Second, add the sugar to the butter, and mix thoroughly.
Third, if eggs are used, beat yolks and whites separately for a delicate cake; add yolks to sugar and butter, and beat together a minute.

For a plain cake, beat yolks and whites together (a Dover egg-beater doing this better than any thing else can), and add to butter and sugar.
Fourth, if milk is used, add this.
Fifth, stir in the measure of flour little by little, and beat smooth.
Flavoring may be added at any time.

If dry spices are used, mix them with the sugar.

Always sift baking powder with the flour.

If soda and cream of tartar are used, sift the cream of tartar with the flour, and dissolve the soda in a little milk or warm water.