A tribute to my Grandmother Grace, on my daughter's birthday, for there's no denying her love for cooking and her family.
In a large mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for 30 seconds to blend. Add the softened butter and remaining 3/4 cup milk. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are moistened. Add wet ingredients to dry. Increase to medium speed (high for a hand mixer), and beat for 1 1/2 minutes to aerate and develop the cake structure. Scrape down the sides.
Scrape the batter into pans and smooth the surface with a spatula. The pans will be half full.
Bake for 25 - 35 minutes. Insert tester toothpick in middle - it should come out clean when done.
Yields two 9" cakes.