Strawberry Meringue Cake

• 1 package(18¼ ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1⅓ cups orange juice
• 4 eggs, separated (by 3 inches is good, 4 inches is better)
• 1½ teaspoons grated orange peel
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup plus ¼ cup sugar, divided
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 2 pints fresh strawberries, divided

1. In a mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, orange juice, egg yolks, and orange peel. Beat on medium speed for 4 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans; set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, a tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread the meringue evenly over cake batter.
3. Bake at 350º for 35 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool on wire ranks (meringue will crack).
4. Beat cream until stiff peaks form. Mash ½ cup of strawberries with remaining sugar; fold into whipped cream.
5. Loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife. Using two large spatulas, carefully remove one cake to a serving platter, meringue side up. Carefully spread with about ⅔ of the cream mixture.
6. Slice the remaining berries; arrange half over cream mixture.
7. Repeat layers.
8. Store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 12-16 servings.