Cake made us friends.

I remember the day a new friend asked me if I wanted a piece of poundcake. We were sitting in her townhouse living room, most likely playing Scrabble.

“I’m good,” I chirped. I am not a fan of pound cake.

“It’s not what you’re thinking,” her husband said as if he had crawled into my brain and knew what I was thinking. “It tastes like nothing else you’ve had before.”

“Okay,” I said. What was the worst that could happen? I’ve choked down store-bought, dried-out, tasteless cake before, how bad can homemade poundcake be?

What I tasted that day was not a piece of poundcake. It was a piece of heaven. Not kidding.

It is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted, and that’s saying a lot because I like to eat food.

I may have had seconds, and thirds. I may have licked the bowl, the beater and my face. I can’t remember. But I know I asked a crucial question….

“This is the best cake I’ve ever had. Can I have the recipe?”

Ryan saying, “Me, Me!” He wanted to add the ingredients.

“I’m sorry, it’s a family secret,” she said. She didn’t look sorry.

I had heard this response existed, but I’d never actually heard someone use it. Then I remembered I’m from the North. My  friend is from the South where secret family recipes are the holy grail of state fairs, church bazaars, and successful restaurants.

I was forced to eat this amazing pound cake only when I was with her.

This friend and I grew very close over the next year or so and have remained very good friends although we now live far apart… somewhat because she makes the most amazing poundcake and guards the recipe with her life, and somewhat because we realized our shared addiction with Scrabble. (this was pre-kids obviously)

Incidentally, I did manage to get the secret family recipe – FROM MY FRIEND’S MOTHER – during a visit there one year (I’ve been to her mom’s house a couple times now). My friend was incredulous – “I didn’t get that recipe until I was 33,” she said. Her mom just shrugged and handed me the recipe card to copy down.

I kept my mouth shut, because I’m smart and because I can’t write and talk at the same time.

Unfortunately for you, I won’t be sharing the recipe. You’ll just have to come hang out to get a piece. And don’t forget your Scrabble board.