Aunt Pauline's Honey Cake

My favorite aunt, my mother’s youngest sister and the last of  five siblings,  passed away last month leaving behind her children, grandkids, a few nieces and nephews and her favorite nephew – me! She was a simple woman whose life revolved around her family. She was far more interested in giving than in getting.  At one point in my childhood, I lived with my grandparents and Aunt Pauline, who was 13 years my senior. We spent quality time together. Growing up with Aunt Pauline, we shared a mutual love for cooking. Over the years, she would send me recipes I asked for which were the “family” recipes that many of us remember.  These recipes were usually quite simple with just a few ingredients. The measures were approximate since measuring spoons and cups were a luxury.

          Among Aunt Pauline earthly possessions were the usual pictures, some letters and cards we saved, a piece of jewelry that had special meaning to her daughter and in my case a few recipes written in her hand with personal commentary in the instructions.

          So today, in memory of this wonderful woman, I made her version of honey cake, one of my favorites. Since it is close to Passover, I substituted Matzoh flour instead of all-purpose flour, an act which changed the taste and texture significantly. But as the cake baked in the oven and the aroma filled my kitchen, my dear Aunt Pauline was with me once again.

          Be sure to gather and save those family recipes to hand down to future generations. It is said that the sense of smell is the best to recall memories. When you think about it, you will detect a scent which will immediately evoke a memory, be it perfume or food. 

          Please say “thanks” to my Aunt Pauline as you try this recipe.

Ingredients:

·        3 eggs

·        2 tsp baking powder

·        1 tsp baking soda

·        Grated rind from one orange

·        1 cup sugar

·        1 cup honey

·        2/3 cup strong coffee

·        ½ cup oil (vegetable or canola)

·        3 cups flour

·        ½ cup plump raisins (optional)

Directions:

1.     Grease and flour a loaf pan.  Preheat oven to 350°.

2.     Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda.  Set aside.

3.     Beat sugar and oil and add eggs one at a time.  Beat well.

4.     Add grated orange rind.  Add honey and coffee.

5.     Add flour mixture and mix well.

6.     Pour batter in loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes.

7.     Let cake cool in the pan!!! (Emphasis by Aunt Pauline)

8.     Enjoy.