A Birthday Cake for my Dad

Every year, my dad has Blitzen Cake for his birthday. It’s always the mark of the summer’s end. Dad’s birthday, Labour day, and back to school. My dad is a twin, and Blitzen Cake is what his mother used to make every year. And with no need to perfect perfection, it’s what we always ate on September 3rd. Maybe it’s a bit old fashioned now, but I think that’s a good thing. Nice and retro. I can wear a fancy apron while I bake. Apparently, Blitzen Cake was all the rage in Depression era Ontario. My granny told a story about a hobo who knocked on the door one day. He was invited into the kitchen and offered a meal. Dessert time rolled around and out came the glorious Blitzen Cake. His reposnse? “Don’t give me any of that stuff! That’s all I’m ever given around here.”

Lucky hobo.

Well, this one is for Dad and Uncle Bob celebrating 75 this year, and it’s for Jen’s just announced twins-to-be, too. They will be arriving this winter. It’s good to have reasons to celebrate.

Here’s the recipe. I made it yesterday. If you like, you can make one, too.

Cake Ingredients : 1/2 cup butter

           3/4 cup sifted icing sugar

           4 egg yolks, well beaten

           1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

           1 tsp. baking powder

           1/4 tsp. salt

           3 Tbsps milk

           1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond

Meringue :

           4 egg whites

           1/2 cup sugar

          1/2 cup icing sugar

          1/2 cup coconut, to scatter on top

Heat oven to 325 degs.F. and butter and line 8 inch cake pan x2. Cream well butter and icing sugar. Beat in egg yolks.

  

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Stir into creamed mixture.

Stir in milk and vanilla and spread in 2 prepared cake pans.