Black Walnut Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
5 eggs, separated
1 c. buttermilk
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (3 oz.) can flaked coconut
2 c. chopped black walnuts, divided
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

Preparation

In large mixing bowl, cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating until sugar dissolves and mixture is light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks, beating well.
In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and soda; stir until soda dissolves.
Add flour alternately with buttermilk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
Stir in vanilla.
Add coconut and 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, blending well.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
Fold egg whites into batter.
Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round pans.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 30 minutes or until layers test done.
Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.
Frost between layers and on top and sides with cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped walnuts on top.