Burma Davis Posey… Miss Georgia 1968
Posted by Ben | Under Celebrity Foodies, Desserts, Lick The Plate Clean Recipes Sunday Aug 10, 2008
Burma is a dear friend who represents the best of all things Southern. I first met Burma about 15 years ago and have only seen her twice in my life. However, she claims me as an adopted son, and I happily accept this title. Burma and family have become dear friends and hardly a day goes by that we do not communicate via telephone or e-mail.
Some of you may recall a huge effort several years back to “Save Cypress Gardens” — a Florida landmark — Burma was the leader of this charge and heroically did save it. She and daughter, Shanna, worked day and night to bring the issue to the forefront of media. She even called upon her good friend, Delta Burke, to do a public service announcement to raise awareness.
Burma is a ‘belle’ if I have ever known one and has a recipe book that makes Paula Deen jealous. One of her favorite recipes is….
Georgia Cream Cheese Cake
This is a 40 year family favorite that is always delicious! Guests always ask for the recipe! If you feel a little guilty because of the rich ingredients, remember life is short and you deserve it!!!
Cake:
1 stick butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup shortening or vegetable oil
2 cups sugar (Dixie is the best!)
2 cups all purpose flour
5 egg yolks
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk (You will not believe what this does for the flavor of a cake!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (3-1/2 ounce) can coconut
1 cup Georgia pecans, checked and chopped
5 egg whites, stiffly beaten
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream shortening and butter. Add sugar and beat until mixture is smooth. Add egg yolks and beat well. Combine flour and soda and add to creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir in vanilla. Add coconut and nuts. Carefully fold in egg whites. Pour into 3 well-buttered 8″ or 9″” round cake pans. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes. Allow to cool.
Frosting:
1 package (8 ounce) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 stick butter, softened to room temperature
1 box sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup Georgia pecans, checked and chopped
Beat cheese and butter together until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Place a bit of icing on your favorite cake plate to hold your cake in place. Place your first layer on the cake plate. Spread the icing on the top. Repeat with the remaining two layers. Carefully frost the sides. Top with the Georgia pecans and be humble when the compliments pour in!!!
Never thought about Icing on a Cheesecake - cant wait to have someone cook it for me (I really stink at cheesecake!)
If Burma cooks it….go for it!I have never met a better hostess in my life. This cheese cake will have your guests begging for more. If you want true southern hospitality, you must go with whatever Burma suggests.
Burma and I have become great friends through the Saving Cypress Gardens campaign. I have never had one of her recipes before and I can’t wait to try this one from my “Georgia Sister!” It reminds me of desserts my Granny used to make when I was a young Georgia Peach myself.
If Burma likes it I know it is the best. However,make this with Splenda, wheat flour, low fat buttermilk and replace the powdered sugar with Splenda’s powdered suagr and it will taste about the same…and anyone can have it.