1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
5 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
3 1/2 oz. coconut
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. coconut extract

Separate eggs and beat whites until stiff. Set aside.

Cream butter and shortening. Add sugar. Add egg yolks one at a time beating well after each addition.

Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk, add to creamed mixture alternately with flour. Beat well. Add coconut, nuts, and extracts. Fold in egg whites.

Pour into 3 greased and floured 9 inch cake pans. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

CREAM CHEESE ICING:

8 oz. cream cheese
1 lb. powdered sugar
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. almond extract

Combine ingredients, beat well and spread on cooled cake.