Cold Oven Pound Cake

"This is the BEST pound cake recipe I ever baked!! My aunt got it from a radio station about 20 years ago. She and my mom have been making it ever since, and now I am following the tradition." - Recipe submitted by Buffy.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 sticks margarine or 1 1/2 cups margarine (not butter)
3 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Grease and flour an angel food tube pan, Bundt® pan, or a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
2. Cream margarine and sugar. Beat it and beat it and beat it ... until it is really creamy and light colored.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add flour, baking powder and salt gradually to mixture. Then add water and vanilla last. Put in prepared pan and place into cold oven. Turn on oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Test with wire or wooden pick after 1 hour, especially if you are using a 13x9x2-inch pan.
6. If you will be taking it out of the pan, let cool only 5 to 10 minutes in the pan, before removing. The brown edge of cake is so good icing isn't needed. Powdered sugar for looks is optional.

Makes 12 servings.

Variations: Instead of water and vanilla; add orange juice and teaspoon of lemon extract. Or, add 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple. Or, 1/2 cup applesauce. Or, finely chopped nuts to add nut flavor.