Avoiding Dryness and Heaviness in Pound Cake
Bernadette
08/02/06 		Dear Ellen,

I would like to make a homemade pound cake with a really good buttery, vanilla taste and I've collected some recipes to try. My concern is I want to be sure it is moist and not dry and heavy. Can you give me tips on how to avoid dryness and heaviness? I'm not baking in quantity, just looking for quality. Thanks so much.

ellen
08/02/06 		The basics are things like, eggs, butter, etc at room temperature to start; cream the butter and sugar well, but do not overbeat- the sugar should not be gritty in the butter when you finish- beat smooth after each addition of flour or liquid, but do not over-beat. Use heavy pans. Preheat the oven well.

My favorite baking site is Sarah Philip's baking911.com- they have lots more cake help. They have a whole section specific to pound cakes.