1-2-3-4 cake by james beard, chef & cooking t

---           ----FOR THREE 9X1/2 INCH DEEP
                        PA---------------
   1       tb           butter -- softened
   2       tb           flour
                        -----FOR THE CAKE-----
   3       c            Cake flour -- sifted *Note:1
   4       ts           baking powder -- Double-
                        Acting
     1/2   ts           Salt
   8       oz           butter -- unsalted (2 sticks)
                        -at room temperature
   2       c            Sugar -- granulated
   4       md           Eggs -- at room temperature
   1       c            Milk -- at room temperature
   1 1/2   ts           vanilla extract (or 1 tspn)