Black Walnut Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Cream the 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, stirring until soda dissolves.
5. 5
   Add flour alternately with buttermilk to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
6. 6
   Stir in vanilla.
7. 7
   Add 1 1/2 cups of chopped walnuts and coconut, stirring well.
8. 8
   Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
9. 9
   Fold egg whites into batter.
10. 10
    Pour into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
11. 11
    Bake in 350° oven for 30 minutes.
12. 12
    Frost with cream cheese frosting; sprinkle top with chopped walnuts.