Pound Cake for the Twins in My Life
This is a story of pound cake. And twins. Because they simply go together in my life.
Do you have twins in your life? I have always been mesmerized by twins. My grandfather was a twin. My grandmother had twin sisters. There were two sets of twins in my tiny graduating class…Connie, Bonnie, Ronnie, Donnie. I always could tell them apart. Knew who was a left hander, who was a right hander.
Today’s post is about another set of twins.
You see, MANY years ago, a cousin introduced me to this man who I love and married and is my best friend. AND, guess what.
He was a twin.
He had a twin sister. I learned he was the left hander and she was the right hander. I entered a new world of what it meant to watch adult twins interact as they grew older.
We live in the same small town. After we married, during early baby years, children growing years, career building years–they only saw each other at work when they worked at the family business for a few years, or holidays. Christmases were always spent together.
And then there were birthdays.
Can I tell you that no birthday is ever celebrated without the other? THE birthday is ALWAYS celebrated with the pound cake. Each one of them having their own. And, since her daughter’s birthday is two days from theirs, I now make three pound cakes each year.
This year was no different. All three cakes made. That crunchy bit on the top met with approval.
They all have ways to manage that cake. Sliced to savor for future use…tucked into ziplocs and into the freezer. They all know how to warm for the perfect piece in the microwave and enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
And the accolades continue each time they enjoy a piece. Thank yous by text. Each text blesses me…every time.
This year, I found a new way to “gift” those cakes. Dollar Tree has the most amazing cake keepers. So, out came their names in vinyl to add to the sides. Just a special way to “wrap” each pound cake for delivery and make that gift feel more special.
How many of you get what it’s like to be married to a twin?
I’d love to hear your stories.
It’s a truly special world. At times, I just sit back and watch. Even though they are vastly different, fraternal and different sexes, there are so many similarities that amaze me.
Things like being referred to as the “twins”; and, yet, keeping their identity intact.
At times, pulling out the same mechanical pencil. Or ink pen. Buying coats that are identical black, down coats without the other knowing.
So, there are little ways that catch me off guard.
There are the stories of when their mother found out she was pregnant with twins. Then, there are stories about which older sister was in charge of which twin. Of their antics. His, as the entertainer, even as a baby.
Now today, as adults, we continue that twin dance with dinners in, burgers grilled to put away in the freezer, meals out (covid style), and conversations that occur like clockwork. Calls at 9:30 every Sunday morning. Calls on her way to work. Evening calls that check to see how we are doing.
It’s a special connection.
I try and give them space. There’s definitely a twin thing that occurs that I can appreciate.
It has been my joy to follow the journey. Chuckle when a new similarity appears. Give space when needed for the two of them to share conversation and time. Watch the dance. Observe the interaction. Appreciate the world of twins.
I have already shared this pound cake on the blog, but today, to make it easier for you to find it again, here it is. Don’t forget to pin it so you don’t lose it! It’s a keeper. A bit of warning before you make it: it’s addictive! As a result, I promise you, you will be making it again!
Aunt Helen’s Pound Cake
Equipment
- Bundt pan- I actually love using an angel food cake pan for this recipe.
- mixer
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs
- 3 C. Sugar
- 1/2 lb. Butter softened
- 1 t. Vanilla
- 1/2 t. Almond Extract
- 3 C. All purpose flour
- 1/8 t. Baking soda
- 1 C. Sour cream
Instructions
- Mix together flour and baking soda and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Grease bundt pan.
- Cream together butter and sugar with mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time and continue beating. Add vanilla and almond extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream into the mixture until very smooth.
- Pour mixture into greased bundt pan.
- Place into preheated oven for 5 minutes at 400 degrees, and then reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tester comes out clean.
- Cool for a few minutes before trying to release from the pan.
