Best-Ever Orange Sponge Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Place egg whites in large glass mixing bowl; let warm about 1 hour.
2. 2
   Sift flour with salt; set aside.
3. 3
   Beat egg whites until foamy.
4. 4
   Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar; continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
5. 5
   In small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks on high until very thick and lemon colored, about 3 minutes.
6. 6
   Gradually add remaining sugar; beat until smooth.
7. 7
   At low speed, blend flour mixture and orange juice alternately into egg yolk mixture.
8. 8
   Add orange peel; with whisk or rubber spatula, add this to egg white mixture.
9. 9
   Pour into tube pan.
10. 10
    Bake at 350° for about 50 minutes or until cake springs back when touched.
11. 11
    Sprinkle with powdered sugar as soon as cool enough to remove from pan.