2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
7 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
6 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped dried figs plus sliced dried figs for garnish
1 cup pecans, toasted lightly and chopped fine, plus pecan halves for garnish
1/2 cup raisins, chopped

1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
7 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
6 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped dried figs plus sliced dried figs for garnish
1 cup pecans, toasted lightly and chopped fine, plus pecan halves for garnish
1/2 cup raisins, chopped