This summer, I had the chance to spend a few weeks in the suburbs of New York. While the allure of Manhattan was strong, and I enjoyed every trip into the city, there was also a unique charm to suburban life. Amidst the peaceful days, I found myself drawn to a different kind of inspiration – one that came from the television screen.
American television, I must say, is quite captivating. Despite the occasional overwhelming commercials, the sheer variety of shows available is impressive. One program, in particular, caught my attention: The Pioneer Woman on Food Network. Every afternoon at 5 pm, I would eagerly tune in to watch Ree Drummond create her comforting, all-American recipes. There’s something undeniably appealing about her style, reminiscent of a modern Paula Deen, but perhaps with a slightly different twist. While many of her dishes seemed indulgently rich with sour cream and butter, it was Grandma Iny’s prune cake recipe that truly sparked my interest.
[hai ảnh gốc]
The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg is simply irresistible to me. And when Ree generously drizzled that luscious caramel sauce over the cake, I was completely sold. The cake looked incredibly moist and inviting, and the inclusion of prunes felt like a bonus. Knowing prunes are good for digestion, I thought, “Why not give it a try?” Thank you, Pioneer Woman and Grandma Iny, for introducing such a delightful treat! Although I was initially drawn to the Pioneer Woman for her delightful approach to classic desserts and maybe even dreamt of a pioneer woman carrot cake one day, this prune cake seemed like the perfect place to start my baking journey inspired by her show.
[ảnh gốc]
It’s funny how inspiration can strike in unexpected places. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the quiet comfort of a suburban home, and even from the vibrant screen of Food Network, ideas and cravings can emerge. My time watching The Pioneer Woman not only introduced me to a world of comforting home cooking but also ignited a desire to explore baking myself. And while a pioneer woman carrot cake recipe might be something for the future, Grandma Iny’s prune cake is definitely on my “must-bake-soon” list.
(Note: The original recipe was for a 9×13 inch cake, but I’m planning to adapt it for an 8×8 square cake.)
For the original Pioneer Woman’s recipe and post, you can find it here.
