Sand Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350*.
2. 2
   Butter an 8- or 9- inch tube pan and sprinkle with bread crumbs; invert pan over the sink to remove excess crumbs.
3. 3
   Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and spices and set aside.
4. 4
   Use an electric mixer to cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, 5 minutes or so.
5. 5
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended.
6. 6
   Add the vanilla and beat another 30 seconds.
7. 7
   Add the dry ingredients all at once; mix by hand only until they are well incorporated.
8. 8
   Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
9. 9
   Bake 45 minutes before checking; the cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in its center comes out clean.
10. 10
    Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
11. 11
    Run a knife between cake and pan, cover the pan with a rack, and invert the rack and pan.
12. 12
    Cool before serving, plain, with whipped cream, or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar.