Pop Pop

Memories of Christmas always include our Pop Pop wearing a Santa cap on his head and holiday socks beneath his freshly pressed trousers. He was a fun-loving soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone in his presence.  I can still picture Pop Pop, more often than not in the kitchen, wearing his "Sexy Senior Citizen" apron and reading glasses upon his nose.  He had a ruddy complexion, similar to Santa's and was known to deliver a sack full of toys that could rival the one in the sleigh.

Pop Pop was a talented man, not afraid to try his hand at anything creative.  He built model ships, painted ceramic figurines, created beautiful needlepoint pieces, and was a most excellent cook.  Pop Pop made a pound cake that was out of this world.  His pound cake was moist and dense and crunchy on top and had a special flavor that made it stand out from the others.  Every Christmas (and most Thanksgivings too) we delight our family and friends by including this special pound cake in our holiday meal.  In honor of Pop Pop I'd like to share his recipe with you today.  

Pop Pop's Pound Cake

2 sticks of butter

3 cups of sugar

6 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon mace

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3 cups sifted all-purpose flour (sift and then measure)

3 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Cream butter and add sugar in small amounts.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Sift flour with soda and mace.  Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream to butter & sugar mixture.  Stir in flavoring.  Pour into well greased and floured 10" tube pan.  Bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes (but check after 1 1/2 hours).  Cool in pan for 15 minutes.  Run knife around edge of pan for easy removal.