I’m not really sure how it happened. I signed up to donate two pound cakes for the annual Boy Scout BBQ Chicken Dinner sale. Two. I distinctly remember signing up for two. But then, while being pressed into service as a delivery organizer and money collector (hey, I like money), it was mentioned that we were low on pound cake.
Why yes, that is the word “sucker” you see there on my forehead. I wasn’t actually asked to do more, but as the emails got a little more frantic, I thought, what the heck? It’s cake. I like to bake. Besides, you put them in the oven and walk away for an hour, giving you plenty of time to do things like…write a book. Or a blog.
So, Wednesday morning I wake up and dive into cake baking. Did I mention I used a new recipe? It’s the High-Ratio Pound Cake from Perfect Cakes by Nick Malgieri and it’s really good. Unfortunately, without a hit of caffeine or common sense, I didn’t think to set the timer a little early for that first one to check for doneness. (Is that a word?) Anyway, out came the most beautiful, slightly crispy on the bottom because I should have pulled it out five minutes ago, cake.

I am not a fan of pound cake. In my mind, cake should always come with frosting. In fact, in my mind, the cake is optional and only there because apparently it’s uncivilized to just serve a bowl of frosting. Who knew?
I know. You’re wondering when the Kids are entering the Kitchen. Well, Scout Son was drafted for cake number three. Actually, it was cake number four because I was really worried about cake number one being edible. He came home from school and I said, “Drop your stuff, wash your hands, and make a cake.”
Scout Son: Uh…
Tired, Cranky Mom: Dude, I am not going on the trip that this dinner is funding. You are. But you won’t be if you don’t help me with these crazy cakes.
Scout Son, counting cakes on the counter: I thought you were only making two.
TCM: They’re short cakes. So I’m making two extra.
SS, still counting: But there are four…
TCM: Ignore that one.
SS: Does that mean I get to do quality control on it?
TCM: Nobody eats anything until you make the next cake!

And this is how Scout Son learned about high-ratio cakes and made a melt-in-your-mouth pound cake. High-ratio cakes have a higher amount of sugar. This one has the additional benefit of not having to cream the butter and sugar first. It’s painfully simple to make and the results are awesome. Because of all the eggs in it, it’s also a great recipe for kids needing egg-breaking practice.
What happened to the not-quite-perfect cake? I altered the glaze from page 51, made it an orange rum glaze, and fed it to the volunteers that night. Best not-quite-perfect cake I’ve ever made! The best perfect pound cake Scout Son made too.