• Beat the butter and the sugar together to a cream and then add a couple of drops of vanilla essence.
• Mix well and then add the eggs, one at a time. Mix the eggs in well.
• Add the flour and milk alternately until mixed to a soft dough.
• Turn into a greased lamington or baking tray.
• Bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
• Leave in tray for about 5 minutes before turning out and cooling completely on a wire rack

To make the icing

• Sift the icing sugar in to a bowl.
• Blend the cocoa with a little boiling water.
• Work the cocoa into the icing sugar, adding more water if necessary.
• Add a few drops of vanilla essence and mix well.