Mev Loomer's Rum Cake

1 C margarine
2 C sugar
4 eggs
3 C flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t soda
1.2 t baking powder
1 C buttermilk (or add 2 t vinegar to regular milk)
1/2 bottle rum extract

Cream shortening and sugar til light and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Add milk alternately with dry mixture. Stir in flavoring. Pour into floured/greased tube pan.

Bake at 325º for 1 hour or until done (test with a toothpick)

Rum Cake Icing
2 C water
1 1/2 C sugar
1/2 bottle rum flavoring

Bring water and sugar to a boil. Remove from stove; cool slightly. Add rum flavoring.

Remove cake from the tube pan carefully so as not to remove the light brown crust. Spoon all of the liquid icing over the cake and let it soak in.

Remove cake