Cream together:

1/2 lb. butter
3 c. sugar (reserve 1/4 c. for egg whites)

Add:

5 egg yolks, well beaten

Add alternately:

3 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. buttermilk (combined with 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/3 tsp. baking soda)

Add:

1 tsp. vanilla

Add:

5 egg whites, beaten stiff with 1/4 c. reserved sugar

(You may fold in 1 can coconut or leave plain). Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Line bottom of pan with waxed paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until done in an oven that has been preheated.