Brittle Pecan Cake

Directions

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 17- by 11-inch cookie sheet.

2. Beat egg whites until stiff. Add half of sugar and beat until peaks form.

3. In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Fold in beaten egg whites.

4. Pour into prepared cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Cool.

Prepare the Brittle

1. Spread filberts over aluminum foil.

2. Cook sugar in saucepan until melted and deep honey in color. Do not stir while sugar is cooking, but you may swirl the pan if you notice any burning or crystallizing areas. This should take about eight minutes.

3. Pour melted sugar over filberts. Cool.

4. Break into small pieces and blend at high speed.

Prepare the Filling

1. Beat whipped cream until stiff.

2. Reduce speed and add remaining ingredients.

3. Add brittle, mixing for only one minute.

4. Spread filling over one cake. Place the second cake on top.

Prepare the Topping

1. Mix yolks, confectioners' sugar, and margarine on high speed for five minutes.

2. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, dissolve sugar in water, stirring constantly until the mixture has reduced by half. It should be lightish brown in color.

3. Pour hot sugar into yolk mixture and mix for one minute. Cool.

4. Spread onto top layer of cake.

5. Cut into two-inch squares to serve.