“What’s your name?” “Puddin ‘N Tain, ask me again, I’ll tell you the same.”
“Where’re you going?” “Crazy, you wanna go?”
“Bumpity, bumpity, hornet’s cup; how many fingers have I got up?”
Funny how these little nonsensical gems my late mother used to say float to the surface when I close my eyes and stream memories of her. She may have seemed rather reserved to some, but her teasing sense of humor was always simmering.
My mama, who enjoyed setting an elegant table with candelabra, crystal and silver, also loved digging in the dirt to plant petunias and pansies, enjoyed cuddly cats and dogs and was perfectly willing to dress up as a hobo to scare the willies out of us at Halloween.
When my younger sister and I were of age, Mother dictated that we alternate weeks setting the table or washing the dishes, which I thought torturous at the time, but later realized was nurturing and wise. And although she let us underfoot in the kitchen, I never ever was able to prepare spaghetti that tasted just like hers, something that frustrated me well into adulthood.
Every Mother’s Day, we tried to do something special for her. I understood more fully as time went on that we should be doing that every single day of the year.
She would have thoroughly enjoyed some of the lovely dessert recipes below on her special day. Frankly, she probably would be thinking how she could serve them for the next bridal or baby shower, or maybe the next sewing club get together. One of the recipes will hopefully be helpful to you.
“Bumpity, bumpity, hornet’s cup; how many fingers have I got up?” Mama would say, sitting on the edge of the bed, rhythmically tapping my or my younger sister’s back as we lay face-down in PJs at bedtime. We’d guess how many fingers she held up behind us, inordinately proud when we got it right, growing drowsier by the minute. A couple of decades later, I’d think of those nights when I found myself using the same little rhyme with my own son. Funny, how something seemingly insignificant becomes dear.
Then, of course, there was Daddy, who — after delivering an eloquent blessing at the dinner table — was capable of tagging on, “Amen, Brother Ben, shot a goose, killed a hen.” But that’s a tale for another day.
Happy Mother’s Day to every mom out there, and to everyone who has loved one. However you observe it, savor a memory, make a memory.
RASPBERRY SHORTCAKES
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond extract
2 cups whipped cream
1 pint raspberries
(Source: Courtney Whitmore, homes.com and pizzazzerie.com)
PEACH ROSES
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Makes 8
Cooking spray
1 box puff pastry, thawed at room temperature and cut into strips
1/3 cup peach jam
3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced into half moons
Powdered sugar, for dusting
(Source: delish.com)
TRIPLE CITRUS BUNDT CAKE
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Makes 8 servings
For the cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
6 large eggs, room temperature
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the glaze:
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Candied citrus peel, optional
(Source: goodhousekeeping.com)
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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