BUTTER PECAN CAKE

2-2/3 cups chopped pecans
1-1/4 cups butter (no substitutes), softened, divided
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
FROSTING:
1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
8 to 8-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1. Place pecans and 1/4 cup of butter in a baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and remaining butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla and 1-1/3 cups of toasted pecans. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round cake pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to cool on a wire rack.
2. For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add milk and vanilla; beat until sm