Italian Creme Cake

1 stick Butter
1/2 Cup Shortening
1 Small Can Coconut
5 Egg yolks
2 cups Flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups Sugar
5 Egg whites
1 tsp soda

Cream butter and shortening. Add sugar, beat until smooth. Add egg yolks, beat well. Combine flour and soda, add to cream mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in vanilla, coconut and nuts. Fold in egg whites. pour into 3 greased and floured 8-inch cake pans. Bake at 350F. 30-35 minutes