Aunt Maxine was a quiet, unassuming, slight woman from North Louisiana. I add the word “slight” because hardly anyone in my family was slight. She was married to my Uncle Buddy, Momma’s brother, which explains it. She didn’t have the genetic predisposition for our corpulent figures. Buddy’s real name was Worth; and his Daddy’s name was also Worth. I don’t know of any other person with that name; but I always loved the sound of “Worth.” Aunt Maxine had a certain way of saying it. I never heard her call him Buddy either. They were always together unless he was fishing. And he loved to fish and went as often as he could.
Most of Momma’s people were from the northeastern part of the state. When we visited Aunt Maxine’s house, Uncle Buddy was the main conversationalist; and he kept us entertained and updated on the family members. He certainly reported on those he had run into at recent funerals … and there were a lot of those. Someone always remarked on the number of people that were dying. No one ever mentioned that the ones who had died were way past sundown age. Oh, we do have longevity in our genes, too.
When we visited, Aunt Maxine was completely satisfied to sit out of the way with her arms folded, occasionally glancing at the bubbling pots on the stove to make sure nothing was boiling over. We were worried about the same, too, because in those pots was our dinner. Some people call it lunch; but those people probably don’t know what supper is. Aunt Maxine loved a good laugh; but she preferred the sound of others. The Mormon church and her family was where she drew her strength. She was actually the first Mormon I ever knew. Our family was filled with Non-Denominationals and Baptists. Uncle Buddy became a Mormon … and we loved him so that was okay with us.
Even though Louisiana is a relatively small state, each section has distinctive accents, customs, festivals and food preferences. You would not believe the different accents associated with different parts of the state. You may have a hard time even understanding the folks from “Nawlins” or those from the Acadiana area that that speak Cajun French. The folks up Aunt Maxine’s way just speak with a southern drawl. Some movies try to duplicate that but, most of the time, it just does not work.
There is one thing all of us Louisianans have in common … and that is a love for food. Good food like cakes and cobblers, pies, cookies and all sweets. You probably will not see a vegetable tray at one of our reunions. Now, I am not saying that is a good thing, but it’s just the way it is. Vegetables are to be eaten at supper and occasionally at dinner.
Tea cakes take on many forms for different parts of this country and others. Aunt Maxine’s tea cakes were a southern version … which means that butter, sugar and flour were the main ingredients. Her tea cakes were fluffy, soft, moist, buttery little cookies. The dough is versatile, you can have a soft cookie or a crunchy cookie. For a crunchier cookie, you just dip your pointer finger in water and mash lightly on the cookie. A thinner cookie going into the oven will make a crunchier cookie. I prefer the softer version, so I just drop the mound from a cookie scoop. It spreads enough to make a pretty round and soft cookie.
Uncle Buddy died in 2015. His granddaughters made tea cakes to serve at the wake. Of course, they used Aunt Maxine’s recipe. They even put a couple of tea cakes in his hand in the casket. Now some folks may have thought of this as odd, but if you knew Uncle Buddy, you’d understand that he’d appreciate a few to take on his trip to the Promised Land.
Aunt Maxine was devastated at the loss of her companion and soul mate, but she understood. Dementia eventually stole her in 2018. Our family has dwindled with the loss of so many. Age and time are not our friends. So it is important to know our family, write down history (especially recipes) and pass the information on. One thing we all know is we ain’t getting outta here alive.
Thank you so much for the memories! I miss them both terribly!!! She always has the BEST tea cakes ever!!
Put a slice of Velveta cheese and melt it! Yum yum or just dip in some ice cold milk!
I dont remember ever having tried her tea cakes. But I sure loved those 2 people. They were such kind humans. I will cherish this recipe and use it for my family. Thankyou so much!
Uncle Worth taught me how to whittle sitting on the porch at the Camp. Or rather, he TRIED to teach me. I never quite got the knack.
Good memories. Excellent article.
Thanks so much for reading and reaching out. Always nice when someone enjoys my writings of old times
Kathy
My husband (and I) loved tea cakes. Anytime he was passing through Plaquemine he would stop at the bakery to buy a dozen and was always thoughtful to bring me one or two. Haha. Great story as usual that always brings back memories of my own as I enjoy yours. Another Maxine!
Another great story, Kathy. Just think how many folks will try Aunt Maxine’s tea cakes…she would be happily embarrassed as there will be so many folks trying them…me, for sure.
Thanks for being my go-to person who makes my baking and cooking more interesting…love ya…
I enjoyed this story so much. The accent portion I can easily identify with. Louisiana is diverse in a myriad of ways. I also love tea cakes. Tea cakes or a simple buttery sugar cookie, are classics and are good any time. Write on Kathy♥️