as desired. Raisins may be omitted.