Beverly, you may be a retired pastry chef but you have much to learn about good manners. If a recipe isn't to your liking-- move on to something else. There is no need to comment on what you think is "essential". One would think that a retired pastry chef would be skilled at making substitutions using buttermilk or sour cream. I look forward to making this cake for my mother's 85th birthday later this month. Even without buttermilk or sour cream I'm sure she will love this cake. Not every recipe needs to be a grand production, sometimes easy & simple is the best.

• Reply