The culture of cake eating is nowhere such a highly regarded pastime as in the American South. For any occasion or no occasion needed; from births to funerals, weddings to even divorce, and everything in between, cakes hold an esteemed place on Southern tables. Southern Hospitality, which is known near and far, can probably be traced to the deep Southern respect for the sweet tooth.

Time seems to move a little slower in the South. Somehow the mad crush of modern life is relegated to the peripheral while attentions are focused more on inviting neighbors to lunch or tending to the PTA bake sale. Recipes differ, but the intentions do not. Cakes are made for sharing and Southerners do them so well!

Pound cake, the Southern belle, holds her head up high whether cloaked in sugary glaze, or modestly sliced and paired with sweet summer strawberries and cream. Coconut layer cake, the coquette, whispers of the exotic, drawing you near with lush aroma, and delicate crumb. Red velvet, the rebel, may shock you with her garish hue, but the subtle richness in a cream cheese frosted bite, may just save your soul, honey! Dense devils food, the exhibitionist, shows no modesty beneath a thick smear of dark chocolate, and seems to leave no choice but to dig in. She knows the power of her charms...although coca-cola cake is just as fetching as the girl next door beneath her cola-chocolate veil. These all-American beauties wait patiently on the sideboard to be shared.

Southern cakes are steeped in tradition. Buffets would not be complete without a generous assortment. Punch bowl cake layered prettily in its heirloom glass dish beckons. A stately fruitcake is no laughing matter. A rum soaked mouthful laden with pecans and dried cherries and apricots will not be around for long, despite what the Yankees say! Chiffon cakes, berry cakes, pudding cakes, cheesecakes-one could eat from one end of the room to the other! And the beauty of the South is that this not only a possibility, but a proud legacy. Indulgence is welcome...

Any way you slice it, cakes know how to comfort. Glazed lemon pound cake can brighten any cloudy day and creamy cool coconut can take you back to Granny's kitchen. Rich devils food slathered with fudgy icing can make you forget your troubles for awhile, just like Mama presenting you with a slice and a glass of milk after school. Something about the South...lets you take the time to savor the simple sweetness of homemade love. A cake enjoyed in the South is never enjoyed alone. Recipes swapped bring the promise of reciprocation and a continuing of a special community. Upon the first slice, the welcoming joy of a cake begs to be shared with your friends, like the sweet moments in life.

Trends come and go. Seasons pass; bringing the flavor of the month, but in a place as old and as regal as the South, the charms of a life promised in a slice of cake are palpable and enduring. The warm wind blows the scent of floral magnolia blossoms and mimosa branches, the damp smell of Spanish moss, and red clay earth...and inevitably the mouth-watering aroma of someone baking a cake...

Learn more about this author, Amandalynn Malone.
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