This recipe was given to me by my Aunt Carolyn (aka "G" or "GG"). It is my favorite pound cake recipe. Of course, I love cake. White cake. Yum. So, naturally pound cake is one of my favorites. I promised Tommy I would make this for Christmas. The only thing is, in order to make the cake, your oven has to be COLD. It can't go into a hot oven. It just won't be the same. To find a time during the last several days when the oven wasn't on just didn't happen. (If you haven't figured it out yet, we are a close knit group. Holidays are family time and we always have a house full. All of us love to cook, so I have had lots of cooks in the kitchen. It is really great because we all share in cooking and we enjoy the finished product together.)
The worse thing about this cake is, because it goes into a cold oven, you need a tube pan that has a bottom that is NOT removable. They are hard to find in stores, but can be found on the internet. Here is what mine looks like.
The worse thing about this cake is, because it goes into a cold oven, you need a tube pan that has a bottom that is NOT removable. They are hard to find in stores, but can be found on the internet. Here is what mine looks like.
3 sticks LAND O LAKES margarine (I have made it with butter and it was not as good. Can't explain it, but trust me, stick with the margarine on this one.)
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups flour (if you want chocolate pound cake, add 2 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 cup Cocoa. I don't enjoy chocolate, but this chocolate pound cake is very good. It's not real chocolatey. Is that a word?)
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
2 tsp vanilla (Carolyn uses 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tsp almond flavoring. I use 2 tsp vanilla.)
1 cup milk
Cream butter mixer. Add sugar, mix. Add eggs, one at a time. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add slowly to mixer until all has been added. (I put my mixer on the "stir" setting and sprinkle it in as it stirs. To keep it from making such a mess, I add a spoonful or so at a time.) Once that is mixed well, add milk and vanilla. Grease pan. Pour batter into pan. Put pan into COLD oven. Turn oven to 350 degrees. Bake 50 minutes. (Carolyn originally told me to cook it 1 hour 15 min. In my oven, it is done in about 50 minutes. I would start watching at about 45 minutes to make sure it's not overcooked.)
Then of course, the kids get to lick the spoon. I gave the spoon to my girls. Tommy was way too into his Legos to stop what he was doing and come eat. His eating habits are like Heath's, not mine. My thoughts are, "Eating comes before anything...why turn down good food?" Heath's thoughts are, "Eat? No, I am not hungry". I say, "What's being hungry ever mattered?" Yes, I am aware how unhealthy my thought process is. I try to work on it daily. Anyway, enough of my faults, back to licking the spoon.
The girls sharing the spoon. They were really enjoying the batter (I can't blame them a bit!) and sharing. It is always a moment to appreciate when they are working together and not fighting. They were doing their own thing and were clueless that I was taking pictures. (A benefit to always having the camera out, they become oblivious to it!) This is the next picture.
PRICELESS!
Tabbouleh, Fasulia, Hommus, Cauliflower dip and Lebanese Rice
Toufic, if these are not spelled right, sorry! We googled most, but Zaina was said the name of the Cauliflower dip was something crazy. No matter what it is called, it tasted good! And, truly, that is what we were after!
Tommy saying, "ALL MINE!"
Is it obvious he loves Creme Brulee?
Well, he does.
This afternoon he and I made some. It is one of those things we do at Christmas. It is mainly the two of us that enjoy it so much, but we share. Here are some pics.
Pouring the milk, so we can add vanilla beans and heat it.
Scraping the seeds from the vanilla bean.
Separating the egg yolks from the whites. The recipe calls for yolks only.
As Tommy was separating the egg yolks from the egg whites, we noticed a HUGE difference between eggs from our chickens and store bought eggs. Our egg is on the right. It is so much more rich.
Stirring the sugar into the yolks.
Slowly adding the warm milk with vanilla beans into the egg yolk/sugar mixture.
It is cooked and ready to eat. Sugar in the Raw added and Tommy (our family pyromaniac) torching the sugar on top. This may be the reason he loves Creme Brulee so much. He gets to use fire!
Creme Brulee finished and he's had his glass of cold milk. House shoes on...Bed time, right? Do I hear sleigh bells?
