Italian Cream Cake

INGREDIENTS

2 cups

sugar

1/2 cup

butter (1 stick), at room temperature

1/2 cup

shortening

eggs, separated

1 tsp

baking soda

1 cup

buttermilk

2 cups

flour, sifted (measure, then sift)

1 cup

sweetened coconut (I used angel flake)

1 tsp

vanilla

1 1/2 lb

powdered sugar, sifted

8 oz

(1 brick) cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup

butter, at room temperature

1 1/2

vanilla

1 cup

pecans, chopped, optional (I did not use)

Milk, to thin frosting

Coconut, to garnish, if desired