As part of my research for The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary, I baked Mary Lincoln’s white cake. In truth, it wasn’t very good (although this could be the baker’s fault). It came out heavy and dry, more biscuit than cake. No wonder Mary liked to serve it with smashed strawberries. It needs the moisture.
Kathy Doherty says
Very interesting . . . especially the smashed strawberries.
Cindy Dobrez says
The year this book appeared we had a girl in our BBYA book club who baked the cake and brought it in for our club. She loved the book so much she had to try the recipe. It was good, but smashed strawberries would have improved it. I’m so glad you included the recipe in the book.