7 recipes from Alabama cooks say it's better with butter – Alaba…

Wanda Monk estimates she’s had her winning recipe for Vanilla Wafer Cake at least 40 years. She remembers making it to take when her family would gather for meals at the home of her mother-in-law in Falkville. The recipe, which likely came from another family member, uses two sticks of butter, which gives it that extra-moist texture.

Wanda Monk has a winner with her Vanilla Wafer Cake. (contributed)

Vanilla Wafer Cake

Ingredients

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 6 eggs
• 1 11-ounce box vanilla wafers
• 1½ cup sugar
• 1½ cup pecans
• 1 can flaked coconut

Instructions

Crush vanilla wafers thoroughly. Beat butter and sugar together, then add in eggs and beat. Mix in crushed vanilla wafers, pecans and coconut. Pour in a greased tube pan. Bake at 275 degrees for 1½ hours.

Wanda Monk

Buttery Puffs

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, unsliced; trim crust and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• ¼ pound sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup butter
• 4 egg whites, beaten stiff

Instructions

Use a double boiler to melt cream cheese…