1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. pure maple syrup
2 tsp. baking powder
2 1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. mace
1/3 c. water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar; add syrup and eggs. Beat hard for 3 minutes. Add water and sifted dry ingredients. Bake in a well-greased square or loaf pan 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Chopped walnuts or butternut may also be used. Frost with maple icing.

MAPLE ICING:

2 c. maple sugar
1 c. cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Boil together until liquid forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Cool. Beat until creamed. Spread on cake.