Vanilla Bean Pound Cake

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
2 cups sifted flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour cream

Place rack in lower third of oven.  Preheat oven to 325.  Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds or till creamy.  Add sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.  Beat mixture for 3-5 minutes or till very light and fluffy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition - add vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract now.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.  add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture.  Beat on low just till blended after each addition.

Pour batter into pan, smooth top.  Bake at 325 for 55-60 minutes or till toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Let cool for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and let it continue to cool on wire rack.