Anybody remember the Mary Tyler Moore episode in which Rhoda is contemplating eating a piece of chocolate? She says, in that wonderful Rhoda tone, “I don’t know why I’m putting this in my mouth. I should just apply it directly to my hips.” An older Rhoda might say, “And my stomach and my upper arms and my rear and my thighs, and for jolly good measure, my chin.”
We can talk more about weight gain on Friend for the Ride, but for now, I just want to say that I wish I had believed the rumor: Weight gain and menopause are like cake and icing. They’re buddies.
I should have been more careful while on the Wild Roller Coaster. If you’re comfortable with some weight gain, of course you can relax a bit. But if you want to watch gaining weight, approach The Great Pause with some gastronomic caution. You’re not in Kansas anymore.
That said, we still need to eat cake! Just not as much. The cakes on display at the NC State Fair this week reminded me of my mom’s easy pound cake recipe. Bake one up, have a modest but delicious slice, and share the rest:
Mom’s Easy Pound Cake
2 sticks of butter, softened
2 cups sugar,
2 cups flour
5 eggs
Mix all ingredients. Flavor with two teaspoons vanilla, 4 tablespoons of brandy or bourbon, or any other flavoring you choose. Bake at 350 degrees in a greased tube pan for 50-60 minutes until a knife comes out clean. This freezes well. Note: I haven’t ever baked the pound cake in a loaf pan. I think it would probably work, but if it looks too high, try two smaller loaf pans.
Photo: This lucky pound cake was a Blue Ribbon Winner at the North Carolina State Fair. Nothing could be finer than pound cake in Carolina (or Minnesota or California or Australia or Guam or wherever you live!)
Giveaway Winner! This first giveaway broke my heart because I wanted to send each of you who entered a book. Thank you for your interest in Purple Mountain Majesties. The winner is Cathy,and her book will soon be in the mail.
Friend For The Ride 
Rhoda (and you) said a mouthful! Too bad, with all the wonderful, delicious food out there, that we have to watch every bite in order not to puff up into a blimp. I sure miss those easy, youthful days when I could have a second helping and not have to worry if I could still fit into my jeans the next day. (That said, I’d have a hard time turning down a second helping of your mom’s pound cake!)
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i can never turn down dessert!!! but i do realize that my indulgences must be limited as i go through this new phase. so one of my solutions is smaller quantities. and…..to stop when full. actually, barbara, you may have taught me that trick!
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No, I’m not so good at stopping when full. I taught you the trick of not eating it if it’s not really good–like if the cookies at church receptions are store bought and don’t look great (not that there aren’t a ton of good store bought cookies!)
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Enjoying just 3 savor-the-flavor bites, then putting the fork down on the plate of my favorite key lime pie, has helped me to learn your words, “Just not as much.”
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Love key lime pie! I will try your technique!
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Recipe sounds like a winner!
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