Instructions: *Clear vanilla extract is available at specialty baking stores.

Preheat oven to 350 . Grease and flour three (8") round cake pans. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In large mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar, vanilla, and coconut extract. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing well. Add egg whites and beat 3 minutes or more at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven about 30 minutes or until cake tests done. Remove from oven. Cool 30 mintues on wire rack and remove from pans. Cool completely.

Prepare French custard filling. Spread filling between cake layers. Spread frosting on cake and sprinkle sides with flaked coconut.

French Custard Filling: Beat egg yolks, then cook egg yolks, powdered sugar, and milk together in top of double boiler until custard coats the spoon and begins to thicken. Remove from heat and cool.

In mixing bowl cream butter and vanilla. With mixer at high speed slowly add custard a small amount at a time. Beat until mixed thoroughly.

Boiled Frosting: In heavy saucepan, stir together egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Cook over low heat, beating with a portable mixer at low speed until whites reach 160 when tested with a candy thermometer. Remove pan from heat and add vanilla and coconut extract. Transfer to large bowl and beat on high speed until whites stand in soft peaks.

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