1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
5 tbsp. milk

Cream shortening and sugar. Add 4 beaten egg yolks and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Spread in 2 (8 inch) layer pans greased and floured. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Add 1 cup sugar gradually to make meringue. Spread meringue over each layer and cover with chopped walnuts. Bake at 325 degrees for 1/2 hour.

CUSTARD FILLING:

2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
1 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine custard dry ingredients. Add egg and milk. Cook until thickened and add vanilla. Cool cake and custard. Assemble layers with custard between. This elegant but low-cost dessert is made from ordinary staple ingredients.