Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Poundcake

Ingredients

1 pound           Butter

1 pound           Sugar

6                      Eggs

2 tsp                Vanilla

3 cups              Cake flour

1 /2 tsp            Salt

1 /2 cup           Buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla. Sift together the flour and salt and add to butter mixture. With the mixer running, slowly add buttermilk. Beat four to five minutes, until the batter is very smooth. Pour into a large buttered and floured loaf pan. Place in the center of the oven and bake for one hour and 20 minutes. Be very careful not to slam the oven door, or disturb the cake in any way while baking, or it will fall. A toothpick should come out clean when done.

Yield: 1 large loaf

Recent Recipes

Macaroni and Cheese

Growing up, elaborate mac & cheese wasn’t something that made its way to our dinner table. That’s not some sort of elitist statement. We grew up in a very modest way. It’s just that macaroni and cheese was something my mom never purchased at the store and therefore never served. This recipe is rich and indulgent with a blend of cheeses that create a creamy, savory masterpiece. Adding crispy fried shallots or crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb topping gives it a savory, satisfying crunch. The blend of cheeses—Velveeta for creaminess, Gruyere for nuttiness, Cheddar for sharpness, and Colby Jack for that buttery melt—makes all the difference.

Read more

Robert’s Christmas Turkey 2025

There's nothing like a well-roasted turkey to anchor a holiday table, and no one made it quite like my grandmother. She didn't wait until Thanksgiving to serve it. She'd roast a turkey once a month throughout the year, never mind the occasion. It was a staple at her table. My mother, on the other hand, always made a formal Christmas Eve dinner, complete with turkey, dressing, and gravy. As kids, the excitement of Christmas Eve was almost too much to bear. Those big dinners felt like the beginning of Christmas itself. It’s a memory that comes to mind every time I cook a turkey or make gravy. And a good gravy can make or break the meal. Making sure the roux browns just right and finishing the gravy with a touch of lemon juice or fresh herbs are tricks worth remembering. A little extra attention to the gravy goes a long way.

Read more

Bayou Bacon & Cheddar Spread

I can lay waste to a block of cream cheese with pepper jelly and crackers in a matter of minutes. It’s a weakness. No matter how hard I try to exercise self-control, I always find myself standing over the plate at a cocktail party, making it disappear without even thinking. This spread hits the same notes, but with a smoky, savory punch that’s hard to beat. It’s become a go-to for Christmas parties, and if you’re smart, you’ll double the recipe because it’ll be gone before you know it. It’s best when made a day in advance—giving all the flavors time to mingle.

Read more