Sympathy Cake?

[nyc]

This might sound obvious, but has anyone ever heard of a traditional sympathy cake?

Maybe something like an Amish Sympathy Cake.

A friend's father passed away recently and I'd like to honor her father (who was a fan of my desserts), comfort her and I'd like to avoid making a cake that could possibly be mistaken for festive.

Also, has anyone ever made an officially designated sympathy cake?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Gifted Gourmet]

I don't think that a specific cake for a gesture of sympathy on a death actually exists in that form .. I would assume something simple which can be easily cut and distributed to mourners after the funeral itself might be appropriate. Nothing ornate nor fancy. Just something to indicate the sentiment: I care about you and want to be here.

highly appropriate article

Sustenance and solace

"Comfort food" has even more meaning as a gift to the grieving.

[woodburner]

Way back when, funeral's were actually held in the departed homes, not uncommon was for a good friend to make a Funeral Cake.

woodburner

Edited January 7, 2005 by woodburner (log)

[Gifted Gourmet]

Way back when, funeral's were actually held in the departed homes, not uncommon was for a good friend to make a  Funeral Cake.

wood

←

But was there a specific recipe for this cake?

[Ling]

I think a loaf cake might be a good idea. How about a lemon-glazed pound cake?

Edited January 7, 2005 by Ling (log)

[nyc]

In case I haven't mentioned it often enough or enthusiastically enough, you people rock!

"Funeral cake" is the phrase that pays.

I poked around a little and I found a Cajun and an Amish version, which I'm happy to share.

I would put them in a posting, but I'm not sure what the policy is. (I'm especially confused because I know that the copyright law grants personal use of copyrighted materials, especially with what is known as fair use and attribution.)

So if you're interested, just let me know and I'll send what I've found.

Thank you again for your support and generosity with your knowledge and expertise.

Neal

[Gifted Gourmet]

Hi, Neal, how about a link to the recipes? Thanks .. hope we won't be needing them anytime soon ...

is this the one you have from the Amish?

[woodburner]

Please don't share the recipe.

I'm not dying to try it

woodburner

[nyc]

Hi, Melissa,

Here are the links (I also stumbled across a few for Funeral Pie).

Also, does anyone have the recipe for "Aunt Naomi's Chocolate Fudge Cake" mentioned in the article on sustenance and solace? (Chocolate is known as "The Other Vitamin C" around here. Especially when it's paired with cinnamon.)

Amish Funeral Cake

http://www.recipegoldmine.com/regionalamish/amish199.html

(topped with a broiled brown-sugar crust and nuts.)

Cajun Funeral Cake

http://www.realcajunrecipes.com/recipes/221.rcr

Wet Chocolate Cake "Funeral Cake"

http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/meltoncb/132.html

Raisin/Rosina Or "Funeral" Pie

http://recipes.chef2chef.net/recipe-archive/21/116977.shtml

http://www.recipesource.com/text/baked-goo...ies/raisin1.txt

Thanks again.

Neal

[KatieLoeb]

Melissa:

You read my mind. As soon as I started reading this thread I wanted to go link to that Philadelphia Inquirer article by Rick Nichols. I wept when I read it and as usual, it was a fine piece of evocative writing by our own Mr. Nichols. Glad I checked your link first though. I just had a feeling...