Today, we buried our friend, Connie Sue. None of us were prepared for this, none of us expected it, none of us believe it. Yet, we all know, this is what happens to all of us - the one thing that binds us all eternally - is death.
Funerals are odd occurrences. These are times when we run into old friends, forgotten pasts, and for a few moments during the midst of our sadness and grief, after the funeral, after the burial, we gather and break bread ... we enjoy time together - a few laughs to ease our pain - and, we break some more bread together.
Today, it was DATE PUDDING! One of our friends made it. A crazy rich taste, we were all giddy with side splitting laughter, indulging in the rich, rich, decadence of the pudding. Before we parted, Sharon asked, "Do you have this recipe?" No one really did, but I promised I would find one before day's end. And, I did - courtesy of Stop The Ride, a cool blog I stumbled across. This is Stephanie's Grandmother's marvelous recipe. Enjoy! Be kind to one another, remember and cherish your friends, and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! You're (really) all you've got ... http://www.stoptheride.net/2007/10/amish-date-pudding.html
Grandma Erma's Upside Down Date Pudding
To 1 C chopped dates add 1 C boiling water and set aside.
1 1/2 C flour
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp salt
2 TB butter
1 tsp. baking soda
1 C chopped nuts
1/2 C white sugar
Blend sugars, egg and butter. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in nuts and dates. Pour into 11x7 baking dish.
Top with this sauce:
1-1/2 C brown sugar
1 TB butter
1-1/2 C boiling water
Pour over top of flour mixture. Bake at 375 F for 40 minutes. When cool cut into squares. In a large bowl, layer cake with whipped cream (homemade is best) and bananas. Use a clear bowl to do your layering, if you can. It makes it pretty.
Personal Note: I'd top the whole thing with REAL whipped cream ...
