Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients (for one 8-inch round cake)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- A pinch of salt (optional)
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Oven
- Sieve (for flour)
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour your cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt (if using).
5. Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until the batter is smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Optional: Frosting Ideas
Buttercream Frosting:
Combine 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
Chocolate Frosting: Mix cocoa powder into the buttercream for a chocolate twist.
Fruit Toppings: Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and refreshing option.
Baking a Cake

# What an Ideal Kitchen Should Have: A Guide to Essential Kitchenware
You’ve moved into a new rental home or built a fresh one, and now it’s time to furnish and fill the kitchen. The excitement of a new space comes with the challenge of making it both functional and inviting. More than just a room, the kitchen is the heart of the home where flavors come alive, family gathers, and memories are created. To transform an empty kitchen into a vibrant, working space, it needs to be stocked with the right kitchenware and organized thoughtfully. Below is a descriptive guide to what an ideal kitchen should include.
1. Cookware: The Backbone of Every Meal
No kitchen is complete without the right pots and pans. A carefully chosen cookware set serves you from quick weekday breakfasts to elaborate Sunday feasts. An ideal collection should include:
A non-stick frying pan for eggs, pancakes, and delicate meals.
A stainless-steel saucepan for simmering sauces or cooking grains.
A large stockpot for soups, stews, or pasta dinners.
A cast-iron skillet - versatile and durable, ideal for searing, grilling, or baking.
Cookware forms the backbone of daily cooking, ensuring every meal is prepared with ease.
2. Cutlery and Utensils: The Hands of the Kitchen
Imagine chopping vegetables with a dull knife or flipping food with improper tongs—frustrating, right? A functional kitchen needs:
A chef’s knife, paring knife, and bread knife to cover most cutting tasks.
Wooden spoons and spatulas that won’t scratch your pots.
A sturdy whisk for smooth batters.
Tongs for serving or turning food.
Graters, peelers, and kitchen scissors for precise prep work.
These tools act as the hands of the kitchen, guiding every cut, stir, and flip.
3. Preparation Tools: Where Meals Begin
Before cooking comes preparation, and this stage is smoother with:
Cutting boards (separate for meat and vegetables).
Mixing bowls of various sizes for salads, dough, or marinades.
Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
A blender or food processor for smoothies, purees, and sauces.
These tools streamline the journey from raw ingredients to ready-to-cook meals.
4. Baking Essentials: The Warmth of Home
Even if you bake occasionally, certain tools bring joy and versatility:
Baking sheets and trays for cookies or roasted vegetables.
Cake pans and muffin tins for special treats.
A rolling pin for pastry, chapati, or pizza.
Oven-safe dishes for lasagna, casseroles, or baked desserts.
The aroma of something baking often transforms a house into a home.
5. Storage and Organization: Order in the Kitchen
A well-organized kitchen feels bigger, cleaner, and more inviting. Essential storage includes:
Airtight containers for cereals, rice, and flour.
Spice jars and racks to keep seasonings neat and accessible.
Reusable wraps and containers for leftovers.
An orderly kitchen saves time and keeps ingredients fresh.
6. Helpful Appliances: Modern Comforts
Appliances make cooking faster and more convenient. Must-haves include:
A microwave for reheating and defrosting.
An electric kettle for tea, coffee, or quick hot water.
A toaster or toaster oven for crisp bread and snacks.
A slow cooker or instant pot for easy, hands-off meals.
These modern additions enhance traditional kitchenware, introducing comfort to everyday routines.
7. Cleaning Essentials: The Finishing Touch
A sparkling kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable. To maintain cleanliness:
Dish soap, sponges, and scrubbers are daily necessities.
A drying rack or dishwasher ensures dishes are neatly stored.
Trash and recycling bins keep the space tidy and hygienic.
Cleanliness guarantees your kitchen remains welcoming and safe.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a rental home or a brand-new house, an ideal kitchen is built with more than just walls and shelves—it’s shaped by the tools and care that fill it. With the right cookware, utensils, appliances, and storage, your kitchen transforms from a simple space into one where cooking is an enjoyable experience. Every dish prepared becomes a memory, and every shared meal strengthens the hear