For two layers (for three layers in parentheses):
1 c butter (1-1/2 c)
2 c sugar (3 c)
5 eggs (7 + 1 yolk)
3 c flour (4-1/2 c)
1 T baking powder (1-1/2 T)
1-1/4 c milk (1-3/4 c + 2 T)
1 tsp vanilla (1-1/2 tsp)
Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add dry ingredients alternately to batter with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into 2 or 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely. Frost with best chocolate frosting.