Makes 12 servings An Academy Award-watching party has become the “must-have” invitation for Ray Waddle’s film addict friends in Nashville, Tennessee. Everyone is asked to come in black tie, and a variety of appetizers are served. But the highlight is shortly after the halfway point of the telecast, when popcorn is popped and a variety of movie candy in boxes is brought out. Everyone, despite being in formal wear, reverts to childhood, fighting over who gets the Goobers and Junior Mints. This pound cake, cut into thick slices, which are then cut into quarters, makes a rich alternative for non-candy eaters, and also goes well with coffee (a necessity to get through the long evening).
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
½ cup shortening
3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a tube pan. Place the butter, shortening, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour and milk alternately in three batches, beating after each addition. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 1 ½ hours, or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack and let cool completely.
Makes 12 servings