Let them eat cake!

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When I googled the expression “let them eat cake”, the following was found:

“Let them eat cake” is the traditional translation of the French phrase “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche“, supposedly spoken by “a great princess” upon learning that the peasants had no bread. Since brioche was a luxury bread enriched with butter and eggs, the quotation would reflect the princess’s disregard for the peasants, or her poor understanding of their situation.

While the phrase is commonly attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette, there is no record of her having said it. Google provides much more information on the subject, but let’s not dwell on it that here.

My wonderful husband celebrates his 74th birthday today, and when I asked him what kind of a cake he desired, he didn’t even hesitate before replying, “One of Jan’s bundt cakes!” Since I am known for baking an amazing carrot cake, I was a bit chagrined until it hit me that he was saving me a lot of labor- intensive work. 

Our dear friend, Jan Newton, owns “Nothing Bundt Cakes” in Gilbert, AZ and is the same generous friend who provided 5 of her great cakes for our 50th anniversary two years ago. To make his birthday wish come true, we arranged to meet Jan for lunch yesterday and came home with the awesome white chocolate raspberry cake pictured here with Jerry & Jan, giver extraordinaire!

While I have never been a big fan of cake, I have to say Jan’s are the best cakes ever created.. However, my favorite and only sister (at least that I know of and you can understand after last week’s blog) started a birthday tradition when I was about 13 years old. Knowing my love of her cherry cream pie, she made it for my birthday whenever possible in the years that followed. Sometimes, if we couldn’t be together on my special day, sweet Marian sent the recipe to a friend or relative and asked them to make it and surprise me. That is blessed sisterly love, and just one of many reasons why I love her so dearly!!!

This summer, on July 27, my 74th birthday, we hope to be with a small group of family members in Minnesota for a reunion. Even if they didn’t choose this date to honor yours truly, someone could gain great favor by making this pie.  Just sayin’……

Cherry Cream Pie – serves 8 (or maybe just the birthday girl)

1 8oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream (whipped)
1 TBSP vanilla
1 can cherry pie filling

Soften cream cheese; add powdered sugar & vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Place in graham cracker crust. Top with cherry pie filling. Chill and indulge.

Of course, one of these pies wouldn’t feed the entire group, just 8 of us, but we could make it a fun competition by drawing numbers to choose the lucky 8.  Let the rest of them eat cake!!!!  Now just so you family members know, I won’t be upset if no one makes this pie. and I can certainly make one myself in one of the homes where we’ll be staying. However, the words of Proverbs 11:25 give me pause.  “He who refreshes others will himself (or herself) be refreshed.”  After thinking about that verse, I have come to the conclusion that my contribution to the family gathering should be enough cherry cream pies to feed all.  So that is my serious commitment! The Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, Jerry and I will be there with cherry cream pies!!!

With a thankful heart for the wonderful and kind man who vowed to love me forever almost 52 years ago, I dedicate this column to Jerry, birthday boy and beloved husband. Seriously!!!!!!

13 Comments

  4. Linda Johnson

    This reply is from one of your long-time friends who NEVER bakes cakes, cookies, pies……. However, I am also a frequent customer of my local “Nothing Bundt Cakes” in Dallas. Yum!!!! I tend to buy several to freeze so I have them available if I find myself needing a fabulous dessert for an event.

    Happy, happy, happy birthday, Jerry! Love, Linda

  5. Linda Johnson

    This reply is from one of your long-time friends who NEVER bakes cakes, cookies, pies……. However, I am also a frequent customer of my local “Nothing Bundt Cakes” in Dallas. Yum!!!! I tend to buy several to freeze so I have them available if I find myself needing a fabulous dessert for an event.

    Happy, happy, happy birthday, Jerry! Love, Linda

  6. Glenda

    Hope you don’t mind that I’m using your Cherry Pie recipe, my sisters are coming on Friday❤️
    Always love your heartfelt stories😘
    Glenda

  7. Marty and Lin

    If you are going to a Minnesota you should come our way for a visit! Marty has a May 30th birthday and she would love Cherry Cream Pie! Happy Birthday Jerry!

  12. Sharla Powley

    Happy Happy Birthday Jerry! I’m totally with Jerry. The bundts are my favorite too! However, I’m looking forward to trying your Cherry cream pie recipe. I just added the ingredients to my shopping list. Love you Charlotte ❤️

  13. Kelly

    Thanks for sharing your pie recipe! I’ve always enjoyed making pies (I’ve been known to make a pretty good apple pie for dad, and always took any opportunity to make up mom’s fave pecan pie when I could). I will have to give yours a try! Ironically enough, my birthday request this year is for CARROT CAKE! My sister is the best baker I know, and living so close allows me the opportunity to put in specific requests this year! I mean, you only turn 40 once, so I plan to do it right!!! Happy birthday, Jerry!!! I hope to meet you some day!

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