White Cake with Vanilla Sauce

Butter 2 (9-inch by 1 1/2-inch) layer pans or 1 (13 by 9 by 2-inch) and line with parchment or waxed paper.

Set a rack at the middle level of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Combine egg whites, milk and vanilla extract. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to butter mixture then add half the milk mixture. Continue to alternate beginning and ending with flour mixture. Scrape bowl and beater often.

Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth top with a metal spatula. Bake cake(s) about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Cool in pan on a rack for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack, remove paper and let cool completely.

Gram's Vanilla Sauce: Put the water on to boil. Cream sugar, cornstarch, butter and nutmeg. Stir into the boiling water. Add vanilla and serve warm as a sauce over white cake.