Mom's "Birthday" Italian Cream Cake

Pre-Heat Oven to 325 Degrees

The Cake

Mix and let stand:
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream together:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter or margerine
1/2 cup shortening

Add, beating after each:
5 egg yolks

Gradually & alternatingly add (beat after each addition):
2 cups flour
buttermilk mixture

Stir into mixture:
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat until stiff peaks (but not dry) and fold into batter mixture:
5 egg whites

Stir gently into batter (I usually omit this part):
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
1 sm. can coconut (3.5 oz)

Bake in 3 greased and floured 9" pans for 25 minutes or until done.

Let cool. 

Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip until light:
8 oz cream cheese
1 stick butter or margerine

Add and continue to whip:
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pound confectioner's powdered sugar (less is fine)

Photo: http://hegebee57.blogspot.com/2011/09/folkall-american-living.html