I got this recipe from watching one of Paula Deen's shows on the Food Network. She says that she uses this basic recipe for many purposes. After making it, I see why!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 4 eggs

• 3 cups sifted self-rising flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans.

2. To make the cake: Using an electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Add vanilla and continue to beat until just mixed.

4. Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Level batter in each pan by holding pan 3 or 4-inches above counter, then dropping flat onto counter. Do this several times to release air bubbles and assure you of a more level cake.

5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pans 5 to 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto cooling racks. Cool completely.