delicious cake!

So, I have not blogged in a month! yikes! we moved and there are a lot of time consuming activities that go with moving...packing, unpacking, painting, etc.  Are home is a wreck but..day by day it is feeling more like home as we are unpacking things and finding places for them.  I went to Jamie Vulgamott's wedding shower a few weeks ago and had the most amazing cake ever made by Kristen Carsten.  I thought that it may be a secret family recipe and the chances of me getting it would be slim.  But, I don't think it was a secret recipe because she gave it to me! It was the best cake I have ever had.  You must try it!  I didn't get to snap a pic of it but trust me..its amazing. i don't even know the name of it!..lets call it vanilla cake! Definitely not on the healthy side but..must splurge every once in a while! enjoy!

* 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 2 cups all purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 6 large egg whites (3/4 cup)
* 3/4 cup milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
Set rack at the middle level in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.

Butter the bottom of two 9-inch round or one 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan. Line bottom with parchment or waxed paper. ( i just grease and flour it).

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Combine egg whites, milk and vanilla extract. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the butter mixture then add half the milk mixture. Continue to alternate beginning and ending with flour mixture. Scape the bowl and beater often.

Pour the batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth top with metal spatula. Bake cake(s) about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

Cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack, remove paper and let cool completely.

Note: For a classic yellow cake- Substitute 3 large eggs and 1 yolk for the egg whites.

Ingredients for Icing
* 3 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 cup butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (almond)
* 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream

Directions
In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.

Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.