Annie hasn't posted a Tuesday 4 yet so I slipped back to this time in 2012 and found such a wonderful memory to share with you. The Kathy mentioned is my former daughter-in-law and mother of grandchildren, Lauren & Tristan. I haven't changed anything in the post but this was such a fun thing that I did for Joe...
Amazing and Wonderful...
Back when Kathy and I were planning Joe's 75th birthday weekend, we were searching for an Italian Creme Cake recipe, like Joe remembers (his favorite) from years ago. All we could find were recipes using cream cheese icing and nothing that Joe told me he remembered from the special occasions of his younger years. Kathy even called a couple of upscale Italian restaurants, in Naples, FL, describing the cake to them. We got nowhere.
A few days ago, I decided to ask one of the chefs that I have been following on Google+ if he could help. I really didn't expect an answer, but thought it was worth a try. Chef Dennis responded, by e-mail, right away. He told me that he couldn't help, but he knew someone who could. He forwarded my question to Grace Langlois, who is an Italian pastry chef, and she and I have been e-mailing for a couple of days about this cake.
Talk about a small world.... her family is from the same Region in Italy as Joe's family. She knew exactly what kind of cake I was asking about. Grace lives in Ontario, Canada, now. She CALLED me this morning!!! We talked for 30 minutes or so and she gave me the recipes I need for the cake and fillings and told me some hints to use, etc., etc. She gave me the recipe using grams, so I need to convert it, but I hope I have time next weekend to give this a try and see if it gets close to what Joe remembers. I need to find a certain kind of vanilla flavoring and may have to go to Mazzaro's Italian Market, over in St. Pete, to find it. She told me it will make a huge difference in the flavor, so I want to make sure I have what I need before getting started. Yes, I will share it with you and will have photos! The cake above is sort of like Joe described the cake to me, with nuts on the sides, but I'll have a photo of my creation, once I get it all together!
I am just blown away that these two very busy people took an interest in my question and gave me their time (and phone minutes) to help me with this! I am so appreciative and humbled. Wow.
I love the contacts and friends I've made through blogging - first with Yahoo360, then Multiply, and now Blogger and Google+. You are all awesome and amazing people!!
Here is Grace's website: http://gracessweetlife.com/about/
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So... yes, I did make the cake and more than once. Here are pictures of the first one I did for him in November 2012. He would not have told me it wasn't what he remembered. He said it was perfect and he loved it. Oh, how I wish I could make him another one!!
Peace & hugs!
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!
Such a sweet memory. We are never sorry when we do something such as this for our people. Those acts of love are sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteIndeed a very "sweet" memory...what life is all about.
ReplyDeleteThat cake looks yummy. Such a wonderful memory. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
So glad you shared this special memory with us here today, Terri. Joe looks like he's busting out with happiness!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
What a neat story! I love knowing that there are people out there that care and are willing to help. The cake is beautiful and that must be one of your favorite photos of Joe! Sweet hugs today!
ReplyDeleteThat is a cool story and a happy memory. Yes, so many are kind. Gives one hope for the world, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteI hope this "cold" front we're getting this week makes it down your way. Sure makes the days seem more festive.
Love & Prayers xx
Yes! We will have mid 70s this weekend!
DeleteGood memories indeed, how sweet to bless Joe like that, he looked so absolutely thrilled. I also love how you were able to scout out the recipe, and were helped so nicely. Sparky, no cold front, not this weekend!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a labor of love! The cake is beautiful, but more so the expression on Joe's face. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming memory! 😘
ReplyDeleteWhat "sweet" memories. The cake is beautiful and looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful memory! I know that even if it wasn't exactly as he remembered it, Joe had to so love the work you did in getting this recipe. And I'm sure it tasted awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memory!! The cake looks positively delish!! Have a good week Terri.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that looks good! What a wonderful memory!
ReplyDeleteOh Terri, this brings tears to my eyes. It is just so sweet in every way!! What a precious memory! Thank you for sharing it, since I did not yet know you in 2012.
ReplyDelete