2 c. sugar
1 c. butter (2 sticks, softened)
3 c. flour
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 lg. eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9 inch tube pan. In large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat sugar and butter at low speed. Beat sugar and butter until just blended. Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed; add flour and remaining ingredients. Beat until well mixed. Scrape bowl often with rubber spatula. Increase speed to high, beat 2 minutes. Spoon batter into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes. Cool cake in pan on wire rack; remove and cool completely. Sprinkle top of cake lightly with confectioners sugar, if desired. Makes 12 servings.