Drenched Berry Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup milk
1 egg
2 cups fresh or frozen berries

Sauce:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch round pan. Sift the flour, sugar and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the shortening, milk and egg. Beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Stir in the berries. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top and bake for 1 hour, or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

Transfer to a wire rack.

While the cake is baking, make the sauce. Melt the butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water.

Add the sugar, cream and vanilla bean. Stir to mix well. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Remove the vanilla bean. Serve the cake with each individual slice generously topped with the warmed sauce.

Makes 8 servings.