Faith, Family and Southern Cooking were at the heart of my childhood home growing up. A big family with lots of love to share, I grew up in the kitchen with my mama and grandmas cooking and baking for loved ones, church suppers, neighbors, and the "shut ins," who could no longer cook for themselves. I was taught that cooking and baking for others were examples of love, thoughtfulness, and concern.
Whether a pound cake for the loss of a loved one or a punch bowl cake for an October Church Homecoming Dinner, every recipe was carefully prepared to ensure sweet southern goodness. Family members were known for their "specialty." Like Aunt Faye's Lemon Icebox Pie, Grandma Inez's Yellow Vanilla Cake, Mama's Banana Pudding, Patricia Ann's Peanut Butter Balls, Alice's Pig Pickin' Cake or Grandma Thelma's cornbread flitters and biscuits...they were all sure to please. As these and other desserts were made, I would camp out in the kitchen hoping that I got the chance to help...somehow, someway. Greasing pans, measuring ingredients, and ultimately, I got to mix and run the big mixer.
