Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
Sift together flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, cloves, and cinnamon into a large bowl. Add shortening and buttermilk; beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add eggs, and beat 2 minutes more. Pour batter into prepared pans.