Add sugar to shortening gradually and cream until light and fluffy.

Sift dry ingredients together three times and add alternately with milk and vanilla to creamed mixture.

Fold in egg whites and add sliced (8 slices per cherry) maraschino cherries.

Pour into greased and floured pans and bake in moderate over (350 degrees) for 30 minutes. Makes 3-9 inch layers.

Assemble cake using either boiled frosting or buttercream frosting. Use quartered maraschino cherries to make four petal flowers on top of cake.