3 c. cake flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Measure all ingredients ahead to make it very simple. Butter and flour 3 (9") cake pans. Sift flour with baking powder and salt.

Cream butter with an electric beater gradually adding sugar until mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the four eggs, one at a time, to creamed mixture beating well after each addition.

Pour batter into cake pans, making sure it is divided evenly and that it is smooth on top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes then carefully turn out to cool on racks. Top with your favorite frosting. (Mr. Gorman uses a chocolate frosting with walnuts nestling within. See the following recipe.)

BESSIE GORMAN'S CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

1 lb. confectioners' sugar
3/4 c. cocoa
1/4 lb. butter, room temp.
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. cream or milk
Walnut halves

Cream the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, butter, salt and vanilla in a bowl with an electric beater until it becomes very light and fluffy.

Add cream or milk a little at a time, beating by hand. Beat vigorously until you have a smooth frosting. If too thick, thin out with a little cream.

Frost cake on top and sides with a wide spatula and garnish top with walnut halves.