Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln and a Blackberry Crumb Cake

 Today, February 12th, is the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Old Abe was born in Hodgenville Ky in 1809. He was not born into wealth rather his family was poor and this may have been what helped Lincoln through life. School was one thing he did not see a lot of only attending public school 1 year after that it was more independent study. Throughout his early life Abraham held jobs such as post master, surveyor, and shop keeper. 

Abraham Lincoln would enter politics in Illinois. Serving in the legislation from 1839 to 1842 he would be seen as a strong opponent and one that would stand up for what he thought was right. What he thought was right was to protect the union of the states . He did not agree with slavery but did not lead a revolt to free them either. He would change his life a bit in 1842 when he would get married and enter the United States Congress from 1847 to 1849. 

History tells the story of Abe Lincoln being a strong man but a caring man. Becoming president preserving the Union and have slavery abolished during his presidency. What they may not tell is that MR. Abraham suffered from deep depression. He often hid his depression behind funny impressions, jokes etc... He would live to be 56 years old before being shot by John Wilkes Boothe. For all you did Mr. Lincoln we want to say thank you. 

One thing that Lincoln liked to eat was blackberries. Here is a blackberry cake recipe he may have liked. 

crumb topping:
1/2 cup pecans
1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

FOR THE CAKE:
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound fresh blackberries (about 3 1/2 cups)

Heat oven to 350º F. Make the crumb topping: In a food processor, pulse the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly; transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the food processor.  Make the cake: Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. In the food processor, pulse the butter, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until crumbly. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the blackberries and crumb topping. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan before serving.

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