Instructions: Some bakers are reluctant to share their favorite cake recipes. And its common for some cake decorators to use packaged mixes.

This recipe worked well
for a birthday cake I made for my mother-in-law.

Serves 12-16

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup low-fat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8- or 9 inch round baking pans. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add shortening, milk and vanilla. Using electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix on low speed about 1 minute.

Stop and scrape bowl. Add egg whites, increase mixer speed and beat about 1 minute, or until smooth and fluffy.

Pour batter into two pans.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

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