What is the furthest distance you or a family member has traveled to make the family gathering?
I have pondered this question. I kept coming up with the same answer. I read y'alls responses and thought it might change my answer. It didn't. I keep coming back to Memaw's Gifts of Love poem. Love is the perfect gift. Love. It's free. It spreads. It makes a dramatic difference when you share it with all you meet. Written Christmas 1969 by Mae Reid Hyden.
As we celebrate Christmas in many ways, some memorable and some no credit to the love portrayed, there is a story that does picture the love shown on Christmas Day.
Shortly before Christmas last year my eighty-year-old mother was in her cozy kitchen busy with Christmas wrap and ribbon wrapping gifts for all to choose.
Within each box so gaily wrapped there was nothing but emptiness. Empty of all earthly things, but full of love fit for a king.
They were full of love as many years past when the Lord sent His son to guide our path. Not love like the modern flower children, sex or earthly things, but love of giving to everyone, friend or foe. Love so understanding and enduring of human ways, be they good or bad.
When I came home and looked under the tree there were gifts of pure love for you and me. I asked Mama Reid, "For whom all the gifts could be?" She said, "They are filled with love for all to choose." So I reached down wanting to fill my arms to the brim. Instead, I took one, one that symbolized to me such great love abundantly given by Mama Reid all these years.
So at this Christmas season I would like to give Gifts of Love to our friends both far and near like my Mama Reid who is so dear.
So as I keep pondering the perfect Christmas gift, this is my answer. Memaw gives love unconditionally. She has taught me what joy she receives from giving so much. What better gift? Well, other than the gift of life (Sharri, thanks for that realization!), the gift of love is the best. I plan on giving love to all I meet, now and in the future.
Memaw, Thank you for teaching me how important one simple thing is. In all of your years teaching, I know I am not the first one you have shown the importance of love and I am sure I won't be the last, but I am thankful I learned. I love you and look forward to you spending Christmas day with us!
As we celebrate Christmas in many ways, some memorable and some no credit to the love portrayed, there is a story that does picture the love shown on Christmas Day.
Shortly before Christmas last year my eighty-year-old mother was in her cozy kitchen busy with Christmas wrap and ribbon wrapping gifts for all to choose.
Within each box so gaily wrapped there was nothing but emptiness. Empty of all earthly things, but full of love fit for a king.
They were full of love as many years past when the Lord sent His son to guide our path. Not love like the modern flower children, sex or earthly things, but love of giving to everyone, friend or foe. Love so understanding and enduring of human ways, be they good or bad.
When I came home and looked under the tree there were gifts of pure love for you and me. I asked Mama Reid, "For whom all the gifts could be?" She said, "They are filled with love for all to choose." So I reached down wanting to fill my arms to the brim. Instead, I took one, one that symbolized to me such great love abundantly given by Mama Reid all these years.
So at this Christmas season I would like to give Gifts of Love to our friends both far and near like my Mama Reid who is so dear.
So as I keep pondering the perfect Christmas gift, this is my answer. Memaw gives love unconditionally. She has taught me what joy she receives from giving so much. What better gift? Well, other than the gift of life (Sharri, thanks for that realization!), the gift of love is the best. I plan on giving love to all I meet, now and in the future.
Memaw, Thank you for teaching me how important one simple thing is. In all of your years teaching, I know I am not the first one you have shown the importance of love and I am sure I won't be the last, but I am thankful I learned. I love you and look forward to you spending Christmas day with us!
Ok, this may be a difficult one. It will be hard for me to choose just one, but I am going to put some thought into it and see what I can come up with. I am eager to see your answers! Hope it's thought provoking for you!
As a child, what is the most memorable Christmas present ever received?
I really thought posting this would encourage me to think of one gift that sticks out over all others. Well, it didn't. My problem is that I don't remember presents as I do activities. I can think of so many memorable Christmas'. There were the years we trekked to Memphis and had Christmas at my Grandma's house on Holmes Rd. The whole family (my mom is one of 5 kids) would all spend the night at Grandma's Christmas Eve. Christmas morning would be magical, with Santa having come to visit all of the kids.