Notes
As I shared in the recipe, my favorite pan to use for this recipe is a two piece angel food cake pan. Again, that’s part of the legacy that goes with this recipe. I’ve tried to make pound cake in mini bundt pans, larger bundt pans and even silicone bundt pans; but, none of them quite provide the cake that we have all come to love.
I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe. Our birthday favorite. Perhaps, it will be your favorite one, too, whether you are cooking for twins, or not.
Enjoy those birthdays, friend. Celebrate abundantly. Life is too fleeting not to have more celebrations with those you love.
(Affiliate link included for your convenience. The price is the same for you with easier shopping. See my disclosure policy.)
30 Comments
Martha Wallace
With all the twins in Billy’s family I understand. Truly a blessing! Girl, this one made me cry!
Blessings
Leslie J Watkins
Awwwww, didn’t intend to make you cry! This is Gary’s FAVORITE cake…not just for birthdays!
Vicki Edwards Norman
To honor G&G I’m going to make this cake for my husband and grands and tell them all anout my good buddies back in Kentucky. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Leslie J Watkins
Gayla would love that, Vicki. Thank you for following along and celebrating her with us.
Vickie Ramey
I’ve tasted this delicious cake! And I know those CRAZY TWINS (Sorry, Gayla–should have said crazy TWIN singular!). And you know the twin I mean!
Rachel
This story is so beautiful. Our family is full of twins. I’m sure being married to one would definitely be interesting.
I can’t wait to try the recipe.
Leslie J Watkins
It has been a joy to watch the twins over the years. I hope you love the recipe. It has truly been celebrated here this weekend for her.
Paula@SweetPea
Your pound cake looks amazing! I really enjoyed reading about all of the twins in your life.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Paula. That cake really is amazing and I am truly blessed by those twins. I am so thankful to be sharing life with you.
Paula Holloway
Oh YUM, Leslie! There’s nothing like a good pound cake. 😉
Hugs,
Paula
http://www.dimplesonmywhat.com
Leslie J Watkins
I know…right? It gets dolled up so many ways for so many different occasions in addition to the birthdays!
Gary
Mmmmmmmm…. pound cake! Thank you Leslie for blessing Gayla and I all these years and understanding that some times it’s just a, “twin thang!” It’s like somehow you automatically know when to sit back and just watch the show!?
Love you!
Rebecca
I love pound cake! This looks so good. How sweet of you several for the twins in your life! Thanks for sharing your recipe, Leslie. Pinned!
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, thank you for pinning! I hope you will love it. It’s truly a favorite!
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Dee
I am really glad I got to read this and learn more about the special twin relationship between your dear Gary and his sister Gayla. Especially with her home going, knowing that you made this cake for the celebration of her life as well is very touching. Thank you for sharing the photos, and this recipe. Thank you for sharing your family.
My daughter was a twin and we lost her brother. They’ll always have a special place in my heart as well. Thinking of you and Gary and all your family and sending you love and hugs.
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, Dee, I had no clue that you lost one of your twins. I cannot imagine. Perhaps you can make this cake for your daughter to celebrate him. Love you, sweet friend.
Susan McIntosh
My mother was not a great cook, but this cake is one thing she did well and I never got the recipe! I love the crunchy top! Loved the story and thanks for the recipe!❤
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Susan. Hope you love the recipe. It’s truly been a favorite for many years.
Crystal
This was so beautiful and heartfelt. So sorry for the loss of Gayla
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Crystal. I had no clue when I wrote that post that it would be celebrating their last birthday together. I am so thankful that I did.
Cindy
I’m so sorry my friend I’m late reading this post.
I was sick last week. This made ne cry, smile and feel warmth.
I have no idea about being a twin. It’s a relationship like nit many others I’m sure. The connection must be amazing.
Thank for sharing the gift if thus recipe with us.
Take care and again I’m sorry I am late.
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, Cindy. I never consider any comment late. They are always embraced and loved and read with joy. I hope that you are feeling much better, sweet friend.
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback: