Vanilla Cupcakes

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups milk

1. Preheat oven to 350. Whisk together flour, b.p., and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 min. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla. Reduce speed to medium. Mix in 3 batches of flour mixture, alternating with 2 batches of milk. Raise speed to medium-high; mix until thoroughly blended, 10-20 seconds.

2. Spoon 1/4 batter into each muffin cup. Bake until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 17 minutes. Makes 24.


Fluffy buttercream frosting:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Dash of salt
Beat on medium-high speed for about five minutes or until very light and fluffy.

These turn out great every time.