My warmest childhood memories all revolve around my grandparents. I was blessed enough to know all four of my grandparents as a child, to know and love them well. My great grandmother passed away when I was young but her presence in my life from birth to 11 was so impactful that my memories of her are vivid to this day. This year on Grandparents Day I want to honor my grandparents by remembering what made them all so special and by sharing stories and traditions I’m passing along to my own kids.
My dads mother, Ellen, affectionately known as “Grandma Lu” owned a daycare when I was a child. She told the tallest tales and made the best food. My favorite snack time treat was “Smurf Cake,” white cake batter made into 5 different colors, then swirled all together on a sheet pan (no icing). This is now one of my family’s favorite treats too!
Grandma Lu’s Smurf Cake
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 cup butter
3 eggs
2teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
Mix sugar, butter, vanilla and milk together. Beat in 1 egg at a time then add the baking powder and flour on slowly.
Separate the batter into 4 bowls and mix a different color of food coloring into each bowl.
Grease a sheet pan and pour each color cake mix on sheet pan and swirl together.
Bake on 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares then enjoy!
“Grandma Shorty,” my Moms mother was the sweetest soul. She always had my favorite donuts: cake with white icing and sprinkles. I think my preference rubbed off on my kids and husband because that particular donut is our go to and we never eat them without talking about “Grandma Shorty.”
I love the idea of keeping my memories alive by sharing them with my children. What traditions from your grandparents have you passed on to your kids?
