Italian Basic Genoise (Sponge Cake)

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   Blend the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in a mixer bowl with a wire whip attachment until the mixture doubles in volume-about 15 minutes on high speed. Just before stopping the mixer, add the vanilla and mix inches.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
4. 4
   Sift together the cake flour, cornstarch and salt. Fold dry mixture into egg mixture with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, just until blended.
5. 5
   Coat two 10-inch round cake pans with shortening. Pour the batter into the pans and put them immediately into preheated 350 degree oven.
6. 6
   Bake until tops are springy to the touch, about 45 to 50 minutes.
7. 7
   Remove the cakes from the pans and cool on a wire rack.
8. 8
   When cool, use a long serrated knife to slice off the tops of the cakes.
9. 9
   For tiramisu or other layer cakes, divide each cake into three uniform layers with a serrated knives.