White Almond Layer Cake

• 1  18 ounce package white cake mix
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup sugar
• 1 1/3  cups water
• 1  cup sour cream
• 2  tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2  teaspoon almond extract
• 4  egg whites

1.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Grease and flour cake pans.

2.  Stir together the white cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until well mixed.  Pour in the water, sour cream, vegetable oil, almond extract, and egg whites, and beat with an electric mixer on low until all ingredients are mixed and moistened but some lumps still remain, 4 minutes.

3.  Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, and bake in preheated oven until the top is a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes.  Allow to cool completely before filling and frosting.

4.  Divide filling in half.  Spread half of the filling on the flat side of the first layer.  Add second layer, flat side up and spread remaining half of filling.  Add third layer.  Place 3 wooden skewers through each of the layers to secure.  Refrigerate until firm.

5.  Remove cake from refrigerator and frost sides and top.

Almond Filling

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 4 tablespoons amaretto liqueur

Directions:
1.  Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.  

2.  in a separate bowl beat eggs and mix together with milk.  Stir into dry mixture.

3.  Cook over medium heat, stirring CONSTANTLY, until thick and bubbling.

4.  Once it bubbles, cook 2 minutes more.  STIR IT or it will lump up.

5.  Remove from heat and add liqueur.  Cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill completely before using.

Cooked Cocoa Frosting

Cook together:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup flour

Stir over medium low heat until smooth and thick.  Cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Then add:

• 1/2 pound butter; softened
• 1/2 pound shortening ( ½ cup)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons dutch-process cocoa

Mix on high speed with mixer until light and fluffy.  Chill until firm and spreadable.