Re: Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake: A Prize-Winning Twist on a Classic - recipe by Miss Evelyn Heinlein of Edgemere Dr - Rochester, NY.

On 2/28/2025 9:44 AM, MummyChunk wrote:

Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake: A Prize-Winning Twist on a Classic 🎃🍰
 Ciao, my dear food lovers!
 Today, we’re diving into another gem from the 1941 pumpkin dishes contest hosted by the Democrat and Chronicle Sunday Magazine - Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake.
 This delightful recipe, created by Miss Evelyn Heinlein of Rochester, New York, took home the third prize of $5. With its spiced pumpkin layer, tender cake batter, and clever upside-down presentation, this dessert is a true celebration of fall flavors and mid-century ingenuity.
 Let’s explore this recipe, its history, and the story behind its creator. 🕰️✨
 Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake
 For the Pumpkin Layer:
 - 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ cup dates, cut fine
- 1 cup pumpkin
 For the Cake Batter:
 - ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
 How to Make It:
 1. Start by mixing all the pumpkin layer ingredients together thoroughly. Set aside.
 2. For the cake batter, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
 3. Add the beaten eggs and mix well.
 4. Sift the flour with the salt and baking powder, then gradually add it to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
 5. Stir in the vanilla and beat the batter until smooth.
 6. Pour the pumpkin mixture into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
 7. Carefully spread the cake batter over the pumpkin layer.
 8. Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 30 minutes.
 9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately tip it upside down onto a cooling rack.
 Let it cool slightly before serving.
 The Story Behind the Recipe 🕰️🎃
 This recipe, like the Pumpkin Fruit Roll, comes from the Democrat and Chronicle Sunday Magazine dated October 26, 1941. It was part of the same pumpkin dishes contest held at Mechanics Institute, where Miss Velma Purinton served as the cafeteria manager.
 Miss Evelyn Heinlein, a resident of Rochester, New York, took third prize with her Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake, a clever and delicious twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake. 🏆✨
 The contest was a celebration of fall flavors and the creativity of home cooks during a time when resourcefulness was key.
 The Democrat and Chronicle Sunday Magazinewas a beloved publication that brought the community together through stories, recipes, and shared experiences. This contest, in particular, highlighted the ingenuity of local cooks, who transformed humble ingredients like pumpkin into extraordinary dishes. 🍂"-
 The Democrat and Chronicle Sunday Magazine "✨
 The Democrat and Chronicle is one of Rochester’s oldest and most respected newspapers, with a history dating back to 1833. By 1941, its Sunday Magazine had become a staple in households across the region, offering readers a mix of news, human interest stories, and practical advice.
 The magazine’s recipes were especially popular, providing home cooks with inspiration and new ideas for their kitchens. 🌟
 The October 26, 1941, edition of the Sunday Magazine was a special fall issue, celebrating the harvest season and the comforts of home cooking. Recipes like Miss Heinlein’s Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake were not just about food - they were about community, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
 The magazine’s pages were filled with the kind of warmth and nostalgia that made it a cherished part of Sunday mornings for countless families. 🍂"-
 Who Was Miss Evelyn Heinlein? 🕵️‍♀️🎃
 Miss Evelyn Heinlein, the creator of this prize-winning recipe, lived at 2734 Edgemere Drive in Rochester, New York. Edgemere Drive which is located in an area between Lake Ontario, Long Pond and Cranberry Pond, a residential area known for its tree-lined streets and then charming homes. In the 1940s, this neighborhood was a thriving community of working- and middle-class families, many of whom took pride in their homes and their cooking.  Looking at this house today in 2025 it looks probably very similar as it did back 80+ years ago in the 1940s.🏡✨
 While I couldn’t find extensive details about Miss Heinlein herself, her address provides some context about her life. Living in Rochester during this time, she would have been part of a community that valued home cooking and shared traditions. The pumpkin dishes contest, hosted by the Democrat and Chronicle, was likely a highlight of her year, offering her a chance to showcase her culinary skills and connect with other home cooks.
 Her Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake reflects the creativity and resourcefulness of a woman who knew how to make the most of what she had, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. 🍂🥧
 Why These Ingredients Work Together 🎃🍰
 1. **Pumpkin**: The star of the show! Pumpkin brings a rich, earthy flavor and a velvety texture to the bottom layer. It’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice.
 2. **Spices (Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger)**: These warm spices are the heart of any good pumpkin dish, bringing a touch of nostalgia and comfort.
 3. **Dates**: These add a natural sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the soft pumpkin layer.
 4. **Cake Batter**: The tender, vanilla-scented cake batter provides the perfect contrast to the spiced pumpkin layer, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
 5. **Butter and Sugar**: These create a rich, moist cake that’s both indulgent and comforting.
 The Magic of the Upside-Down Cake 🎃✨
 What makes this recipe so special is its clever presentation. By baking the spiced pumpkin layer on the bottom and flipping the cake after baking, Miss Heinlein created a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The pumpkin layer becomes a caramelized topping, while the cake itself remains tender and moist. It’s a delightful twist on the classic upside-down cake, and it’s sure to impress your guests. 🍰✨
 Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🎃❤️
 This Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake is more than just a recipe - it’s a piece of history. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of home cooks during a time when making the most of what you had was essential. It’s also a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall, with its warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and tender cake. Whether you serve it for dessert or a special afternoon treat, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter"just wait for your guests to ask, “How did you make this? It’s amazing!” 🍰✨
 Final Thoughts 🍂🎃
 So, my dear friends, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Let the spirit of Miss Evelyn Heinlein inspire you as you mix the pumpkin layer and spread the cake batter. Imagine the bustling cafeteria at Mechanics Institute, the aroma of spiced pumpkin filling the air, and the joy of sharing a delicious treat with loved ones and of course, being a contender for one of those great prizes.
 Buon appetito! 🎃🍰✨
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Interesting, I looked up at address in this article on Google Street View and the little house looks probably no different than it did in 1941.  Would be interesting to know if someone who knew Evelyn Heinlein still lives there or nearby.
Doesn't look like a very developed area so wouldn't be surprised if some of the families there have been living on that street for the past 80 years still live there and maybe even remember the little old lady at 2734 Edgemere Drive who baked everyone her famous Pumpkin Upside Down Cake.