4 eggs
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons hot water
3 egg whites
3 tablespoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream 4 eggs and shortening with the sugar and water. Stir together the hot water and 3 tablespoons of hot water. Pour half the cream into the egg whites, then the remaining hot water. Fold in the vanilla using the tip of a wooden spoon. Spread batter evenly into the prepared oven.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. When the oven is quiet, turn the oven off. Pound the cake with a meat knife until it is 1/3 thick. Let cool for 1 hour, then divide.