There are certain fragrances we encounter that can trigger an emotion or a memory. I remember how wonderful my grandmother smelled when she was slathered in Jenkins lotion. There is just nothing that matches that fragrance. Baby lotion does the same thing for me—oh that wonderful pink Johnson & Johnson baby lotion and powder. Evergreen fragrance reminds me of the beautiful evening when Neal and I were married by our Christmas tree. Fragrances can take us back to a wonderful place in our memories.
I get the same feeling when the aroma of a freshly baked pound cake fills the kitchen. It’s the simple things that make us feel special. My recipe for my famous pound cake is actually not mine. It belonged to a sweet lady named Jo in our church. She was known as the Pound Cake Lady. Jo always showed up with a hot pound cake at the most unexpected moments. She called it her pound cake ministry, and I thought that was the best. It was not uncommon for her to drop by our office when we were first getting started in our business and say, “I thought you girls just needed a pound cake today.” And that simple gesture just changed our day. Her message was one of caring and brightening days. If she knew you were going on vacation, she would pack one for you to take on your journey.
She passed away a few years ago. Her daughter and I grew up together, and when I asked about her story, Darlene told me that she made a pound cake every day for someone. She laid out her eggs and butter at night before she went to bed, and she was ready to go in the morning. I can’t imagine how fabulous her kitchen must have smelled with its permanent pound cake fragrance!
This is one of the easiest cakes I have ever made, and it is always requested by my family. Not only is it wonderful to serve, but it makes me stop and think about the Pound Cake Lady, Miss Jo. Her daughter was so wonderful to share this recipe.
Being known as the Pound Cake Lady is a wonderful legacy. As women, we create memories for our families and friends with acts of kindness. I wish I could hug Miss Jo and tell her how many lives she touched. She gave me a beautiful cut glass cake stand to use, and I think of her every time I use it. Bake a cake today…and share time with someone you love!
Jo’s Whipping Cream Pound Cake
Preheat oven to 325°
Butter and eggs should always be at room temperature
Grease and flour tube pan
1 cup REAL butter
3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
½ pt. (1 carton) whipping cream, not whipped
3 cups cake flour
1½ teaspoons real vanilla flavoring, no imitation
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly; add eggs, one at a time, while continuing to beat. Add whipping cream and cake flour alternately, and continue beating. Add vanilla, and continue beating. Beat on medium-high speed 4 minutes. Bake in a greased and floured tube cake pan at 325° for 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Flip out onto plate, and then flip back over onto wire rack to cool.