Teacakes
Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven.43 total reviews
Comment from tfawcus
There came a time in reading this when my eyes became so blurred that I could scarcely read the words. I remember teacakes, and the laden tables of Women's Institute fundraisers in the immediate post-war years, groaning with homemade delights baked with such pride as can hardly be believed these days. I still use a cookbook given to us by a neighbour as a wedding present, simple, nutritious recipes with cheap ingredients. It is truly dog-eared now and well spattered on the favourite pages! Nothing 'drizzled' in it!
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2017
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There came a time in reading this when my eyes became so blurred that I could scarcely read the words. I remember teacakes, and the laden tables of Women's Institute fundraisers in the immediate post-war years, groaning with homemade delights baked with such pride as can hardly be believed these days. I still use a cookbook given to us by a neighbour as a wedding present, simple, nutritious recipes with cheap ingredients. It is truly dog-eared now and well spattered on the favourite pages! Nothing 'drizzled' in it!
Comment Written 30-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2017
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Yes, tfawcus, I have splattered favorite pages of cookbooks, too. The amount of baking women and sometimes men used to do staggers me, as well as their pride. It saddens me that their descendants today do not bake or have lost the family recipes. Given the amount of family lore about teacakes, baking them for my uncle honored me and my ancestors. As promised, if there is a reception after his funeral, I'm bringing more teacakes despite what he told me on his deathbed. Thank you for your generous six star review.
Comment from Asem.inspirations
I sooooooo enjoy reading your writings. I laughed, I smiled, I remembered, I related.....Oh! This story is a gem and how I agree that the baking art is a dying one.
My mother, my grandmothers all cooked delicious, homemade meals and baked delicious desserts from scratch. Even then, as a little girl, I had to go with daddy to clean Airfreight buildings, the family business. 9 children, half of us kept up the family business while the other half stayed home and cooked the meals. We all had to keep the house and yard clean though along with attending school and all of our 5 spiritual meetings per week, bible studies, ministry, and of course hobbies and recreation. There was just no time for anything else. So I was not one of the children who had time to cook or even to learn to cook.
No time then and not time now but I recall that when ever I gave a gathering or pool party I baked a big cake. No, not from scratch, from the box with the directions on the back. I never learned to cook from scratch and I truly regret it.
These store bought meals are so full of chemicals and preservatives, it's no wonder why most of us and our children are becoming or have become obese. "I didn't have the time so I picked up something...(fuuuunnny but so true) I couldn't stop laughing when I read this part because I remember so many times going to the school functions or potlucks and seeing the tables full of store bought meals. Well at least I took the time to actually cook a baked ziti or a lasagna.
Oh and the rolling pin from your mother and the stories of your Uncle Lee, this was all so precious. It touched my heart in a beautiful way, bringing even joyful tears to my eyes. Also thank you for the education about the teacakes.
Sis Cat, you are such an excellent writer. I love the way you write. I am forever connected to you... I tried to give you 6 stars for this one but the drop box only had 5 stars. I don't know what that means. Perhaps I used all of my 6 stars...
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2017
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I sooooooo enjoy reading your writings. I laughed, I smiled, I remembered, I related.....Oh! This story is a gem and how I agree that the baking art is a dying one.
My mother, my grandmothers all cooked delicious, homemade meals and baked delicious desserts from scratch. Even then, as a little girl, I had to go with daddy to clean Airfreight buildings, the family business. 9 children, half of us kept up the family business while the other half stayed home and cooked the meals. We all had to keep the house and yard clean though along with attending school and all of our 5 spiritual meetings per week, bible studies, ministry, and of course hobbies and recreation. There was just no time for anything else. So I was not one of the children who had time to cook or even to learn to cook.
No time then and not time now but I recall that when ever I gave a gathering or pool party I baked a big cake. No, not from scratch, from the box with the directions on the back. I never learned to cook from scratch and I truly regret it.
These store bought meals are so full of chemicals and preservatives, it's no wonder why most of us and our children are becoming or have become obese. "I didn't have the time so I picked up something...(fuuuunnny but so true) I couldn't stop laughing when I read this part because I remember so many times going to the school functions or potlucks and seeing the tables full of store bought meals. Well at least I took the time to actually cook a baked ziti or a lasagna.
Oh and the rolling pin from your mother and the stories of your Uncle Lee, this was all so precious. It touched my heart in a beautiful way, bringing even joyful tears to my eyes. Also thank you for the education about the teacakes.
