Lane Frosting (recipe follows)
5 c. flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
8 egg whites
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. sugar, divided
1 c. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. milk

Stir together flour and baking powder; set aside. In large bowl beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar until peaks are stiff but not dry; set aside. Cream butter, remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and the vanilla until light; stir in flour mixture alternately with milk until smooth and well blended. Fold in egg-white mixture gently but thoroughly. Divide batter evenly among 3 greased and floured 9-inch layer-cake pans. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on racks 5 minutes. Invert on racks; turn layers top side up. Cool thoroughly. To assemble cake, spread frosting between layers, then on top and sides. (If frosting slides down sides, chill cake, then spread frosting up sides with spatula.) Cake can be assembled 1 week ahead. Cover; store in cool place.

LANE FROSTING:

1 1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. bourbon or rye
12 egg yolks
1 3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. each chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and quartered candied red cherries

Combine raisins and bourbon in tightly covered container; let stand at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. In top of double boiler or heatproof bowl, combine yolks, sugar, salt and butter. Stir over simmering water 15 to 20 minutes or until thick and mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon. Remove from heat; stir in raisin-bourbon mixture, pecans, coconut and cherries, blending well. Cool; cover; chill overnight before assembling cake.