2 cups sifted cake flour*
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup milk
1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla
3 egg whites, unbeaten

*If all-purpose flour is used instead of cake flour, reduce flour by 2 tablespoons.

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl, drop in shortening, add about two thirds of the milk, then vanilla and beat for two minutes.

Turn mixer off and scrape sides of bowl down several times when mixing.

Add egg whites and remainder of milk and beat two minutes longer.

Pour batter into two 9-inch or deep 8-inch layer cake pans which have been well greased and lined with wax or parchment paper.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Cool before frosting cake.

Submitted by: CM