Once Grandma moved in with us in Franklin, Christmas was a little more quiet, but magical just the same. So, I can't answer my own question! I don't have a most memorable Christmas present! I am going to keep thinking, because there has to be something...I just haven't come up with it yet!
As a child, what is the most memorable Christmas present ever received?
I really thought posting this would encourage me to think of one gift that sticks out over all others. Well, it didn't. My problem is that I don't remember presents as I do activities. I can think of so many memorable Christmas'. There were the years we trekked to Memphis and had Christmas at my Grandma's house on Holmes Rd. The whole family (my mom is one of 5 kids) would all spend the night at Grandma's Christmas Eve. Christmas morning would be magical, with Santa having come to visit all of the kids.
Once Grandma moved in with us in Franklin, Christmas was a little more quiet, but magical just the same. So, I can't answer my own question! I don't have a most memorable Christmas present! I am going to keep thinking, because there has to be something...I just haven't come up with it yet!
I will say that I do have one favorite, but it is really hard to narrow it down to just one. I love music in general, but Christmas music especially. I start listening to it weeks before Thanksgiving. I just love it. A lot of my itunes library is Christmas music. This time of year it is great (but come Jan, I don't have much of a selection!), then there are the XM stations that play all Christmas, so there is always some to listen to! Lately I have heard my kids singing different Christmas songs to themselves as they were playing (or in the tub). That does my heart good! I hope they enjoy the season and the true meaning of it. I know they are young, but I think they are well on their way to understanding the true meaning.
So, back to songs...My absolute favorite is "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". I love the old version by Andy Williams. It makes my heart smile! The music and the words...I just love it. It is the most wonderful time, for so many different reasons.
...With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap- happiest season of all
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
Just look at all of those things listed!
Kids jingle belling, reminders to be of good cheer, Cards in the mail (sure beats bills!!), visitors from friends and family, parties for hosting, marshmallows, carols to sing in the snow, mistletoeing, hearts glowing with loved ones near. To me, there is not one of these we could go wrong with! Not to mention the tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago!!
People actually think of others before themselves. We stop and realize how wonderful things are and appreciate it. We stop and realize the real meaning of the season and to most of us, it is humbling. The whole song is speaks of all of the things that make the season what it is. Truly magical! I hope everyone enjoys the most wonderful time of the year! Love to all of you!
And, thanks for your responses. Every time I saw someone had commented, it made me smile. I love it that several of you have the same answer! Will post new question. Looking forward to your responses!
So, back to songs...My absolute favorite is "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". I love the old version by Andy Williams. It makes my heart smile! The music and the words...I just love it. It is the most wonderful time, for so many different reasons.
...With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap- happiest season of all
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
Just look at all of those things listed!
Kids jingle belling, reminders to be of good cheer, Cards in the mail (sure beats bills!!), visitors from friends and family, parties for hosting, marshmallows, carols to sing in the snow, mistletoeing, hearts glowing with loved ones near. To me, there is not one of these we could go wrong with! Not to mention the tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago!!
People actually think of others before themselves. We stop and realize how wonderful things are and appreciate it. We stop and realize the real meaning of the season and to most of us, it is humbling. The whole song is speaks of all of the things that make the season what it is. Truly magical! I hope everyone enjoys the most wonderful time of the year! Love to all of you!
And, thanks for your responses. Every time I saw someone had commented, it made me smile. I love it that several of you have the same answer! Will post new question. Looking forward to your responses!
Just something to get you thinking. I know my answer, and will post it later. I would love for you to comment and leave your answer. Can't wait to hear them!
What is your favorite Christmas song? Any specific reason why?
What is your favorite Christmas song? Any specific reason why?
The last time I was at our local pharmacy, Bennett's, I saw a container that had Christmas questions. It intrigued me, so I bought it. Caroline opened the package and read the questions to me on our way home.The questions are great thought provoking, family oriented questions. One of them was "What is your favorite Christmas memory?" I have so many great Christmas memories that I am not sure which one I could call my favorite.
