Subject: A&S spiced cake recipe
From: Tom
Date: 12/23/2020, 12:02 PM
To: phaedrus@hungrybrowser.com
On 12/23/2020 10:07 AM, Tom wrote:
I Haven’t been able to find the spiced caked recipe.
It was a favorite of ours after visiting the store.
Thanks Tom
Hello Tom,
I must admit that I am clueless regarding A&S. Was it a bakery? A
department store? A supermarket? Where was it located?
Phaed
On 12/23/2020 10:53 AM, Tom wrote
A&S was a very large Department Store in NYC, Brooklyn located on Fulton Street.
Hi Tom,
Ok. Now I'm up to speed. "A&S" stood for "Abraham & Straus." In 1893, Abraham Abraham and Isador Straus,
co-owner of R.H. Macy and Company, decided to build an upscale department store which they hoped would
transform downtown Brooklyn. The store thrived until the late 20th century, when downtown Brooklyn began
to decline. In 1995 the "A & S" name was dropped and the store was turned into a Macy’s. There's an article
about it here: Atlas Obscura
Sorry, I could not find any mention of A&S "spice cake" or "spiced cake" or even a mention of the "A&S Bakery".
Because of the strong connection between A & S and Macy's, I'm sending you a recipe that I found for
"Macy's Raisin Spice Cake." I have no reason to believe it is the same cake, but I would be remiss if
I didn't make the effort.
I will post this for reader input. Perhaps someone has the recipe and will respond.
Phaed
Macy's Raisin Spice Cake
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 tbsp. shortening
1 c. raisins
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
Cook together until raisins are tender then add 1/4 cup of water
with 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking
powder and a pinch of salt. Cook in moderate oven for 30 minutes.
