“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…”

Here in America, yesterday was our independence day. July 4th, 1774, fifty-six brave men committed treason by signing a document informing England’s King George III of their intention to sever ties (thus declaring war) between England and its colonies in America. No longer would they be subject to an authority who capriciously and cruelly governs them without any consideration of colonial representation in any matters.

This day every year is marked by a day off, for many, and time spent with friends and/or family gathering with food (and various libations for many). All of this culminates in a show of fireworks at night. Why do we set off fireworks? The Huffington Post published a great column on the “why” here if you’re interested. Hopefully amidst all of this revelry, we continue to remember what this day truly means…

This year, to honor the occasion, I chose to take it back old school with this hefty sour cream-buttermilk pound cake from Food Network Magazine. There’s something so classic and traditional about a pound cake and this batter was so rich and thick, the spatula stood on its own in the bowl. The finished cake itself was luscious and light with just the right amount of sweetness. It was finished with a messy drizzle of a simple vanilla-lemon powdered sugar glaze that I’m sorry to say was rather too thin for my liking (my fault, not the recipe’s) along with a dusting of red sugar and blue & white sprinkles.

Surprisingly red, white, and blue nonpareils and rock candy sticks were unavailable, but that didn’t alter the delightful flavor of the cake in the least. The sour cream and buttermilk provided just the right amount of lift and tanginess to elevate whatever heaviness a pound cake naturally brings. This cake received many positive reviews despite its utter simplicity.

What is your favorite way to spend holidays? Do you make certain foods to celebrate or is it always something different?