Sponge Cake Amore (Pan di Spagna Amore)

Heat oven to 350°F.

Beat egg yolks in small mixer bowl until light in color. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup of the sugar until thick. Beat egg whites (with clean beaters) in large mixer bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold half the yolk mixture, gently but thoroughly, into egg whites. Repeat with remaining yolk mixture.

Sift flour and baking powder together; sprinkle a few tablespoons over egg mixture; fold in gently. Repeat until all flour is incorporated. Spoon batter into buttered and floured 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan. Bake until top is golden and wooden pick inserted in center is withdrawn clean, about 35 minutes. Invert pan immediately, resting and the pan onto cans of the same height. Let cake cool completely in this position.