1 cup sugar
8 oz butter softened
1 1/2 cup flour
2 tbsp. baking powder
1 egg, beaten with fork
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon rum or extract
1 qt strawberries, washed and halved.

Peheat oven to 350°F.

Heavily butter a 9x10 inch baking dish. Beat butter and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes.

Add milk, egg and extract and beat on low for 1 minute. Add flour mixture and beat slowly just to incorporate. Pour into buttered baking dish (Batter will be quite thick).

Place strawberry halves face down on top of batter, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. DO NOT OMIT this step.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then lower heat to 325°F and bake for 45 minutes more.