Hooked on Murder: A Crochet Mystery

Cream butter until fluffy. Add sifted confectioners' sugar gradually, scraping bowl occasionally. Mix two eggs at a time and add to batter; beat between additions. Add the sifted cake flour and baking powder gradually, beatingbetween additions. Add vanilla and mix in.

Pour into a 10-inch greased tube pan and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 60-70 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean, it's done.

Let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes. Then cool on rack. When completely cool, frost.

Buttercream Frosting

6 tablespoons butter at room temperature

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla paste or vanilla extract

Beat butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar gradually, beating between additions. Add heavy cream and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Spread over cake.

Optional: Lay strawberry halves around the top.