Sis Cat, you are such an excellent writer. I love the way you write. I am forever connected to you... I tried to give you 6 stars for this one but the drop box only had 5 stars. I don't know what that means. Perhaps I used all of my 6 stars...
Comment Written 01-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2017
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Yes, Tier, you used all six or your six-star reviews for the week, but that is all right. I am glad my story made you laugh and cry and that you can find so many things to relate to. Isn't that the truth about so many people bringing store bought food to school functions and potlucks. Your review and compliments cheer my day. Thanks.
Comment from Grasshopper2
Andre,
I award you the coveted six stars for attitude, because attitude determines ones altitude. Another most wonderful story which all three of my gray cells enjoyed. Thank you for posting and sharing this slice of your past and traveling from the stage to the page. Well done, my friend, well done indeed.
Michael
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2017
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Andre,
I award you the coveted six stars for attitude, because attitude determines ones altitude. Another most wonderful story which all three of my gray cells enjoyed. Thank you for posting and sharing this slice of your past and traveling from the stage to the page. Well done, my friend, well done indeed.
Michael
Comment Written 27-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2017
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Oh, thank you, Michael, for your generous, six star review and also for helping me improve my story with your edits. I deeply appreciate it. I have not performed this story onstage yet but it is a good potential. Thank you again, my friend.
Comment from RGstar
I have not been to well, and a little of life to contend with, so misse this earlier.
Your writes and speeches always have good human content which brings about a certain reality.
A little long and felt might of just left the red thread where it started with Uncle Lee, but a large middle section went over to you and the baking and such so hard to know where it was going at this stage, yet I see the relevance. But this is a good time to shorten the middle section as in a film where time is an essence, so one stays on the main road.
Yet, you got back on that motorway and delivered a very homely piece, nicely expressed, and I think will do very well in the competition.
Inspiring write.
Best wishes.
RG
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2017
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I have not been to well, and a little of life to contend with, so misse this earlier.
Your writes and speeches always have good human content which brings about a certain reality.
A little long and felt might of just left the red thread where it started with Uncle Lee, but a large middle section went over to you and the baking and such so hard to know where it was going at this stage, yet I see the relevance. But this is a good time to shorten the middle section as in a film where time is an essence, so one stays on the main road.
Yet, you got back on that motorway and delivered a very homely piece, nicely expressed, and I think will do very well in the competition.
Inspiring write.
Best wishes.
RG
Comment Written 26-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2017
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Thank you, RG, for your review and suggestions. If I were to perform this story on stage in ten minutes I would shorten it to fit in the time I am given. I really have to perform it to see where I can cut it, but the middle is a good idea. Thank you for encouraging me to return to writing prose. I hope you feel better soon.
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Andre,
A great piece of writing and very moving. All of your pieces are moving because they rely on genuine emotion and feeling, as opposed to a style of writing designed to pull at the heart strings. this has heart - there is no faking that.
Using the various juxtapositions in this piece, miracle worker with a rolling pin, first & last memories it brings it full circle and actually shows that although we don't live in that type of poverty, our lives are somehow lacking for the lose of those times and situation.
G
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
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Hi Andre,
A great piece of writing and very moving. All of your pieces are moving because they rely on genuine emotion and feeling, as opposed to a style of writing designed to pull at the heart strings. this has heart - there is no faking that.
Using the various juxtapositions in this piece, miracle worker with a rolling pin, first & last memories it brings it full circle and actually shows that although we don't live in that type of poverty, our lives are somehow lacking for the lose of those times and situation.
G
Comment Written 23-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
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Yes, G., I am amazed that I pulled this story off during a twenty-four hour stay on Catalina Island for a wedding. I edited and assembled various juxtapositions furiously so I could post before the ferry departed for the mainland. I knew that once I returned to life as normal I would have to slog my way to finish my story.
It's hard to believe that only two Sunday's ago I was feeding Uncle Lee teacakes I baked. Once he ate that cookie, I could pull together all of the family stories regarding teacakes. You're right--I can't fake these emotions.
Thank you for your generous, six star review for my "great piece of writing" that "has heart."
Comment from Ella25
Exquisite, so soft spoken words in your Teacakes story. The love for your uncle Lee shines through, and your devotion to baking perfect teacakes is outstanding. You are an amazing story teller, Andre. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Very well done. Blessings, Ella
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
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Exquisite, so soft spoken words in your Teacakes story. The love for your uncle Lee shines through, and your devotion to baking perfect teacakes is outstanding. You are an amazing story teller, Andre. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Very well done. Blessings, Ella
Comment Written 23-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
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Thank you, Ella, for your review and your compliments on my storytelling. I have to thank my mother for writing the family stories down. I am standing upon her shoulders.
