Remembering Three Dear Friends, Part One

Traveling as much as I do, I see young people in desert fatigues in almost every airport and the sight of them makes me worry and hope that they’ll return home safely.  Memorial Day is all about honoring these brave men and women in military service who gave their lives to gain or protect our freedom.  But this year, I’m filled with thoughts of three dear friends, all of whom I met and who became close lifelong friends because of our common love of baking.  Joe McDonnal of Seattle, Shirley Nachman of Detroit, and Sheri Portwood of Dallas all loved good food, especially great baking.  I had the joy and privilege of more than 25 years of friendship with each of them and during that time we visited often, shared meals both plain and fancy, and exchanged recipes on a regular basis.  I chose the recipe here because it’s exactly the kind of simple and flavorful cake they all loved.  A new friend, Phyl Divine, shared the photo he took when he wrote about preparing the cake on his blog.  I’m grateful that baking continues to connect me to wonderful friends.  After the recipe I’m adding some stories about Joe.  Memories of Shirley and Sheri will follow tomorrow and Wednesday.  Happy Memorial Day.