1/2 cup sugar, burnt to a deep brown in iron skillet, then add 3/4 cup cold water. Let dissolve, set aside to cool. 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 scant teaspoon baking soda. Cream 1 1/2 cups sugar with 3/4 cup shortening. 2 egg yolks, beaten, add 1 cup milk. Add flour, soda and baking powder, sift 3 times, then add burnt sugar liquid, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon maple flavoring, 2 egg whites, beaten. Bake in layer cake pans. Frost with caramel icing.