Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour two 8 inch round cake pans.
Sift together; the flour, 1 cup of the sugar, the baking powder, and the salt.
Beat the egg whites until stiff but still moist. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar until soft peaks are formed.
Add the milk, lemon extract, and shortening to the flour mixture, beat for 2 minutes, scraping bowl while beating. Fold in the egg whites and pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 25 minutes. Remove from pans and let cool. Fill with lemon filling and sprinkle confectioners sugar over the top or frost if desired.
