Old Fashion Sugar Cake

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

4 large egg whites

confectioner's sugar for dusting

 

Cream together shortening and milk for about 3 minutes, (it will look like small curd cottage cheese.) Add in vanilla. 

In a separate bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add flour, one third at a time to the milk mixture, blending well after each addition.

Lastly, add in egg whites, beating just until all combined. 

Pour batter into a greased and floured (do not use a spray) 10 inch cast iron skillet. 

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes, using a toothpick inserted in the center to test for doneness. 

Let cool on wire rack for at least 45 minutes before serving, lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.

You may use a cook this in a 10" casserole dish or 10" pan. 

****My boys helped me make this cake.  This was our first cake to make together.  Since we are now homeschooling, I used the measuring aspects as a math lessons.  This is a very easy cake to have little ones help if they are interested.  This is a very good cake.  I like the lightness of it.  This cake would also be great as part of a brunch or even as part of breakfast.