Valentine Sweetheart Cake

(Note: Make 3 recipes for Valentine Cake)

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening or butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
1 1/3 cups buttermilk

1. Grease and flour pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until well combined. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each.
4. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
5. Bake in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 30 minutes for the 10-inch baking pan and for about 30 to 35 minutes for the 6-inch baking pan, or until cakes spring back when slightly touched.

(Note: Make 3 recipes to decorate Valentine Cake.)

1/3 cup butter
4 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Additional milk

1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in 1/4 cup milk and vanilla.
2. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar, beating until combined. If necessary, beat in a little additional milk to make frosting that is easy to spread.