Basic White Cake

3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup cold water
4 egg whites

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with water. Beat just until combined. In another mixing bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.

Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting:
2 cups shortening
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
2-3 T. milk

In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening, sugar, extracts and salt until light and fluffy. Add enough milk to achieve frosting consistency.