The Lee County Historical Society sweetened its semimonthly Second Saturday event this weekend in Pioneer Park by celebrating the history embedded in heirloom cake recipes.
The Third Annual Heritage Cake Contest and Tasting Party sponsored by Panera Bread was held at the Trade Center Museum in Loachapoka Saturday, Feb. 9.
All recipes submitted must have been at least 100 years old or have been passed down through three generations. The cakes were judged by two judges on authenticity, taste, flavor, appearance and symmetry. Nine cakes were submitted into the competition, and several families, University students and museum patrons were in attendance.
"I like to help people, and when they ask me to do something I do it," said Lee Cannon, one of the judges for the cake contest. Cannon is also a former Auburn University professor and is a published culinary writer for Southern Living magazine and The Opelika-Auburn News.
Cannon admitted to being very protective of this event and the Historical Society.
"I think this event is very worthwhile," Cannon said. "I think it's a great thing and a fun thing. I would hope that it would grow because the museum needs the money, and this is a good way to get it. [But,] I'm glad there weren't any more entries. I'm full of cake right now."
What really takes the cake are the three cash prizes for first, second and third place. However, most people participate in this tradition for other reasons than the possible cash reward.
"It's really exciting seeing the variety of different cakes," said Stacy Lipscomb, volunteer public relations coordinator for the Lee County Historical Society and art director for Auburn Magazine.
Although the winning baker couldn't be there in person, Lipscomb accepted her uncle Wesley Ellis' $25 first-place check and prestige on his behalf for his heirloom fruitcake.
"It's a very labor-intensive cake," Lipscomb said. "He made this particular cake at Christmas, which is when he usually makes a big batch for his family and friends. We all look forward to it every year. I know he puts a lot of heart and time into it."
Cannon said although she doesn't know the names of the people who made the cakes before she tastes them, she recognized Ellis' right away.
"It was really perfect for an old-fashioned fruitcake," Cannon said. "There really wasn't one thing wrong with it."
Dell Chester came in second place for her blackberry cake with caramel icing, and third place went to Sara Caldwell with her spice cake.
"I really wanted to come in first, but Lee wouldn't accept my bribe," Chester said jokingly to Cannon.
Following the cake contest was a variety of other Second Saturday events, including blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, spinning and weaving, Japanese braiding and a live performance and dulcimer lessons by The Whistle Stop Pickers.
The park's museum, log cabin, schoolhouse, doctor's office and barn were also open to the public for walkthroughs. These activities are hosted by the historical society throughout the year for the public.
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