Anne, thanks as always for writing about what all (or most of us anyway) are feeling. Except Native Americans, we’re all descendants of immigrants here. My father and his family were refugees from the Nazis and thankfully didn’t have to give up their Judaism or hide their identity to become U.S. citizens and give that gift to their children. What’s going on is a horror and a shanda—a shame—as we would say. Thanks for speaking out and for this recipe and so many others to celebrate a day that should honor what’s best about this country, including its compassion for those seeking a better life.
This post was immensely moving. It brought memories of the Memorial Days growing up. And it shook my heart thinking of all the families coming to the US, just so excited to be celebrating- and then-then arrested just because…
XOXO Anne! I hear you loud and clear....even though your message is delivered in a soft spoken and (do we even use phrases like this anymore?) lady-like manner. You are doing what needs to be done in time like these...We are told to use our voices to speak out about the outrageous, inhumane actions we see occurring. You are softly using your love of baking to speak truth to your audience. Love you for your bravery and bringing us all the wonderful baking inspiration!
What a wonderful heartbreaking post. I live in a community full of middle eastern and Mexican immigrants. There's been many Palestinian protest marches--one on Sunday brought over 1,000 people--residents, friends, and relatives. We have Mexican friends who have developed an app that shows where ICE is operating in the neighborhood. My Irish ancestors came from the north. They worked for rich people as maids, cooks, gardeners, drivers and delivery services--not so different from all that Mexican immigrants do for us. We've been organizing for ways to offer physical protection and legal services for the very real possibility that our neighbors will need help if and when they are arrested.
And then there is your recipe! It looks so wonderful and reads simply that even I may be able to bake it!
You can do it, Pat! Sounds like you have plenty of people to share it with as well. Yes, I didn’t go into any personal stories of people who have been stopped because I told them I would not. But it is very real and very frightening, and they are relying on apps and Spanish language media to inform them where to not travel.
I think I saw a strawberry tres leches you made in *The Tennessean* Southern Kitchen feature last week.
Yes, we should be treating our neighbors with respect. They were our greatest partners and allies.
My dad's family is German and Scots Irish, aka Ulster Scots--not uncommon in Eastern Tennessee. They came in through the Port of Philadelphia and made their way down the mountains and settled in Appalachia seeking a new life. To my knowledge and genealogy search, they were already Protestant. My great-great grandfather fought for the Union in the 13th Tennessee Calvary.
My mother's family is German and Swiss. Anabaptists who came in through the Port of Philadelphia and settled in Central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania-German Plain People seeking religious freedom.
Our ancestors overlapped, Denise. My paternal grandmother was Ulster Scot. They were all seeking freedom of one kind or another. And those who settled in this part of the South just wanted to be left alone. Thank you!
First let me say, I love when you comment on the issues!
My Mother's family are Holocaust survivors. After immigrating to Canada after the war my Mom settled in Philadelphia after marrying my American born father. The deliciuos recipes from that side of my family are so important to us as a family. My son was visisting from LA and I taught him how to make Bubbes chicken soup! I'm glad the tradtion will continue.
On another note, I'm gald my Mom is not here to experience the wave of antisemitism here and abroad.
This is so much more than cake. Thank you for reminding us how food can carry empathy, memory, and care; all in one bite. Tres leches has always tasted like comfort to me, and your words gave it even deeper meaning today.
My Paternal Grandfather came from Caserta Italy when he was 8. People threw stones at him
calling him a Wop. My Maternal Grandmother came from Ireland when she was 16. She was pretty, so felt no discrimination. I WELCOME immigrants into our country.
Thank you, Catherine. Where did your paternal grandfather live once in the US? I am not surprised at his treatment. My mother used to participate in the naturalization ceremonies in Nashville. She said it was one of the most moving experiences to see immigrants beginning a new life as an American.
Mechanicville NY, my hometown (I'm in Maine now but moving to NH soon). When he moved there it was a growing railroad town, peaked in the 1910"s. Now about 1/2 the population it once had. He was a proud American soldier in WWI, served as a scout in Italy since he knew the language.
