Friday, April 22, 2011

I always wanted to be a writer...instead, I BAKE.

BAKE \ˈbāk\  v: to cook (as food) by dry heat especially in an oven or to dry or harden by subjecting to heat. 
BAKE is both a noun and a verb. I love the verb. BAKE.BAKED.BAKING.  
I grew up around BAKERS. My mom Vernamae. My grandma Loretta. My aunt Lori. My Mom BAKED the most wonderful cookies. She took great pride in her Raisin cookies and Peanut Butter cookies. Her Raisin cookies (sigh) were a soft and oh so moist cake-like cookie with nutmeg and cinnamon, PACKED with raisins. The Peanut Butter cookies ALWAYS had the perfect fork criss crosses. The best cookies and milk combo ever! 
I still have both recipes. They are tucked away safely in my recipe box...I have not BAKED either of them since 1972. I was 11 years old and my Mom died of ovarian cancer.
My Grandma was the best cake BAKER ever. Any flavor. Any shape...Butterflies,bunnies,trains,merry go rounds, dolls and even a beautyshop. She was amazing! A week or so before your birthday, you would get THE CALL. Grandma would ask what flavor of cake you wanted and if you wanted anything "special". She would and could BAKE anything. She had 5 children and 13 grandchilden, so she was always BAKING.
My Grandma died on December 29th, 1978, one month before my 18th birthday. All these years later, I still remember...I was gonna ask for a Lemon Angelfood. A "grown up" cake.
My Aunt Lori was my Mom's only sister and also my Godmother. The two of them, along with my Grandma, would always BAKE Christmas cookies together. It would take a whole weekend. They would drink beer and BAKE. I remember they would laugh and laugh. My Aunt Lori taught me how to make Date Balls. They had chopped dates, sugar and Rice Krispies and were rolled in Coconut. I still love them. My Aunt Lori was the last of the 3 BAKERS. I never got to say 'Good bye'. I hope she knew I loved her dearly.
So, these women were BAKERS.


I BAKE with the hope that some day I will be a BAKER. I remember these 3 women and the joy they shared when ever it came time for them to BAKE.

1 comment:

  1. As your best friend, sister, and also the daughter and grandaugter of great bakers; I can say with certainty that you can be counted as a fabulous baker! Thank you for carrying on their memories. They would be very proud of the woman and the baker you have become! LOVE YOU!!!

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