Bay Leaf Pound Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3. Put uncracked eggs in a bowl and pour hot tap water over them.
4. Let stand several minutes to warm the eggs gently.
5. Crumble 5 bay leaves as finely as possible and combine them with the milk in a saucepan.
6. Bring the milk and bay leaves to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice.
7. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; sift together.
9. Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add sugar while beating until blended.
11. Crack the warm eggs into the batter and beat for about 2 minutes until very fluffy.
12. Add half of the sifted flour and beat until smooth.
13. Strain out the bay leaves from the milk and add the milk to the batter.
14. Mix well.
15. Add remaining flour and beat until smooth.
16. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
17. Place the remaining two bay leaves on top of the cake.
18. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
19. Cool completely on a rack before serving.