Learning about different cultures in the U.S. can mean different things. If you work in the medical field, social services, law enforcement you sometimes get an up close view of different customs, female circumcision for just one example. We shouldn't forget the death of Noor and others in her situation. https://www.amnestyusa.org/blog/the-horror-of-honor-killings-even-in-us/
When I worked in a medical office young patients came in who were victims of incest, but it was mostly all from one cultural group.
Sometimes it is not about liking or disliking people, but what is a sustainable number for the food and water supply? When does competition for housing become a problem? Why do we have a growing homeless population? Do we want to live in densely crowded treeless cities with terrible traffic, bedbugs and tuberculosis like Hong Kong, in China, in Lagos,Nigeria?
Thank you for writing about the Irish. Not enough is said about their history.
I imagine someone could write a book about the history of Jewish baking!
Cristina, these are all important topics. And I understand that sustainability is the future. My criticism with what is happening now is that it is just so inhumane. Much coming out of Washington right now is chaotic, self-serving, and cruel.
Sometimes it looks as if the government is being run to the benefit of gas and oil companies. Another sad loss to the environment. My state, California, is being heavily controlled to the benefit of real estate developers who, I think, profit off the pressures of overpopulation from around the planet. Wealthier people are moving in, poorer people are pushed out to become part of the growing homeless population. Corporations are also buying up homes.
I just went to the ann frank exhibit yesterday in NYC at the Center for Jewish History- a moving and extraordinary document of how bad things can happen to a group of people while the world watches- from the comfort of our couches as we feel safe because the “they” is not “us” (until it is). It takes your words written w such thought-fullness with a literal layer of food as the jumping off point that helps keep the conversation in the front of our cabinets instead of tucked in the back of the shelf where we forget we had that ingredient already. When we go to make our next recipe. I’m signing up for the paid version of your substack today because your voice along with your stellar recipes and conversation matters. Thank YOU.
Thank you, Alayne. I would like to see that exhibit. We are witnessing what happens when people stay silent. And it’s not just everyday people like us, it’s our elected officials. Every woman who fought for the right to vote would be outraged if she were here right now. Every freedom rider, every preacher who spoke civil rights from the pulpit, they all would NOT BELIEVE what is happening and what we are tolerating.
Thank you for this lovely Memorial Day column, poignant pictures, and great recipes. Hope you have a good Memorial Day weekend. Your sentiments about this country are very important, and glad you shared them.
“ Aren’t there enough jobs in America for everyone?”
It’s not about jobs. It’s about cheap labor. Part of America’s history is our country was built on free (slaves)/cheap (indentured servants) labor. Since the Civil War eliminated slavery, businesses keep searching for cheap labor - share croppers, non-union, etc.
Undocumented labor is the current cheap labor. And the ICE raids help keep it cheap thru fear.
Thank you, Paula, for your keen insight and truth. It’s a stain on our history for sure. I just returned from the wine country of Texas, and the labor there is of course undocumented. Everyone keeps very quiet.
Beautifully written as always. My maiden name is Stinson from Northern Ireland-the Stinson were part of the Danish Viking band that landed in the Outer Hebrides is 1000. My Mother was a Hughen which is Welsh/Irish( one of those ancestors married a Dobbs, the great great granddaughter of a Lord Mayor of London) and her Mother was a Collins from England. All of the above were in the Colonies before 1750 and in Alabama by 1800. We all come from somewhere else unless you are Native American. Tres Leches is wonderful for summer!
Thank you so much for your clear and important comments on issues we are facing today in this country. Your words are so true and compelling.
And thank you for the recipes. I have made a Tres Leches Cake (once) many years ago and remember it being very rich and very good.
You are welcome, Deborah. Can’t keep my mouth shut. Can’t be silent. Tres Leches is sooo good!
