Last month was my Papa’s birthday. He’s been gone eight years, but man, I still miss him so much this time of year. We usually spent time on Thanksgiving weekend at his home, and we always woke up on Christmas morning in his home.
As a little girl, I remember sleeping on the floor in my grandparent’s bedroom. I remember the anticipation of waiting for Santa and the pallet we would have on either side of the bed. I remember my grandmother saying, “I heard Santy Clause last night.” I would try hard to stay up and listen for him.
As I got older, I remember staying at their home in the summer, and I could always hear my Papa “wander” down the hallway. He wasn’t light-footed, but his walk would echo through the halls. And, if I woke up any time past 8:00, I’d just slept all day!
I’ve thought a lot about Little Man at this stage and how much fun he and my Papa would have together. Overalls are in a package under my tree, and that’s always something I wanted so I could match my Papa. His land and backyard are still one of my happy places to explore, create, wander a garden and play on his hidden tractor. Growing up, I wish I had known how to cherish those days a little more.
But I remember that my Papa always had two things at his house when we visited – frozen honey buns and a fresh Dr. Pepper Cake. Goodness, I can taste it right now – the golden buttery flavor and that “gravy” poured over the top.
Gosh, what I wouldn’t give to sit at his bar with him and share a slice of cake, a cup of coffee, and some of his wisdom. I’d also like to see his smirk at this funny kid of mine who shares so many of his favorite character traits!
Dr. Pepper Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 12 oz can Dr. Pepper separate 3 Tablespoons for icing
- 1 small pkg vanilla instant pudding
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup oil
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts optional
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Separate out 3 Tablespoons of Dr. Pepper into a bowl for icing.
- Add all ingredients, except nuts, to a stand mixer.
- Blend until well incorporated.
- Add nuts and hand fold into batter.
- Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
- While cake cooks, mix together icing ingredients – Dr. Pepper, powdered sugar, vanilla.
- Rest cake for 5-10 minutes.
- Turn cake out onto serving plate.
- Drizzle icing over cake.
What taste from the holiday season always makes a place feel like home?
