Fun fact: bundt cakes were all the rage in the late 60s and early 70s. You know how I know this? Because Grandma Dinsmore (my dad’s mom) has about 20 different bundt cake recipes. When Dad and I were talking about this recipe the other day he recalled how often his mom would make bundt cake and how Uncle Johnny (his brother) was never really a fan. Dad remembered Johnny often groaning: “aw man! Bundt cake again?” I feel as though at some point James (my husband) might start to feel this way, but for now at least he’s still excited to see what I pull out of the oven.

Ingredients (Cake):

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1 box (3oz) of vanilla instant pudding
• 4 eggs
• 1 Cup of milk
• 1/2 Cup of veggie oil
• 1.5 oz of run (I used spiced and Grandma was not specific)

Ingredients (Glaze):

• 1 stick of butter
• 1 Cup of sugar
• 1/4 Cup of rum
• 1/2 Cup of whiskey

Instructions:

1. Mix together: cake mix, vanilla pudding, eggs, milk, veggie oil and rum together in a mixer at medium/medium high speed for 5 minutes or until yellow and creamy
2. Grease and flour your bundt pan WELL and pour your batter into it
3. Bake at 350 F for 55 minutes
4. While the cake is baking take all of your glaze ingredients and place them in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat. Mix and heat until uniform. DO NOT BOIL
5. Take your cake out of the oven and let cool completely. DO NOT TAKE OUT OF PAN YET
6. Pour half of you glaze over your cake that is still in the pan. Wait 25 minutes and then take your cake out of the pan and pour the rest of the glaze over top.
7. Serve with whipped cream and powdered sugar

I have no idea why Uncle Johnny didn’t like bundt cake. You have a nice crunchy, flavorful exterior combined with a moisty bouncy colorful sponge on the inside. The booze in this cake adds a fun punch that lingers on the back of your tongue as you go for your next bite, and combining that with some sweet powdered sugar sprinkled on top . . .what is not to love?

Once again I was reminded why I started this whole journey. Talking to my dad about this recipe sparks so many memories for him and I get to learn more about where I come from. Just goes to show you that food nurtures the body and soul. Do yourself a favor and turn the kitchen lights on tonight and make something that makes you think back to a memory you cherish dearly, then share it with someone you love. That is after all why everyone should cook.

Leave the kitchen light on for someone you love! Comment below on a beloved recipe that has a memory attached, I can’t wait to hear them.