A Heartfelt Tribute to a Wonderful Father

"Heather, I made a fantastic pot roast with a side of sweet potatoes, green beans and a pan of cornbread:"

Each Sunday, after my dad completed his sermon and weekly service, he would share the meal he had prepared in advance for his return home from church. Secretly, I believe he created these meals to entice his children to visit him each Sunday. Dad was a smart man because it worked.

My father was a simple and organized man. Yet, as the pastor of St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, he quietly impacted countless lives. We, his children, didn't realize the depth of his influence until numerous people shared their stories with us after he passed away.

On June 16th, which happens to be Father's Day this year, my dad would have turned 80 years old. He would have requested a "fantastic lemon cream cheese pound cake." In his honor, I am sharing my pound cake recipe with you. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did my dad.

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a bundt or tube pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Gradually add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy a slice in honor of the amazing fathers in our lives.

I hope this recipe and the story of my dad bring a bit of warmth and sweetness to your Father's Day. Thank you for being a part of our community.