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You are welcome, Andre. It is a lovely story. Blessings, Ella
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I have to give you a six for this wonderful story. Those recipes from days long gone bring back so many lovely memories. My mother used to make a bread pudding with stale bread and lots of cinnamon and dried fruit. It was the poor mans filling pudding, and it was to die for! I have never made it, but remember eating it and loving it. Now, after reading your story, I think I will. I really enjoyed reading this story, and the picture, lol, with the missing teacake. :) Good luck in the contest. :) Sandra x
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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I have to give you a six for this wonderful story. Those recipes from days long gone bring back so many lovely memories. My mother used to make a bread pudding with stale bread and lots of cinnamon and dried fruit. It was the poor mans filling pudding, and it was to die for! I have never made it, but remember eating it and loving it. Now, after reading your story, I think I will. I really enjoyed reading this story, and the picture, lol, with the missing teacake. :) Good luck in the contest. :) Sandra x
Comment Written 22-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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Yes, Sandra, that bread pudding is what I'm talking about. We should not get so hoity toity today to the point where we cannot enjoy the simple foods and fond memories when we were poor. Please revive your family recipe!
Thank you for your generous, six star review and for wishing me success in the contest. I wish you success on your pudding!
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Thank you, I will be making one this very weekend. lol! I hope it turns out as nice as my mums did. :) x
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
What a delightful story, Sis Cat - something quite different that drew me in right away - tea-cake recipe from your family heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed your family story which was so well presented that it made it a pleasure to read, rather than a task.
I came from a family where us girls had to wait on our brothers - they had no chores whatsoever - so when I married and had three sons I decided they would learn to cook so they could share the task load with their partner when they married themselves (if both went out to work, that is) - and so they learnt and they quite enjoy trying different dishes - cooking a decent meal is so satisfying.
Good luck with the contest - and thanks for sharing this.
Blessings,
Margaret
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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What a delightful story, Sis Cat - something quite different that drew me in right away - tea-cake recipe from your family heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed your family story which was so well presented that it made it a pleasure to read, rather than a task.
I came from a family where us girls had to wait on our brothers - they had no chores whatsoever - so when I married and had three sons I decided they would learn to cook so they could share the task load with their partner when they married themselves (if both went out to work, that is) - and so they learnt and they quite enjoy trying different dishes - cooking a decent meal is so satisfying.
Good luck with the contest - and thanks for sharing this.
Blessings,
Margaret
Comment Written 22-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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Thank you, Margaret, for your review of my family story you found thoroughly enjoyable and pleasurable and for wishing me success in the contest. I am glad you taught your sons to cook!
Comment from Zue65
I enjoyed reading this biographical account of the long tradition and affinity of your family to teacakes. That was quite more than a century of teacakes history that runs in your family tree. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
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I enjoyed reading this biographical account of the long tradition and affinity of your family to teacakes. That was quite more than a century of teacakes history that runs in your family tree. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
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Yes, nassus1957, I was amazed to read my mother's memoir closely. Teacakes showed up repeatedly over the course of one hundred years. My baking teacakes for Uncle Lee adds years to my family's culinary history. thank you for your review.
Comment from Margaret Ford
This is a wonderful, charming story. I love the way it is so tied to your family heritage, and takes place over time. I'm envious of the connection you feel to family members like your uncle.
I think this story is free of nits and spags. I alway appreciate an author who edits his/her own work, so that reviewers don't have to do it. So thanks for that.
The world is full of people who would never think to write a story with a cookie-related theme. Congratulations for having been born talented, and kudos for doing so much with all that potential.
Margaret
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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This is a wonderful, charming story. I love the way it is so tied to your family heritage, and takes place over time. I'm envious of the connection you feel to family members like your uncle.
I think this story is free of nits and spags. I alway appreciate an author who edits his/her own work, so that reviewers don't have to do it. So thanks for that.
The world is full of people who would never think to write a story with a cookie-related theme. Congratulations for having been born talented, and kudos for doing so much with all that potential.
Margaret
Comment Written 22-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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Oh, thank you, Margaret, for your generous, six star review. This evening while prepping in the kitchen, I took out my mother's rolling pin, caressed its dented surface against my cheek, and cried tears of joy. I am both thrilled and humbled that I was able to pull off this cookie-themed story about my family heritage which takes place over time. Thanks again.
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You're welcome. The 'six' was well-deserved. M.
