ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: KNIGHT OF THE ROUND TABLE

Dwight Mays was born my cousin, but over the years he became the brother of my heart. I often thought that if Dwight had lived in the days of old, with his noble nature and handsome face, that he would have been one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table.

We spend many hours on the banks of the Mississippi River talking and eating Hummingbird Cake, which was Dwight's favorite. This was a pastime that we carried into adulthood.

On a clear summer day in 1986 the unthinkable happened -- we lost Dwight in a boating accident. Forever gone were the laughing blue eyes and the fine young man that we had known.

Often, I still find myself on the banks of the Mississippi talking to Dwight, and I am very sure that on occasion I hear the clank of his armor as he takes his seat at the greatest Round Table of them all.

We love you, and we miss you.

Hummingbird Cake

(Dwight's favorite cake)

It is said that this cake is so good, even the elusive hummingbird can be lured to the ground by its sweet nectar crumbs.

3 cups self-rising flour

2 cups sugar

dash of salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup corn oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple (undrained)

1 cup small pecan pieces

2 cups chopped bananas (not mashed)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Combine first four ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add eggs and oil, stirring until all ingredients are moistened (do not beat).

3. Stir in vanilla extract, pineapple, pecans and bananas.

4. Spoon batter into three well-greased 9-inch cake pans.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

6. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes.

7. Remove cake from pans and frost with Cream Cheese Frosting (below).

Yield: 12 servings.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 sticks butter, softened

1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup pecan pieces

1. Combine first four ingredients, and beat at high speed until light and fluffy.

2. Frost cake.

3. Sprinkle pecan pieces on top.

Yield: Enough frosting for a two or three 9-inch layer cake.

Angie Holtzhouser is author of Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories ... Along the Mississippi. Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.