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Combined baking soda and buttermilk and let stand for a few minutes.
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Cream sugar, butter, and shortening.
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Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Add buttermilk mixture and flour alternately until combined.
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Stir in vanilla.
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Beat egg whites until stiff.
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Fold stiff egg whites into batter along with coconut and pecans.
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Evenly divide mixture between 3 well greased and floured, 9 inch pans.
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Bake at 325 for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out cleanly.
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Top each layer with 'Aunt Mary's Cream Cheese Frosting' and sprinkle on pecans.