3 c. all-purpose flour (not unbleached)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 sticks unsalted butter (room temp.)
2 c. sugar
5 extra lg. eggs (room temp.)
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. pure vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a tube pan (10 x 4 inches). Dust pan with flour. In bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In separate bowl cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time. Turn mixer to low and add flour mixture. Stir in milk and vanilla. Mix well. Pour batter into pan and bake for 1 hour. Let cool. Optional: Walnuts and raisins.