In Memory of Barbara Bowden Ledbetter

I have run across several recipes of my cousin, Barbara. I will post each of them this month in her memory. She was always so jolly as I remember, so I will post her Hummingbird Cake recipe first. This cake is delicious and a great cake for this time of year.

3 Layer Cake

3-cups all purpose flour

2-cups sugar

1-tsp. baking soda

1-tsp. salt

1-tsp. ground cinnamon

3-eggs beaten

1-cup vegetable oil

1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1-8 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans ( Reserve 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top of frosted cake)

2-cups chopped bananas

Cream Cheese Frosting

1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened

1/2 cup oleo softened

1-16. oz. pkg.4 x powdered sugar sifted

1-tsp. vanilla extract

_______________________________________________________________ Combine first 5 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened (DO NOT BEAT). Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans and bananas. Spoon batter into 3 greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely. While layers are cooling, combine frosting ingredients. Beat cream cheese and oleo until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. This will yield a 3 layer cake.