Black Walnut Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Cream butter and shortening.
2. 2
   Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy and sugar is dissolved.
3. 3
   Add egg yolks, beating well.
4. 4
   Combine buttermilk and soda; stir until soda dissolves.
5. 5
   Add flour to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
6. 6
   Stir in vanilla.
7. 7
   Add 1 1/2 cups walnuts.
8. 8
   Beat egg whites at room temperature with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
9. 9
   Fold egg whites into batter.
10. 10
    Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
11. 11
    Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
12. 12
    Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
13. 13
    Let cool completely.
14. 14
    Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.
15. 15
    Decorate cake with additional walnuts.