"She opened the over door and the kitchen filled with a smell sweeter than summer gardenias--the smell of teacakes." - Saturdays and Teacakes, Lester L. Laminack
When I was growing up I had a very close relationship with my grandfather. Due to the early deaths of my other three grandparents he was the only one I was really knew and he was, in a way, like a third parent to me and my sister. Some of my favorite memories are of going on walks together, eating cheese and crackers in front of The Young and the Restless and--when I was in upper elementary school--getting involved in stamp collecting together. My grandpa adored all of his grandchildren and bonded with all of us in different ways. For those of us who lived near him, he never missed a dance recital, concert, big sporting event or graduation. He also made it a priority to visit his other grandchildren who lived across the country. I miss him every day and think about him often--especially when I see my boys enjoying things he would have enjoyed, like getting excited about planting flowers in our garden or playing an instrument.
(Me and Poppa, circa 1981)
Saturdays and Teacakes by Lester Laminack is the story of a boy and his grandmother (Mammaw) and the special relationship between a child and a grandparent. Their standing Saturday date is a ritual that begins with the main character setting off on his bike and riding through town until he reaches her home. Their day includes sharing breakfast, doing yardwork, eating lunch (with fresh tomatoes from the garden) and--finally--making and eating Mammaw's special teacakes. Chris Soentpiet's lovely, Rockwell-inspired watercolor illustrations firmly place the story in a not-so-distant past and evoke feelings of nostalgia for a bygone era--a time when little kids really did ride their bikes through town (without helmets!) and gas station attendants wore spiffy uniforms. Despite the setting, the story is one all who have a special bond with a grandparent can relate to.
Laminack's publisher, Peachtree Publishers, has a recipe for "Mammaw Thompson's Teacakes" on their website. I adapted it to be gluten-free.
Teacakes (adapted from "Mammaw Thompson's Teacakes", Lester L. Laminack)
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks butter (I used Smart Balance Butter Blend)
- 5 Comments on Saturdays and Teacakes - Teacakes, last added: 7/29/2010
A very heart warming post. What a nice tradition, and the book sounds great.
Made me remember my grandmother who wrote down the recipes of all my favourite dishes made by her as a wedding gift.
Lovely post.
Callie, the book was lovely. I really enjoyed it from an adult's perspective, but my kids also loved it.
Sandhya, that's a wonderful gift. How fun that you're able to share them with your own family now.
Callie, the book was lovely. I really enjoyed it from an adult's perspective, but my kids also loved it.
Sandhya, that's a wonderful gift. How fun that you're able to share them with your own family now.
We had a look at your gluten free recipes and liked them. Thank you!
Paula & Family