Basic Hot-Milk Sponge Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 1 tablespoon of butter, over medium heat.
2. 2
   Put the eggs and 2 cups of sugar in a large mixing bowl, and with an electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and has tripled in volume, about 8 minutes, using the mixer.
3. 3
   With the machine on low, beat in the warm milk mixture.
4. 4
   Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in another large mixing bowl.
5. 5
   Add the egg mixture and vanilla, fold to mix thoroughly so the mixture is smooth.
6. 6
   Grease 12 by 17-inch baking sheet pan with the remaining butter.
7. 7
   Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
8. 8
   Pour the cake batter evenly into the pan and bake until the cakes spring back when touched, about 15 minutes.
9. 9
   Let cool for about 2 minutes.
10. 10
    Sprinkle a piece of parchment paper with powdered sugar.
11. 11
    Using a thin spatula or knife, loosen the edges of the cakes, then flip onto the paper.
12. 12
    Cool completely