1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
5 eggs
3 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla.

Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 9" round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove layers from pans and cool completely.

VARIATIONS:

SPICE CAKE: For spice cake, add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice to flour mixture.

CHOCOLATE CAKE: For a simple chocolate cake, add 3 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted, to creamed mixture.