Traditions

Growing up i only had one living grandparent. Martha LeGrand. She was known for many things. Something that kept us all in line and in awe was her 7 layer cake. Its just a yellow cake with chocolate frosting. But there is something really special about its flavor and the icing..As a child seeing it on a cake plate lovely and big, i assumed it was made by magic. It certainly tasted like it. As i got older i knew that it was made with skill and love but i assumed that i never would be able to master it.
This Christmas Harvey and i went to South Carolina to celebrate with my parents.
My mom has been making this famed cake for a few years. Hers is good, but it does lack the magic. Other relatives have made it and theirs also lacks the magic. So i really wanted to learn how to make it even though i know that it will never ever be as good as Marthas. I just wanted to see how it was done and if i could do it. I tried. It tasted great - not as great it had no magic. I only did four layers. i wanted to do them all but mom was worn out from just four so we stopped there. One day i will do the 7 layers. Here is a pic of the messy beginings. you can see my layers are swaying a bit.
In loving memory of Martha LeGrand. I miss her so.