vanilla pound cake

the goods:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups flour, plus more for pan
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt



Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a loaf pan; set aside.



Using and electric mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.



Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; add vanilla and salt.



With mixer on low, gradually add flour, beating just until combined. Do not overmix.



Spoon into prepared pan and smooth top.



Bake until a toothpick inserted at center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool in pan 15 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack and turn upright to cool completely.



This is a very basic recipe and once sliced, the bread is wonderful with fresh fruit and whipped cream, or whatever concoction you can come up with!