Heavenly Pecan Cake

Makes 14 to 18

From the kitchen of Donna Grimm

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup shortening
5 egg yolks
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
5 egg whites
1 small can coconut

Combine butter and shortening. Add sugar. Cream Well. Add egg yolks and mix well. Combine flour and soda. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla, coconut and nuts. Fold in slightly beaten egg whites. Bake in 3 9-inch layer pans in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25 minutes. (See Pecan Icing Recipe for frosting)