Sugar Bush Walnut Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup egg whites (7)
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 7 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup walnuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon maple extract

Instructions

1. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time. Beat until sugar and whites stand in peaks.
3. Beat flour with water, remaining 1 cup sugar, egg yolks, walnuts, vegetable oil, baking powder, vanilla extract and maple extract.
4. Pour flour mixture over egg whites. Gently fold until incorporated.
5. Pour into a 10-inch tube pan.
6. Bake at 325 degrees F for 1 1/4 hours or until top springs back when touched with finger.
7. Use any favorite icing.