This past weekend I had the pleasure of making more memories with friends and family. First, among dear friends celebrating the eve of summer with a fabulous shrimp boil, complete with spicy corn, potatoes and loads of great conversation, cornhole and kids roasting marshmellows around the bonfire. Then it was off to a pre-season football celebration, introducing incoming freshmen to returning upper classmen and rallying the parents for another season of bleacher bootie. Nothing like indoor 'tailgatin' with fried chicken, potluck salads and loads of homemade desserts. Too completely different events, yet both filled with fun, fellowship and way too much good food!

My contribution you're wondering? A family favorite straight from the pages of the Needham Assembly of God cookbook ((Choctaw Co, Alabama)) -- Hummingbird Cake submitted by Mrs. Mamie Blackmon Chapman. And before you ask, NO hummingbirds were harmed in the making of this deva-ish three-layer delight. Think carrot cake but moister with pineapple and bananas and loads of thick, creamy cream cheese frosting with crushed pecans... worth every painstaking hand-stirred minute believe me.

I have personally never met Mrs. Chapman, but I have taken loads of compliments from folks I barely know for her recipe. I can only imagine how her own family and friends must have waited in anticipation each time she presented her creation for their enjoyment - maybe it was a special birthday or just a lazy Sunday afternoon in the south, but I'm sure it was always made with love and served with heaping portions of good times and warm memories.

Here's to you, Mrs. Chapman, to Natalie and Mike Oehler, and to the Guerin Catholic High School Golden Eagles football team and it's fans. May each day be filled with sweet memories!

~ God bless and hope to see you around my table again soon.