Walnut Layer Cake with Maple Meringue Frosting

NOTE: Make sure the nuts are finely chopped by hand or in the food processor and then lightly toasted in a 350-degree oven for eight minutes. Cool the nuts before adding them to the batter.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Follow master recipe for Basic White Cake, folding in ³/₄ cup finely chopped and lightly toasted walnuts when finished beating batter.

2. When layers are cool, frost cake.

VARIATION:

For Almond Layer Cake with Maple Meringue Frosting, add 2 teaspoons almond extract to Basic White Cake along with 1 teaspoon vanilla. Fold in ³/₄ cup finely chopped and lightly toasted whole almonds instead of walnuts.