Ingredients:

• 125 grams butter or margerine softened
• 2/3 cups caster sugar (measuring cup) (150 grams)
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 2 cups self raising flour (200 grams)
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• 1/2 cup milk

Method:

Preheat oven to 190°. In mixer bowl cream butter until light. Gradually add sugar, then vanilla, beating on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Turn mixer to lower speed. Gradually add flour with salt, alternatley with milk, mixing just until blended. Total mixing time should not exceed 5 mintues.

Spread mixture into greased and floured 19cm x 10cm baking tin. Bake until done (approx. 30 mins).

Variations:

Any of the following may be added to the above mixture as desired

• 1/2 cup chopped nutes
  
• 1/2 cup dried or glaced fruit(s)
  
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
  
• 30 grams dark cooking chocolate (melted) plus 1 extra tablespoon milk
• 4 tablespoons coconut. Omit vanilla and add 1 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon or orange peel