Last week, as I was packing a candy plate, I chuckled to my self over one of my favorite Christmas memories. It seems like it was many years back. It had to be the Christmas of 1999 or 2000. Ok, so that's not so many years back, but it seems like a lifetime ago to me...It was before kids. Well, not all kids, but the kids I gave birth to.
My true first child was not actually mine, but Meredith's. Meredith was my roommate my first year at Austin Peay. October 3, 1997 Chasyn was born. Meredith finished school and then worked weekends as a RN. Once Chasyn was 1 or so, he spent many weekends with Heath and me, while Meredith worked. They also came to visit together any chance they could. We really looked forward and enjoyed their visits (and still do! Even 6 more kids, between the two of us, later!)
So back to the Christmas past, one weekend Meredith and Chasyn were visiting. I walked in the kitchen to find toddler age Chasyn sitting in front of the refrigerator, with the door wide open. In his lap (and all over his face, and his hands, and clothes) was chocolate. Chasyn had found the fudge. Not just a piece, but what was left of a 5 lb block (which is one batch). He was in heaven. It was no secret that Chasyn loved (and still does!) chocolate. We just didn't give him enough credit that he loved it enough to seek it out (when no one was watching) and try to eat the whole block! It was priceless. It is one of those Christmas memories that still makes me smile every time I think of it.
My kids enjoy candy, etc. but I don't have a chocolate lover. Tommy enjoys fudge, but not nearly as much as Chasyn. We don't get to see Meredith, Matt, Chasyn, Eric, Claire and Ryan nearly enough, but we think of them all of the time. They are dear friends and it is friends like those that make our heart smile!
Chasyn, be on the lookout for the mailman...there is some fudge headed your way! And yes, you have to share! We love you, Lee Lee
Last week, as I was packing a candy plate, I chuckled to my self over one of my favorite Christmas memories. It seems like it was many years back. It had to be the Christmas of 1999 or 2000. Ok, so that's not so many years back, but it seems like a lifetime ago to me...It was before kids. Well, not all kids, but the kids I gave birth to.
My true first child was not actually mine, but Meredith's. Meredith was my roommate my first year at Austin Peay. October 3, 1997 Chasyn was born. Meredith finished school and then worked weekends as a RN. Once Chasyn was 1 or so, he spent many weekends with Heath and me, while Meredith worked. They also came to visit together any chance they could. We really looked forward and enjoyed their visits (and still do! Even 6 more kids, between the two of us, later!)
So back to the Christmas past, one weekend Meredith and Chasyn were visiting. I walked in the kitchen to find toddler age Chasyn sitting in front of the refrigerator, with the door wide open. In his lap (and all over his face, and his hands, and clothes) was chocolate. Chasyn had found the fudge. Not just a piece, but what was left of a 5 lb block (which is one batch). He was in heaven. It was no secret that Chasyn loved (and still does!) chocolate. We just didn't give him enough credit that he loved it enough to seek it out (when no one was watching) and try to eat the whole block! It was priceless. It is one of those Christmas memories that still makes me smile every time I think of it.
My kids enjoy candy, etc. but I don't have a chocolate lover. Tommy enjoys fudge, but not nearly as much as Chasyn. We don't get to see Meredith, Matt, Chasyn, Eric, Claire and Ryan nearly enough, but we think of them all of the time. They are dear friends and it is friends like those that make our heart smile!
Chasyn, be on the lookout for the mailman...there is some fudge headed your way! And yes, you have to share! We love you, Lee Lee
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Her "sneak attack" on me.
She realized once we got into the elevator that Heath still had snow on his pants. She was pointing and laughing.
Both girls attacking Buffy.
Buffy getting Caroline. Elise is on her way to Buffy...again!
Tommy getting a snowball from Buffy.
On our walk from Buffy's apartment to our hotel, Buffy and Tommy were in a snowball war. (Papa and the girls decided they weren't up for a 2 mile walk, so they took a cab.)
Look at that mischievous look on his face. He loved every minute of it!
Buffy only thought if she was hiding behind Honey he wouldn't throw it. She found out it didn't matter to him!
It hasn't hit her yet, but it's so close!!
Lots of fun. We figured we had to enjoy every bit of snow we could! It's not that often that we get to play in it!
