TRADITIONAL TREE CAKE

Ingredients

WHITE CAKE MIX:
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
TREE FROSTING:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cold water
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Gum drops or crushed peppermint for decorating

Preparation

FOR CAKE:Cream shortening and sugar well. Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Add vanilla extract. Sift dry ingredients together and add, alternating with milk. Beat well. Grease and flour pans. Divide mix among three round baking pans — a 4-inch, a 6-inch and an 8-inch; bake smallest pan 25-30 minutes, middle pan 30-35 minutes, and largest pan 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees.
Note: If you are in a holiday rush, you may choose your favorite brand of boxed classic white cake mix instead.

FOR FROSTING:In the top of a double boiler, combine sugar, water, egg whites and light corn syrup. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Place over boiling water — the double boiler should not touch the water in the pan. Cook, beating constantly with the electric mixer on high speed, about 7 minutes or until frosting forms stiff peaks. Remove from heat; add vanilla and food coloring. Beat 2 to 3 minutes more or until it reaches spreading consistency. You will need to make two recipes to frost the middle layers and sides. Decorate your tree immediately before the frosting becomes firm.
— Paul Pinyan
Governmental Affairs Department