Anne, thanks as always for writing about what all (or most of us anyway) are feeling. Except Native Americans, we’re all descendants of immigrants here. My father and his family were refugees from the Nazis and thankfully didn’t have to give up their Judaism or hide their identity to become U.S. citizens and give that gift to their children. What’s going on is a horror and a shanda—a shame—as we would say. Thanks for speaking out and for this recipe and so many others to celebrate a day that should honor what’s best about this country, including its compassion for those seeking a better life.
Thank you, Ruth. What a beautiful family legacy you have.
Thanks, Anne.
This post was immensely moving. It brought memories of the Memorial Days growing up. And it shook my heart thinking of all the families coming to the US, just so excited to be celebrating- and then-then arrested just because…
This must stop!!!!
I agree. It’s horrid.
XOXO Anne! I hear you loud and clear....even though your message is delivered in a soft spoken and (do we even use phrases like this anymore?) lady-like manner. You are doing what needs to be done in time like these...We are told to use our voices to speak out about the outrageous, inhumane actions we see occurring. You are softly using your love of baking to speak truth to your audience. Love you for your bravery and bringing us all the wonderful baking inspiration!
Maria inMT
Thank you, Maria! Xoxo!
What a wonderful heartbreaking post. I live in a community full of middle eastern and Mexican immigrants. There's been many Palestinian protest marches--one on Sunday brought over 1,000 people--residents, friends, and relatives. We have Mexican friends who have developed an app that shows where ICE is operating in the neighborhood. My Irish ancestors came from the north. They worked for rich people as maids, cooks, gardeners, drivers and delivery services--not so different from all that Mexican immigrants do for us. We've been organizing for ways to offer physical protection and legal services for the very real possibility that our neighbors will need help if and when they are arrested.
And then there is your recipe! It looks so wonderful and reads simply that even I may be able to bake it!
You can do it, Pat! Sounds like you have plenty of people to share it with as well. Yes, I didn’t go into any personal stories of people who have been stopped because I told them I would not. But it is very real and very frightening, and they are relying on apps and Spanish language media to inform them where to not travel.
I think I saw a strawberry tres leches you made in *The Tennessean* Southern Kitchen feature last week.
Yes, we should be treating our neighbors with respect. They were our greatest partners and allies.
My dad's family is German and Scots Irish, aka Ulster Scots--not uncommon in Eastern Tennessee. They came in through the Port of Philadelphia and made their way down the mountains and settled in Appalachia seeking a new life. To my knowledge and genealogy search, they were already Protestant. My great-great grandfather fought for the Union in the 13th Tennessee Calvary.
My mother's family is German and Swiss. Anabaptists who came in through the Port of Philadelphia and settled in Central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania-German Plain People seeking religious freedom.
Our ancestors overlapped, Denise. My paternal grandmother was Ulster Scot. They were all seeking freedom of one kind or another. And those who settled in this part of the South just wanted to be left alone. Thank you!
First let me say, I love when you comment on the issues!
My Mother's family are Holocaust survivors. After immigrating to Canada after the war my Mom settled in Philadelphia after marrying my American born father. The deliciuos recipes from that side of my family are so important to us as a family. My son was visisting from LA and I taught him how to make Bubbes chicken soup! I'm glad the tradtion will continue.
On another note, I'm gald my Mom is not here to experience the wave of antisemitism here and abroad.
Susan, you have a rich family story. It would be heartbreaking for your mom to see how people are still so prejudiced today.
This is so much more than cake. Thank you for reminding us how food can carry empathy, memory, and care; all in one bite. Tres leches has always tasted like comfort to me, and your words gave it even deeper meaning today.
Thank you! Care and comfort go together, and tres leches is both in a bite.
My Paternal Grandfather came from Caserta Italy when he was 8. People threw stones at him
calling him a Wop. My Maternal Grandmother came from Ireland when she was 16. She was pretty, so felt no discrimination. I WELCOME immigrants into our country.
Thank you, Catherine. Where did your paternal grandfather live once in the US? I am not surprised at his treatment. My mother used to participate in the naturalization ceremonies in Nashville. She said it was one of the most moving experiences to see immigrants beginning a new life as an American.
