Italian Cream Cake

Cake:
1/2 cup (125 ml) vegetable shortening (I use Crisco)
1 stick butter, unsalted and at room temperature
2 cups (475 ml) sugar
5 eggs, separated, (I use Jumbo)
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
2 cups (475 ml) flour
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
1 cup (225 ml) buttermilk
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
2 cups (475 ml) coconut, shredded
1 cup (225 ml) pecans, chopped (almonds are good also)
Icing:
1 stick of butter, unsalted and at room temperature
8 oz (224 grm). cream cheese
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk (or coffee for awesome flavor)
1 lb (.5 kg). box powdered sugar
1 cup (225 ml) pecans, chopped (if you use almonds in cake, use them here too)

Instructions:Cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 C.).
Butter and flour three 9" cake pans.
Cream together shortening, butter, and sugar.
Add 5 egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add dry ingredients along with buttermilk and vanilla.
Stir in coconut and pecans (or almonds).
Beat the egg whites until they hold peaks.
Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites to the batter.
Pour equal amounts into the three prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove when baked and let cool on waxed paper on racks.
Icing:
Cream together butter and cream cheese.
Add vanilla and hot milk (or coffee).
Add powdered sugar until desired consistency for spreading.
Add pecans or almonds and blend well.

Comments
This cake can be greatly enchanced and made into something purely stellar in appearance and taste using chocolate granache for the filling and then continue to use this recipe's icing for the outside layer.
This is rich and truly Italian and acutally an easy cake to make. Enjoy it with hot rich coffee.

---

Beef Patties Italian Style

1 pkg Spaghetti (8 ounces)
Salt to taste
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 Green pepper, cut into strips
1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh oregano, chopped OR 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano, crumbled
1/4 pound Cheese: provolone, mozzarella or fontina, sliced
1 pound Ground beef
1 large Onion, sliced
1/2 pound Fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 jar Spaghetti sauce (16 oz)

Instructions:Cook spaghetti.
Meanwhile, shape ground beef into 4 oval patties about 1/2-inch thick.
In large skillet, fry patties until browned on both sides.
Sprinkle with salt.
Remove patties to platter.
Add onion to drippings in pan and cook until tender.
Add garlic, mushrooms and peppers.
Cook until tender-crisp.
Drain off fat.
Stir the oregano and spaghetti sauce into vegetables and heat to boiling.
Simmer for 1 minute.
Return beef patties to skillet.
Top each with a cheese slice and heat through.
Drain spaghetti and place on serving platter.
With pancake turner, transfer patties and pour sauce over whole mixture.
Garnish with fresh oregano if desired.

---