The Art of Making Lemon Pound Cake from Scratch

Infused with Love

There’s something magical about baking a cake from scratch. The process is as rewarding as the final product, especially when it’s infused with history, love, and tradition. Today, I’m excited to share not only a delightful Lemon Pound Cake recipe but also a cherished memory about my people and the power of Love.

In the kitchens of the past, African American women had the power to influence through their cooking. Despite the harsh realities of slavery, they chose to infuse their meals with love and integrity, even for those who meant them harm. This act of grace and resilience not only nourished bodies but also brought a sense of warmth and humanity into the homes of their oppressors. It stands as a testament to the strength and dignity of a proud and chosen people, who used their most intimate moments to create connections and foster a sense of community, even in the face of adversity.

So as we build our community Welcoming all to the Table I proudly introduce to you the Famous Rouse Family Lemon Pound Cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 2 lemons

• 1/2 box of lemon pudding mix (not instant)

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a loaf pan, ensuring every nook and cranny is well-coated to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its desired texture.

3. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method helps maintain the mixture's stability and consistency.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

6. Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. These ingredients will infuse the cake with a vibrant, fresh flavor.

7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy the burst of lemony goodness in every bite.

A Story of Tradition and Love

Growing up, baking a cake wasn't just about following a recipe—it was an immersive experience filled with stories and traditions passed down through generations. One of my fondest memories is learning to beat a cake by hand while watching my husband's aunts in the kitchen. They would meticulously wash their hands and arms up to the elbows, as if preparing for surgery. As a city girl who had traveled the country due to my father’s military service, I had never encountered such a practice in the kitchen.

What I did understand, however, was the power and magic that filled the room as they talked and laughed. These women were adding the most important ingredients right then and there. The graceful blend of their identities and what family meant to them was being infused into every ingredient they touched and stirred, using their bodies as instruments. I don’t know if anyone else could hear the music, but I did.

At that moment I tapped into my Magic, as a Black women I suddenly realized always rely on what resides deep in your soul, the ancestorial pull not gadgets in your everyday reach. So arms and hands become mixers and blenders, for perfect consistency and insertion of Love. This technique wasn’t just about mixing; it was a way of infusing love and care into the cake. We often say, "The secret ingredient is the love you put into it."

The rhythm of our hands moving in the batter, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, and the aroma of fresh lemon zest filled the air, creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. This method taught me patience, dedication, and the beauty of handmade creations.

Every time I bake a Lemon Pound Cake from scratch, I remember those precious moments and feel a deep connection to my heritage. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of love, family, and tradition.

I hope this part of me resonates with you and inspires you to embrace the art of baking with love and tradition.