A Luncheon with Author Pat Conroy, and his "Sandra's Mama's Pound Cake with Peaches n' Cream".

Author Pat Conroy and I

Recently Pat Conroy, author of ten novels and one cookbook spoke at a luncheon where I was a guest.  Several of his novels have been made into movies.  During the luncheon Pat spoke of his family, childhood years, and how he came to become a writer.

  The Pat Conroy Cookbook has many recipes and stories of his life.  Below is the recipe of the pound cake adapted from his cookbook.  I am enjoying a slice of this heavenly cake as I write this blog.  

Sandra's Mama's Pound Cake

3 cups granulated sugar

3/4 pound (3 sticks) butter, softened

8 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 cups cake flour

Sliced fresh peaches

Whipped cream

1. Preheat the oven to 325'. With bakers spray, spray your tube pan.  Set aside.  

2.  With mixer on medium beat 3 sticks of butter that have softened and 3 cups granulated sugar together until light and fluffy..
3. Beating well after each addition, add eggs one at a time, then add your vanilla and almond extract.
4. With mixer on low, stir in cake flour just until incorporated.  Do Not Over Beat.  Bake for 1 hour, begin checking at this point.  Ovens vary, mine took about 1 hour 15 minutes.
5.  Cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes then invert onto cooling rack. Let cool.

6. Serve with sliced peaches and whipped cream.

Recipe adapted from: http://www.patconroy.com/cookbook.php

Sandra's Mama's Pound Cake recipe on page 188-189.

Have you tried any other recipes from his book?  Comment and let me know which I should try next.