The most aromatic memories of my grandmother’s kitchen are of cinnamon and nutmeg. They started when I was young and lucky enough to stop by her house as her coffee cake cooled. During the seven decades that have passed since then, I have made literally hundreds of her coffee cakes. I start by assembling the ingredients – the flours, sugars, a tad of salt, Wesson Oil, and then the nutmeg.
If you have never ground your own nutmeg, I hope you will try it. More than a decade ago, I inherited my mom’s nutmeg grinder. That’s when I discovered that when you grind a whole nutmeg, a gorgeous explosion of aroma bursts into the air. Now, all writers know that describing aromas is very challenging. I can say the words that come to mind for me are: sweet, spicy, aromatic, peppery, woody, and nutty. Nutmeg, a cousin to mace, has been hailed to be “worth its weight in gold.” Not only that, but nutmeg has many health benefits.
My memories grow richer with passing time and they, also, are becoming worth their weight in gold. My grandmothers recipe is at least six to seven decades old. Unlike many of my family’s old recipes, I find that this coffee cake holds more nutrition than many. Should you wish to try it, I’ve shared it below.
Grandmother Davis’ Coffee Cake Ingredients: 2 cups sifted unbleached white flour (I like to substitute 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for the same amount of white) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup Wesson Oil
Mix the first 5 ingredients thoroughly. Remove 2 teaspoons of mixture and mix, in a small bowl, with: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 cup chopped nuts (I love pecans for this coffee cake). Set bowl aside.
Mix the following together and add to first mixture: 1 cup buttermilk (1 teaspoon vinegar and milk to = 1 cup) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 beaten egg
Beat thoroughly. Place in lightly oiled 9″ x 9″ pan. Sprinkle nut mixture on top. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
As I remove Mom’s Coffee Cake from the oven on this evening, my kitchen fills with the incredible nutmeg scent. I am so thankful for many more reasons than nutmeg that she was part of my life. All day, I’ve been remembering your birthday, Mom Davis. Tonight I wish you, with so much gratitude, a Happy Birthday with even more love.
My mom used to make that as well.
Hmmm, after reading your recipe, I’m sure I’ll enjoy smelling the nutmeg all day. Lovely memories. Thanks.
Always lovely to find you here, Gwen. Nutmeg is a wonderful scent to be embraced by.
I’m glad you told me that, Margie. I’ve long thought it must have been a recipe publicized by Wesson Oil because it contains the product name. My grandmother’s recipe listed “a very full 1/2 cup of the oil, or words to that effect, which I’ve never seen before either. (I’m munching on a piece as I write and smile.) Be well, my writing sister. I just looked for your book… I look forward to reading it.
Sending many wishes that you and your family are staying well during this time…
What a great recipe, Mary Jo! I certainly am going to try it as I adore good, homemade coffee cake. I have my grandmother’s nutmeg grater, just like the one in your photo. It sure brings back memories. My grandmother was a great cook as well as my best friend when I was growing up. Stay well, my friend!
Rita, when you make this, it may taste familiar. I think it may have come up the road to you. Be safe and healthy, dear friend.
Sounds totally yummy!
I see four quilt patterns that I love, too. I especially love the butterfly and the bookshelf!
So you are a quilt person, too, Sara!! Those are my two favorite of the small group there. So nice to hear from you as always. May you and Ray be ever so safe and healthy, til next time. xo
Mary Jo,
I wanted to be, but due to my eyes and finger stiffness, I can’t create any quilts myself. My Gramma Boots made them and I inherited a few.
Certainly do appreciate those who still can see and have deft fingers to make them.
I can sometimes do beading, though. The butterfly one looks extra hard . . . the books look relatively easy. I could sure see an entire wall with books like that on shelves.
Are you working on a sequel. on your first book? I expect that you will, if not now, but later.
I loved the Patchwork book, and I am slowly re-reading it for the third time. You remind me of myself in those days. Boyfriends and husbands, and so many losses of loved ones. My own one daughter died of complications with Pneumonia in August of 2015. She would have been age 50 then. Her body was too tired from fighting off the rare form of cancer she had, called Pseudomyxoma Peritoneii. She had had that for ten years. She was married, but never had kids. Except her doggos and kittlings, that she and her husband rescued and fostered, and then took to new homes to live lives of joy.
Not sure if I ever told you that story. I am in groups #9 and #4. Ariela leads # 9, and Jazz leads #4, a poetry group.