~~~
My main goal for trying still photography has been to document those special treasures handed down in my family, as well as items collected from my travels…and since I’m on the farm and spending quality time with mom…it’s the perfect time to begin creating…
For the past 50 years my mom has baked cakes (who knows how many) in this tube cake pan…pound cakes, fruit cakes, pineapple upside down cakes, and angel food (sponge) cakes…all made from scratch. Now this tube cake pan is a real treasure, right?
My favorite cake? Pound cake…especially the ones that have the real crispy toppings…<omg yum>
And yes…see that little piece of crispy that is no longer in the upper left hand corner? Yep…that was me. <shhhh>
Warning: This is definitely not diet friendly…but just in case…here’s mom’s recipe…<smile>
2 sticks of butter 1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of solid vegetable shortening 3 cups of plain flour 3 cups of sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
6 large eggs 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vanilla
Cream butter, solid vegetable shortening such as Crisco, and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add milk. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add vanilla. Mix well and pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake one hour and 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Let cool for an hour before removing…
Now we’re off to make biscuits…
or cornbread…
or pumpkin pies!
OMG! I love, love, love, this post. You know cooking is my thing and I love old kitchen items of any kind…That tube pan is a treasure for sure and you did such a great job capturing all the memories it holds. I can’t wait to see more of your “creating with mom” episodes, especially how she makes my favorite, cornbread!!! Oh my, I can almost smell it baking now. Love and hugs to you both. XoXo
Hi Robin, I absolutely love these latest pictures. I would call them not quite still-life, because while the scene is set, they still appear very natural -as though taken in the midst of the baking (which I’m sure they were). The soft, muted tones compliment the notion of warmth, baking, and mother love. Seeing your pictures reminds me that I should consider taking pictures to document my childhood home and my Mom herself. For some reason this idea seems daunting to me. You might like this link – a photographer that I’m using for inspiration as I approach this idea of documenting home. http://thiswildidea.com/south,_hwy_17
Enjoy your time with you mother!
Because of knowing you’re with your mom right now, Robin, I am so glad for this post, picturing a bit of what you’re up to these days. I have a feeling she is totally LOVING fussing over you in the kitchen. Eat it all up! HA! And keep showing us more….!
Dang….that looks good! Do you have a high altitude recipe? lol
Love the shots.
That beautiful finished cake, with the little piece missing, looks truly yummy but I really love that first image with the pan and bag of sugar and the eggs on the white tea towel … such special light, I’d love to be sitting at the table there with you both.
Love this! Sal said, “so, do you wanna jot that recipe down” (hint, hint!). Enjoy the time with your mom!
I just love the idea of you documenting your history in still life. I love the link that Donna shared for her inspiration, too.
But there is something so very special about your photographs and stories Robin that are just so captivating, so much more than any others I’ve ever seen.
I miss Dad in “The Next Few Years” so much, so this will be a very special project and delight to follow.
I love the beginning of it – baking with mom.
I am not very sentimental any longer, but there is one thing from my childhood that I would love to have, and wouldn’t you know, here I have mom living with us and all her belongs and this is nowhere to be found and she is a major hoarder. It is a collection of buttons that have been around longer than me. They were in a round tin canister and I cannot find it anywhere. It was filled with beautiful buttons that they no longer make – An array of colors, sizes, shapes and material that are no longer used. I remember always digging around in it as a kid.
I wish I at least had a photograph of it.
It’s a wonderful idea and I can’t wait to see it unfold. I know it will be so beautiful and special, just like you.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying quality time with mom and I’m sure she loves having you around and to pick the crust off of her wonderful pound cake! Hope you get your mac & cheese, too.
Lots of love and hugs to you and mom. Stay warm and keep shooting and writing, my dear.
Thank you so much for sharing.
xoxo
First of all, it’s so good to be back! Your photography just keeps getting more and more amazing! That first image is gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing this recipe! It looks sinful! Definitely one to indulge in when you’re having a bad day (even a good day ;)).
I’m looking forward to going through all that I’ve missed here. Can’t wait!
Love the pan – and all of your photos. Great motifs, great angles, great light. And afterwards a delicious cake with your mom, how clever.
The warmth of these photos rises right off the page.