1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 large egg whites
confectioner's sugar for dusting
Cream together shortening and milk for about 3 minutes, (it will look like small curd cottage cheese.) Add in vanilla.
in a separate bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add flour, one third at a time to the milk mixture, blending well after each addition.
Lastly, add in egg whites, beating just until all combined.
Pour batter into a greased and floured 10 inch cast iron skillet.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes, using a toothpick inserted in the center to test for doneness.
Let cool on wire rack for at least 45 minutes before serving, lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.
NOTES
You can also bake this in 10 inch casserole dish or a 10 inch baking pan.
do not use a spray oil!