Ok, everyone comfy? Here’s the story of Mae!

It’s a gray day here on the farm, and the soft patter of a gentle rain is the only sound to be heard. Well, wait –  that’s not exactly true. If I listen closely, I’m sure I’ll hear the contented yawning of sleepy cats, as well as the snoozing of a dog who has wiggled her way beneath a cozy blanket. It just seems that April days like these are made for napping.

I think April is filled with foolery…some days the skies are dark and stormy,

while other days those same skies are absolutely stunning.

Still, we can never rule out a snowy surprise!

Today is calm with rains that are both soothing and refreshing…it’s a welcome sound in a world so often filled with noise. And in my little corner of the world, the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” never fails to ring true. April is definitely a flowery, showery month!

Since it’s rainy and chilly outside, it’s a good day to stay indoors. It also seems like a fine time to warm up the kitchen with some baking, share a recipe, and to introduce you to Mae…a 1950 Hotpoint stove. 

So, I’m guessing you’re probably thinking two things:

1-  Who names their stove?
2-  Sure vintage is cute, but is she practical?

Kick off your shoes and stay awhile, this is the little story of a stove named Mae.

A few years ago, while spending an afternoon baking, I suddenly noticed the heating element in my oven was lit up like a 4th of July sparkler! Soon, a red hot glow was traveling rapidly around the element. And even though I had turned the oven off, the glow and sparks inside continued. I made a run to the basement, turned off the circuit breaker, and then dashed back upstairs to unplug the stove. With a sigh of relief, in no time all, the excitement was over.

Several days later a technician came to look over the damage; however, repairs were as costly as a new stove, and so, the search for a replacement was on.  

Now, I’d be less than honest if I didn’t say that a little part of my heart skipped for joy…I’d been wanting a double oven for some time. After all, if I was going to be baking for the farmers’ market and my own little milk house shop, two ovens would be better than one. I began researching double ovens, comparing costs, checking ratings, and looking for sales. 

Then I began thinking “What about a vintage double oven?” I had recently read about a gal who has one she absolutely loves and it was still going strong after 56 years!

I began searching online, giving myself a 50-mile radius limit. In the blink of an eye, I came across a 1950 Hotpoint for sale right here in my own hometown. Wow, what were the chances? Yep, her photo was cute, and the price was practically a giveaway…but that wasn’t enough. Did she work? That would be the bottom line.

She was less than 15 minutes away, how could I not go take a look? I set up a time to see her and crossed my fingers. The owners had just moved in, and with their house inspection the oven had been given a good once-over. She passed the inspection with flying colors!

At 39-inches wide, she would just barely fit in my kitchen, but it didn’t matter…she was coming home with me. Right before I left, the owner asked me if I did any home preserving…I had a feeling she was hoping the stove was going to a good home. I told her yes, and that I was really looking forward to canning jams, pickles, and much more on this wonderful old stove.

It took some brawn, but soon the stove was up the steps, through the door, and in place. Yay!

Now, is she perfect? Nope…she has a few spots of wear here & there, but that’s okay. To me, she’s a beauty at 75-years old. It makes my heart happy to think of all the holiday dinners, sweet treats, and family meals that have been prepared with her by countless women over the years.

It was LOVE at first sight!

I LOVE this stove with her two ovens!  One is plenty big enough for a stuffed Thanksgiving turkey, while the other smaller one is just right for a sheet pan dinner, pork roast, or pan of lasagna.

I LOVE her extra space on the top for setting foods aside to cool.

I LOVE her push buttons that change color depending on the temperature setting…they’re called “Talking Buttons.”

According to this very vintage ad, she was all the rage in 1950.

I LOVE that she has deep pull-out drawers that easily fit all my extra pots and pans.

I LOVE that the technician who had just repaired the clothes dryer took a look at her and said, “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore!” and assured me he knew of a source for parts if repairs were ever needed.

And her name? Well, a friend always says that anything vintage needs a name, and she’s quite right. I named my 1963 camper Maizy, a name that’s special because it’s what my grandmother always called me. Hmmm, my grandmother’s middle name was Mae. Why not call this new stove Mae? Since Mae and I would be baking foods together for the farmers’ market, it seemed like a good match…Maizy & Mae.

Time flies – it’s been 5 years now since I brought Mae home, and she’s a workhorse! Together we’ve been cooking family favorites, trying new recipes, and canning summer veggies…I couldn’t be more thrilled.

And just in case you’re looking for a sweet treat to whip up, here’s a recipe baked oodles of time with Mae, a retro favorite, Hummingbird Cake. If you like pineapple, bananas, pecans, with a hint of cinnamon, I think it’s a dessert you’ll really enjoy.

Cake:

16-oz. can crushed pineapple
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. ground cinnamon
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 c. vegetable oil
3 c. ripe bananas, peeled and mashed (about 4)
1-1/2 c. pecans, chopped
2 t. vanilla extract

Drain pineapple through a strainer placed over a small saucepan; press with the back of a spoon to remove as much juice as possible. With the saucepan over medium heat, simmer until juice is reduced to about 1/3 of a cup. Set aside.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and oil. Stir in bananas, pecans, vanilla, drained pineapple, and reduced pineapple juice. Add to flour mixture; stirring gently to blend.

Divide the batter evenly between 3, 8-inch cake pans which have been lightly oiled. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely while preparing the frosting.

Frosting:

1-1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
2-1/2 t. vanilla extract
20-oz. cream cheese, chilled and cut into pieces

Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula if needed. Increase mixer speed to medium and add cream cheese, a little at a time, until frosting is smooth. Continue to beat 3 to 4 minutes longer.

To assemble cake, place one layer on a cake plate, top with 1/3 of the frosting. Add the second layer, again spreading the top with half of the remaining frosting. Lastly, add the third layer and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with chopped pecans if desired. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

And so now you know the story of Mae…soon I’ll share the story of my camper Maizy, and why we should never stop making wishes.

Happy Spring Farmgirl friends! I can’t believe it’s been a year since you welcomed me as your Rural Farmgirl. My heartfelt thanks for all your lovely comments and encouraging words. What a joy to get to know so many kindred spirits across the miles! Also, my sincere thanks for this opportunity…as I’ve said before, I’m tickled pink, over-the-moon, and doing a happy dance for the chance to be a part of this amazing Farmgirl Sisterhood!

See you next time, with more “tails” from the farm…