Every family has its unique traditions, and for ours (in-law side), it's the sweet, aromatic allure of our cherished family cake recipe. This cake isn't just a dessert; it's a symbol of love, togetherness, and cherished memories passed down through generations. I remember the day my mother-n-law first made this cake. It was so good. It reminded me of the tea cakes her mom used to make me when I first started dating my now husband. I felt honored when my mother-n-law (MIL, what I call her) told me she wanted to teach me how to make the cake.
A Slice of History
The origins of this family cake recipe trace back to Big Mama, who would bake for every family function. Big Mama was known for her exceptional culinary skills, and her tea cakes quickly became a favorite among friends and family. Each bite is a nostalgic trip to family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and quiet moments shared over a cup of tea. So, when my MIL started her baking business and came up with this amazing cake recipe that mimicked Big Mama’s tea cakes, I just had to get the details. Family history is something that is near and dear to me. Too often family history dies with the elders of the family, so it's up to the current generation to keep the history going for our future generation. Something as simple as a family recipe may not matter to most but it is something that has been passed down for generations. It’s a part of who we are. Recently, I found out that after Big Mama passed my MIL found her tea cake recipe. Now this is something I am dying to learn how to make.
Big Mama suffered from Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease and when she went non-verbal, I was sad that I would never get the chance to learn how to make those famous Tea Cakes. That disease took so much away from her and the family I was devastated to know that it took those baking jewels along with it. Boy was I wrong! I get to go back home to California this Christmas and guess what…We are making those Tea Cakes and I can’t wait! Big Mama was another grandmother to me so getting to learn that part of history is allowing me to feel closer to her. I also get to share in the tradition and pass this on to future generations. Since they did not get to experience the Big Mama Tea Cakes from her, I am hoping I get to give them just a slice of it.
The Secret Ingredients
What makes our family cake recipe so special? It's not just the ingredients but the love and care that go into every step of the process. The bonding time that happens when its cake baking time is one that I love the most. We laugh, we talk, and we get “cake dirty”. While I can't reveal all the secrets, here are a few key ingredients that make our cake stand out: Butter: Rich, creamy butter is the foundation of our cake, giving it a moist and tender crumb. Vanilla Extract: A hint of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor, adding a warm, inviting aroma. Fresh Eggs: Using fresh, high-quality eggs ensures a light and fluffy texture. Love: The most important ingredient, added generously in every batch. That means, you must make this cake with your family, so it’s filled with love. Growing up I was not into cooking or baking.
My cousins would love to be in the kitchen with my grandmother learning all the family jewels. However, I just was not into it. As I have gotten older, I have begun to love baking. But it was too late to get in the kitchen with my grandmother or my husbands’ grandmother. My mother-n-law loves to bake so she made the perfect person to teach me. It also allowed us to have some much-needed bonding time. I was nervous at first because bonding with my mother-n-law has not always been a thing. I mean that's normal for in-laws, right? But it turned out to be the best thing for us. Baking this cake made me truly feel like family. I finally felt like I belonged. The way we laugh and talk about past family history was everything. I learned so much about my in-law’s side.
The Perfect Finish to our family cake is often finished with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, 7-up and lemon juice. Fresh fruits, nuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a delightful touch. But honestly, it's just better without all the extra. Just like this family I have married into, the glaze is small but powerful.
Sharing the Love
One of the most beautiful aspects of our family cake recipe is sharing it with loved ones. Every slice is a testament to the bonds that tie us together. Whether it's a birthday, a holiday, or a simple Sunday afternoon, this cake brings warmth and happiness to any gathering. This year I decided to share the love by making one of the cakes for a work baby shower. I was terrified at first, because I don’t claim to be a baker and did not want to embarrass myself. I mean its one thing to make for family and they “love” it because they are family, but to make it for others was a gamble. Well, the gamble paid off. They loved it! I was able to being my family love to my work family. This cake just keeps giving.
As I bake this cake, I feel connected to the generations before me and look forward to passing this sweet tradition on to future generations. Our family cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a legacy of love, joy, and togetherness that will continue to sweeten our lives for years to come. So, find something you can make with your family and create a family tradition or legacy item that will be passed down from generation to generation.
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