1800 to 1869 Cake #5

Granny Kellett's Jam Cake

Amanda (Granny) Kellett was known for her jam cake that she started baking after the civil war. She would use the bountiful wild berries that could be found in many rural areas of America. Every time the family bakes this cake they still tell the story of how Granny Kellett met her husband Joe Kellett. During a battle in the Civil War, Joe Kellett was badly injured, but was able to hide in the brush until the battle ended. He managed to crawl to a nearby farm where the family treated his wounds and took him in. Joe fell in love with the daughter, Amanda, and asked for her hand in marriage. They had seven children and ran a boarding house where they were known for Amanda's Jam cake.

Jam cakes are known for being moist and dense. In most cases the jam is mixed directly into the cake batter. This cake is leavened with baking soda, usually contains buttermilk, and includes the common nuts of the region.

When I made this cake, the smells were amazing. It has 4 different spices, pecans, and blackberrry jam; you can't go wrong with any of those aromas. The recipe also called for a caramel frosting, which gave it beautiful finish and rounded out the flavors really well. I sent this cake with my husband so he could share it with his fellow teachers in the staff room. According to him, the teachers finished it off before lunch time:) One of his co-workers asked for the recipe and she made another one that week! This one is a winner!

o