The Things We Save - Grannie's Crystal Cake Platter

The Things We Save - Grannie's Crystal Cake Platter

Oil on Masonite

8"X10"

This is the large crystal platter, the mere sight of which makes my mouth water for the rich, sweet, creamy crunch of the Porcupine Cakes it has housed.  Even in the dark, it sparkles with the light of many birthday candles and even more celebrations of Life.

As promised to many of you who asked, here is the Porcupine Cake recipe I learned to make standing by Grannie's side.

Buy soft Lady Fingers. Maybe 4 packages, depending on size cake you want to make.

Make some strong coffee.

Break out the rum.

Make French Coffee Icing (Recipe to follow)

Build the cake:

Layer of Lady fingers, opened up. 

Spoon on a little coffee and rum onto each lady. 

Put another layer of ladys (opened up).

Thin layer of icing

Put another layer of ladys (opened up).

Spoon on a little coffee and rum onto each lady. 

Two or three more layers.

Then frost all around.

Then stick almond slices all over the cake, leaving one end for a face. Use raisins or whatever strikes your fancy for eyes

and mouth.

French Coffee Icing:

Sift 1 2/3 cups confectioner's sugar

Beat until soft 1/2 cup butter

Add these ingredients gradually. Blend until they are creamy.

Add: 1/8 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons strong HOT coffee

Beat for 2 minutes.

When icing is cool, add 

1 teaspoon rum.

Beat well.

Spread.

It is very rich. All that butter and sugar. Small slices suffice.