Meeting again.

Jake and I got out for the first time in a really long time

It was an early Republicans dinner.

Like 5 pm early.

The spirit of Red White and Blue was alive and well.
I believe I was one of three people there that was not dressed like the actual flag.

I'll take what I can get.

Everyone there had children the age of our parents,

Hence the early dinner.

Again, take what you can get.

I had dinner next to my husband, and Elmo Williams

If you don't know why this is significant, check out the link.

The man is currently 97 years old.

Walking driving, and able to recollect many antique years of travels.

Recently widowed, he enjoys sharing his life song with a pleasant listening ear.

Although he didn't remember meeting me in years past,

He has never repeated the same story twice.

He just has too many tales to tell!

Our mutual topic of interest that night was cooking.

He boasted about his 12 years in France and culinary experiences there.

Jake was kind enough to take this picture of us:

Because Jake is not interested in cooking (mostly just eating),

He embraced the Bengay and Polydent crowd.

And Elmo was kind enough to hand write me a new favorite recipe.

"Elmo's Rum Cake".
Observe:

This cake was so decadent and incredibly irresistible.

The pictures and personal recipe will be a prized possession in my cookbook.

A real heirloom.

Without further adieu,

The recipe:

1 box yellow cake mix

(yes I made the exception for the man himself- I may try to make my own yellow mix. Suggestions welcome!)

1 package vanilla pudding mix

(try a natural version, or simply omit. I found it was still awesome without the pudding mix)

1/2 cup dark rum

1/2 cup oil (I used butter, Veggie oil works fine too)

4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat all ingredients together.

Prepare bunt pan by greasing well with oil of choice (I used butter with success).

Sprinkle slivered almonds around bottom of pan (Oops! forgot this one too!)

Pour batter into pan.

Bake for 30 min.

Meanwhile,

Prepare rum glaze with:

2 sticks butter

1/4 cup Orange juice

1/4 cup rum

1 cup "shugar"

(He's from the south I think. Pronounced "shugah")

Combine ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer during the cake baking process.

When cake is done, remove it from the oven.

Slap sides to be certain cake is released from the pan.

While it is still hot, pour glaze over cake.

Let sit until glaze has been absorbed.

Put plate over cake pan and quickly invert it to release from pan.

Once cooled, "duet with powdered sugar"

Not sure where that term came from, but go ahead and sprinkle on the fun.

It is seriously necessary for one to try such a timeless recipe. This is enjoyed and loved by many family, friends, and fans of the great hometown legend.

Elmo,

You're the man.