Ambrosia Cake with Orange Coconut Filling & White Frosting

Directions

Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, being well.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

Stir in coconut and vanilla.

Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until soft peaks form; fold into batter.

Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.

Bake at 350 deg for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove layers from pans and let cool completely.

Spread Orange Coconut Filling between layers; spread tops and sides of cake.

Orange Coconut Filling: Combine sugar, cornstarch, butter, egg yolk, and coconut in a heavy saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in orange rind and fruit White Frosting: Combine sugar, syrup and water in a medium-size heavy saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches soft ball stage (240 deg).

Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until foamy.

While beating at medium speed of electric mixer, slowly pour hot syrup in a thin stream over egg whites.

Turn mixer to high speed and continue beating until stiff peaks form and frosting is thick enough to spread.

Add almond extract; beat until mixed.