A plain cake

A family favorite this, mum's 'plain cake' is anything but, it is buttery and rich and you can add different ingredients such as preserved ginger, caraway seeds, walnuts, spices etc.

The cake was made by mum when the 'aunts' came to visit, her friends, back in the '60's your parent's friends were Aunty or Uncle, regardless of their relationship to you, it was just good manners. She also made it for church socials and similar events, it was extremely popular with family and friends.




Plain cake
1/2 pound butter
1 large cup sugar
4 eggs
3 cups self raising flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 pinch salt
Essence of lemon, or grated lemon rind, or both, you can also change to rose water or vanilla essence
Preserved ginger or walnuts or caraway seeds etc.

Method
Cream sugar, butter and salt together, then add the eggs, one at a time, then put bi-carb into your cup of milk, mix, then add milk and flour alternately to bowl until all is combined. Add the essence of lemon, or grated lemon rind, or both, and mix to combine again. Cook for 1 and a 1/2 hours in a slow oven.

Serve at an afternoon tea for your friends.