The holidays are filled with memories. Precious ones like a first Christmas for a couple or a child. Thrilling ones such as waking up to see Santa left you THE gift you wanted ever so much. Startling ones like awakening to the sound of a newly decorated tree crashing to the floor. Funny ones of gag gifts passed back and forth among friends and family. Treasured ones of family gathered around the table for a holiday feast. One of my most treasured holiday food memories is of my dad and coconut cake.
My dad would not let the holidays go by without the three C’s; coffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and coconut cake. Well, there may be a few more than three c’s in there. Anyway, he loved coffee. He would go out for more coffee after having it with breakfast. He was a handy man for a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise after he retired. I think it was the job he enjoyed most of all. Every December a box of chocolate-covered cherries would be on the end table next to his recliner. And then there is coconut cake, oh how he loved it so much. Knowing I’ll never again sit with him and share his favorite cake brings tears to my eyes. I miss him so much.
There’s more to the coconut cake story too. I’m sharing it over on my friend Lora’s blog; Cake Duchess. Her post back in September, an Italian cake and grief, sparked a food memories series. I was thrilled when she asked me to contribute to it. To read my story and get the recipe for the cake click here: Coconut Cake
What is your most cherished holiday food memory? I hope you continue to make more and enjoy them for years to come. If you like coconut then also take a look at my golden coconut bars and self-crust coconut pie. There are more coconut recipes coming too. Stay tuned!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
November 20, 2013 at 11:44 amaw your dad sounds like such a wonderful man-especially since he knew to appreciate a delicious coconut cake like this one!
Renee says
November 21, 2013 at 12:07 pmHe really was a wonderful man. He made friends everywhere he went.
Kalamity Kelli says
November 20, 2013 at 6:38 pmThis looks AMAZING!!
Renee says
November 21, 2013 at 12:06 pmThanks Kelli
Bakingyummies says
November 21, 2013 at 12:28 amThe looks super soft and I’m sure it taste delicious!
Renee says
November 21, 2013 at 12:05 pmIt is very soft and moist and just as delicious as it looks.
kim says
November 21, 2013 at 12:56 amthat frosting is just so fluffy. i love it!
Renee says
November 21, 2013 at 12:05 pmIt sure is! Thanks Kim
The Ninja Baker says
November 21, 2013 at 5:50 pmYour cake is gorgeous, Renee. But your heart is even more gorgeous <3
P.s. Love the 3 Cs too =)
Heading on over to the home of the Duchess.
Renee says
November 23, 2013 at 6:48 amThanks so much Kim. You are ever so kind.
Lora @cakeduchess says
November 25, 2013 at 1:49 pmI love this post as much as I love the post your shared with my readers for Food Memory. I can picture your dad in his recliner with his chocolate covered cherries. How sweet is it that he loved coffee so much (so do I!). I appreciate your time in sharing a story about your beloved dad and your gorgeous cake. Thank you, Renee.
Renee says
November 26, 2013 at 4:06 pmThanks Lora and I really enjoyed doing this post and the one on your blog.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
December 1, 2013 at 6:47 amHow on earth did I miss this post Renee?! My life is completely upside down. This is such a gorgeous cake, and such a sweet way to remember your father my friend. I can imagine how much you miss him. Stunning cake!!
Renee says
December 7, 2013 at 9:36 amI don’t know how you missed this post Paula. It could be because of how busy you have been lately with multiple jobs, blogs, and moving. I do miss my dad so very much and wish I could share a piece of this cake with him.
Dorothy says
January 24, 2017 at 7:00 pmReally enjoy your site,thank you so much.