Prologue:
Lo! Gather 'round, ye noble folk,
For a tale of sweet indulgence spoke,
A recipe, as old as time,
To craft a cake, a joy sublime.
From humble hearth, 'neath fire's glow,
Comes forth a treat that all shall know.
The Ingredients:
Hark! Attend the list, fair ye be,
Of goods required in harmony.
Take ye flour, the golden dust,
In measure true, for sure 'tis just:
Two cups of wheat, refined and bright,
To form the base, so soft, so light.
Next, butter pure—‘tis rich and fine,
A cup of cream, from cows divine,
And sugar sweet, by weight it be,
A cup of it, for joy to see.
Now eggs, of hens with feathers fair,
Three shall suffice, with utmost care.
Then milk, of bounty, a cup full clear,
To mix the blend and hold it dear.
Vanilla, too, a drop or two,
To scent the cake as the winds blew.
And salt, though but a pinch in size,
Shall make the sweetness harmonize.
Now baking powder, in measure small,
A spoonful true, to rise it all,
And spice, if you desire a hint,
Of cinnamon, or nutmeg’s glint.
The Preparation:
Now take thee bowl, and thou shall start,
With butter soft and sugar’s heart.
Beat them together, smooth and pure,
Till fluffy clouds, they do endure.
Next crack the eggs with gentle grace,
Into the bowl, they find their place.
Then milk and vanilla, let them flow,
In rhythmic pour, to make it glow.
To this, ye add the flour white,
And salt and powder, just to right.
Stir gently, thou must not haste,
For patience brings a perfect taste.
The Baking:
Now heat thy oven, grand and high,
At three hundred seventy-five, oh my!
Prepare thy pan, with grease it be,
Or parchment laid, so it is free.
Pour in the batter, smooth and fair,
And place it in with tender care.
Then close the door, and wait in peace,
For time, like joy, shall never cease.
In twenty minutes, aye, or so,
Check thou the cake—its rise shall show.
A golden hue, a springy touch,
And ye shall know it’s baked enough.
The Epilogue:
When cake is done, with fragrant grace,
Allow it cool, its beauty's face.
Then slice and serve, and praise shall rise,
For this sweet cake, 'neath heaven’s skies.
O noble bakers, heed this lore,
For cake shall reign forevermore.
Enjoy thy feast, both rich and grand,
A cake of sweetness, made by hand!
A Noble Recipe for a Cake of Sweet Delight(An Epic in Olden English Style)