1 1/2 c. sugar (sifted twice)
1/2 c. softened butter
1 c. flour (sifted twice)
1 c. cornstarch, sifted
1/2 c. sour milk
3 egg whites, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend all ingredients together. Beat hard for 65 strokes, until perfectly smooth. Pour into 3-ring baking pans which have been generously buttered and floured. Bake in 350 degree oven for 28-35 minutes, depending on the varying sizes of the baking tins. Turn out and cool 15 minutes.

ICING:

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cut into sm. pieces
1 1/2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. almond extract

Beat all ingredients in a mixing bowl, starting at low speed to medium for about 5 minutes or until frosting is light and fluffy. If consistency is too soft, refrigerate briefly until it becomes more manageable. Reserve 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup. Add drop or two of food coloring to pipe designs.

Frost decorated layers on wax paper placed over stiff cardboard completely before mounting or tiering.