Cream shortening, gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed with an electric mixer.

Combine four, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, begin and end with flour. Mix after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Beat egg whites ( at room temp.) until stiff peaks form. gently fold into batter.

Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, remove from pans, cool completely on wire rack. Frost as desired.