Old Southern Sugar Cake

1/2 Cup of Vegetable Shortening.

1 Cup of Milk.

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract.

2 Cups Plus 2 Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour.

1 1/2 Cups of Granulated Sugar.

4 Teaspoons of Baking Powder.

1 Teaspoon of Salt.

4 Large Egg Whites.

Powdered Sugar for Dusting (Optional).

10" Iron Skillet.