Mechanicville NY, my hometown (I'm in Maine now but moving to NH soon). When he moved there it was a growing railroad town, peaked in the 1910"s. Now about 1/2 the population it once had. He was a proud American soldier in WWI, served as a scout in Italy since he knew the language.
Glad that knowing another - his native - language opened a door for him. Thank you!
Learning about different cultures in the U.S. can mean different things. If you work in the medical field, social services, law enforcement you sometimes get an up close view of different customs, female circumcision for just one example. We shouldn't forget the death of Noor and others in her situation. https://www.amnestyusa.org/blog/the-horror-of-honor-killings-even-in-us/
When I worked in a medical office young patients came in who were victims of incest, but it was mostly all from one cultural group.
Sometimes it is not about liking or disliking people, but what is a sustainable number for the food and water supply? When does competition for housing become a problem? Why do we have a growing homeless population? Do we want to live in densely crowded treeless cities with terrible traffic, bedbugs and tuberculosis like Hong Kong, in China, in Lagos,Nigeria?
Thank you for writing about the Irish. Not enough is said about their history.
I imagine someone could write a book about the history of Jewish baking!
Cristina, these are all important topics. And I understand that sustainability is the future. My criticism with what is happening now is that it is just so inhumane. Much coming out of Washington right now is chaotic, self-serving, and cruel.
Sometimes it looks as if the government is being run to the benefit of gas and oil companies. Another sad loss to the environment. My state, California, is being heavily controlled to the benefit of real estate developers who, I think, profit off the pressures of overpopulation from around the planet. Wealthier people are moving in, poorer people are pushed out to become part of the growing homeless population. Corporations are also buying up homes.
I am so proud of you, Anne Byrn! Thank you for speaking truth through love.
Amen to that, Anne!
I just went to the ann frank exhibit yesterday in NYC at the Center for Jewish History- a moving and extraordinary document of how bad things can happen to a group of people while the world watches- from the comfort of our couches as we feel safe because the “they” is not “us” (until it is). It takes your words written w such thought-fullness with a literal layer of food as the jumping off point that helps keep the conversation in the front of our cabinets instead of tucked in the back of the shelf where we forget we had that ingredient already. When we go to make our next recipe. I’m signing up for the paid version of your substack today because your voice along with your stellar recipes and conversation matters. Thank YOU.
Thank you, Alayne. I would like to see that exhibit. We are witnessing what happens when people stay silent. And it’s not just everyday people like us, it’s our elected officials. Every woman who fought for the right to vote would be outraged if she were here right now. Every freedom rider, every preacher who spoke civil rights from the pulpit, they all would NOT BELIEVE what is happening and what we are tolerating.
Thank you for this lovely Memorial Day column, poignant pictures, and great recipes. Hope you have a good Memorial Day weekend. Your sentiments about this country are very important, and glad you shared them.
Thank you, Naomi. Have a good holiday weekend!
“ Aren’t there enough jobs in America for everyone?”
It’s not about jobs. It’s about cheap labor. Part of America’s history is our country was built on free (slaves)/cheap (indentured servants) labor. Since the Civil War eliminated slavery, businesses keep searching for cheap labor - share croppers, non-union, etc.
Undocumented labor is the current cheap labor. And the ICE raids help keep it cheap thru fear.
Thank you, Paula, for your keen insight and truth. It’s a stain on our history for sure. I just returned from the wine country of Texas, and the labor there is of course undocumented. Everyone keeps very quiet.
Beautifully written as always. My maiden name is Stinson from Northern Ireland-the Stinson were part of the Danish Viking band that landed in the Outer Hebrides is 1000. My Mother was a Hughen which is Welsh/Irish( one of those ancestors married a Dobbs, the great great granddaughter of a Lord Mayor of London) and her Mother was a Collins from England. All of the above were in the Colonies before 1750 and in Alabama by 1800. We all come from somewhere else unless you are Native American. Tres Leches is wonderful for summer!
We all come from somewhere else is right, Judith. Thank you for your deep dive into family history!