Amazing White Cake (From Scratch!)

So, this recipe is a bit more complicated than strictly necessary for a basic cake. That said however, it's does make an awesome cake...

Combine:
3 + 1/2 cups Cake Flour
1 tbs + 1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp salt

Sift together 2 times and set aside.

Combine:
1 cup Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp Almond Extract (optional)

In a large bowl, beat until creamy:
1/2 lb unsalted butter (2 sticks)
Over 3-5 minutes, add:
1 + 2/3 cup sugar
Until light & fluffy.

Add Flour mixture to butter mixture in 2 parts, alternating with milk mixture in 2 parts. Beat on Low Speed until smooth. Be careful to scrape the sides.

Beat:
8 large egg whites
3/8 tsp cream of tartar
Gradually add:
1/3 cup sugar
Until stiff peaks form.

Fold in 1/4 of egg mixture into batter. Then fold in remainder.

Pour into 3 greased & floured 8-9 inch round pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.


Source:
I think it was a Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, I'm not sure, I got it out of a friend's book.