i know the secret ingredient to my grandmother’s world famous chocolate cake

birthdays, thanksgivings, backyard bbqs…they all have one thing in common – grandma’s chocolate cake. the perfect balance of light sponge and rich mocha frosting. cut with a sterling silver knife dipped in a glass of lukewarm water to ensure a clean slice. my grandma proudly passing out the pieces of her masterpiece to the people that she loves most. baked brie, chopped liver, fried chicken and brisket. cookies – oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, squirt and butter with granulated sugar sprinkled on top cut into hearts and squares and butterflies. bite-size cheesecake. her house always warm from the hot oven, the freezer always full of a her latest tasty treat.

she wears gold rings on most of her fingers, dotted with the diamonds my papa has lovingly given to her. 5 children, 7 grandchildren, her first great-grandchild. long necklaces marking milestones – first 50 years of marriage, now 60. a successful surgery. a “grand-daughter original.” a charm bracelet, each charm with the face of a son, daughter-in-law, grandchild, that jingle and jangle as she walks slowly around her cul de sac.

she has a huge smile that can quickly appear, causing her cheeks to turn bright pink and push up her glasses.

i follow her examples – every surface of my house covered in picture frames, every occasion turned into a chance to entertain. my kitchenaidalways churning. the table always set. i’ve never met an accessory i didn’t like. and i’ve been known to travel across state lines with a bunt pan.