WONDER CAKE

Because of conventional meal times in Israel (main meal between 12:00 and 2:00 pm; supper at 7:00 pm), many Israelis have coffee or tea with cake between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. It is not considered proper in Israel to offer someone coffee or tea without cake. This is one of the most popular cakes in Israel.

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
5 egg yolks
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups sifted cake flour
3/4 tsp. salt
confectioner's sugar

Cream shortening and beat in sugar. Add one yolk at a time, beating after each addition. Sift together flour, salt and baking powder and add to batter, alternating with milk. Beat in vanilla. Grease a 10 inch loaf pan and dust lightly with flour. Pour in batter. Bake at 350 deg F (180 deg C) for 1 hour or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a cake rack. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.