pound cake

1 cup butter
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (opt.)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Powdered Sugar Icing

Bring butter and eggs to room temperature.  In a mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, and, if desired, nutmeg.  In another bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Gradually add sugar to butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on medium to high speed about 6 minutes total or till very light and fluffy.  Add vanilla.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition, scraping bowl often.  Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low to medium speed just till combined.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.  Bake in a 325 degrees oven for 55 to 65 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clan.  Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove cake from pan.  Cool thoroughly on a wire rack.  Drizzle icing over cake, if desired.  Makes 12 servings.

(Better Homes and Gardens NEW COOK BOOK)