DECEMBER 3, 2007

from Mychael Black

Susan cracked the egg over the edge of the bowl and tossed the shell in the garbage. Next came the molasses, butter, and buttermilk, though if Robbie saw the buttermilk, he'd flip. She chuckled as she stirred the mix, then added it to dry ingredients. Robbie had changed so much in just a short time. He left for Baltimore a kid, young and not quite knowing where he wanted to go in life. He came back, three years later, a changed man--confident, strong... Susan sniffled and swiped away the single tear from her cheek. She'd always known he was different. Back when he was a kid, Robbie never wanted to play sports or get into fishing or farming. Whenever he disappeared, she found him hiding out somewhere, sketchpad in hand. He'd watch the other boys play, a faraway look in his eyes, like there was something he wanted so much, but couldn't have. She smiled and poured in a quarter cup hot water to the mix, then stirred. He'd turned out to be one of the most amazing men she'd ever known.

The front door opened just as she was pouring the batter into the pan. She closed the oven and set the timer for forty-five minutes, then wiped her hands on her apron.

"Mama?"

"In here, baby."

Robbie stepped into the kitchen and sniffed. "Oh, man... God, it smells good in here." He gave her a big hug and a kiss. "Hey, you okay?" His brow wrinkled a little as he looked at her.

Susan smiled. "I'm fine, baby." Her smile widened when Seth stepped up behind Robbie. "Hey, honey. Y'all hungry? Gingerbread won't be done for a bit, but I got some lemon pie in the fridge."

"Oh, yeah. That sounds wonderful." Seth leaned down and kissed her cheek, then headed for the refrigerator. "You want some, Mama?" he asked over one shoulder.

"Yes, thank you." Susan looked up at Robbie. "I promise: I'm okay. Just been thinkin'."

One eyebrow lifted and Robbie chuckled. "Must've been some interesting thoughts to get you cryin'."

"Oh..." She shook her head. "Not bad ones, sweety. Just..." She studied her son, then Seth who stood close by, pie tin in hand, watching them. "I'm proud of you, Robert." She took Robbie's face in her hands. "So very, very proud to have you for a son."

Susan Sexton's Old Fashioned Gingerbread:

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup molasses
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk (1 teaspoon vinegar and enough milk to make 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup hot water

PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350. Sift together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Stir in melted butter, molasses, egg, and buttermilk or sour milk. Beat in hot water. Pour batter into a generously greased and floured 8-inch square pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until cake springs back when lightly touched with finger. Serve gingerbread with whipped cream or lemon sauce.

Mychael's Sip, Lessons Learned, is on sale until 12-6-07 for 15% off! Find it at http://www.torquerebooks.com