One of the very nice things about this interum with Sara in our home is that we have time for a project together! We are re-creating the Family Cookbook (which I did with Ray's assistance in the late 1980s). When I created this little book over 20 years ago, I had it published at a local printer and gave it to many family members and friends. I have used and re-used the original book - adding notes and recipes to my own version over the years.
When we decided to cruise full time in 2007, I consulted my mentor in the cruising world, Jacqueline, for some tried and true recipes that would come in handy in the cruising life. There are many of those to be added, as well as other favorites we've accumulated. Often recipes have memories of people and places and celebrations that go with them.
Sara has started to compile a new "book" on her computer that we can share with others in the future. As we are reviewing and editing, we are enjoying the new kitchen in the townhome and becoming re-familiar with old favorites. We are trying out some that Sara has never tasted!
Sara asked me yesterday if I had seen the movie, Julie and Julia. (Oh, yes, and really loved it!) She suggested that we do something with "blogging our way through the Family Cookbook". What an idea! I suggested that we each do our own blog and share some thoughts and the recipes back and forth.
So, when I am not traveling and blogging about other things, you may see some of this project on thisn blog!
Today happens to be Ray's birthday and we are making a cake for him that came from his Great Aunt Helen. It is a Chocolate Yeast Cake. It has to be started a day ahead, so we actually began it yesterday. This recipe was passed down from his Great Aunt to Ray's mother, then to me - and now to Sara.
Here is Sara's version of the recipe:
Chocolate Yeast Cake – Helen Cueny (my great great aunt on my dad’s side)
My grandmother first made this cake when my dad was a teenager for a birthday cake. It’s been a favorite recipe in my family ever since.
1 cup shortening
3 eggs
1 ½ packets or 4 ½ tsp. rapid rise or instant yeast
2 ¾ cups flour
3 T. hot water
1 ½ tsp. vanilla
2 cups sugar
3 squares chocolate – melted
¼ cup warm water
½ tsp. salt
½ cup milk
1 tsp. baking soda
Cream shortening, add sugar and cream well. Add beaten egg yolks, melted chocolate and yeast dissolved in warm water. Add flour and salt alternately with milk to creamed mixture. Cover and set aside overnight. Next morning, add baking soda dissolved in hot water and vanilla. Mix in well-beaten egg whites lightly. Bake in form pan (angel food cake pan) at 325 degrees for 1 hour.
Chocolate Fluffy Icing – Aunt Helen Cueny
8 Tbsp. butter or ¼ lb. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 squares chocolate, melted
1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar
2 beaten egg yolks (reserve egg whites for later)
¼ tsp. salt
Mix above together.
Beat egg whites. Add additional 1 ½ cups conf. sugar to egg whites. Fold into chocolate mixture.
NOTE: We discovered a discrepancy in the original printed version of this... so the icing came out rather soft. BUT, it tasted good. Next time we will add the extra confectioners sugar. This is not a recipe to tackle when you are in a hurry - but, for a special event - like this birthday celebration - GREAT! (Pat)
