In a heartwarming celebration, a couple from Florida is honoring their 61 years of marriage by enjoying a piece of their original wedding cake. Meet the delightful duo, Linda and Tom Bennett.
“We’re both in our 80s, and our love is just as strong as it was on our wedding day. Every night, we still cuddle up together,” Linda revealed. It’s a well-known tradition for couples to save the top tier of their wedding cake to share on their first anniversary, as a symbol of good fortune. Given that the Bennetts have preserved their cake for over six decades, it seems their luck has certainly held.
At 82 and 86, Linda and Tom celebrated their anniversary this year, and Linda expressed a playful dilemma: “I’m torn between wanting to eat it quickly or savoring the moment. We joked about trying to outlive the cake – it’s a fun goal.” Their dark fruit cake, made by Linda’s grandmother back on August 19, 1955, is not just a dessert; it’s a cherished family heirloom.
You might be curious about the size of the cake and its taste after so many years. Currently, Linda shared that what remains is a tiny piece measuring just 3 by 4 inches. “We both enjoyed a small bite, and surprisingly, it still tastes fine!” she said. “It’s never seen the inside of a fridge or freezer; I just keep it wrapped in plastic. Back then we used wax paper to preserve it.”
Linda attributes the cake’s longevity to her grandmother’s recipe, which includes plenty of brandy, ensuring it doesn’t spoil. “It’s incredibly dark now, but that’s because of the aging process. The cake is so moist it could seep through regular frosting,” she explained. After the almond glaze was applied by a baker, a layer of white icing topped it off, though you wouldn’t recognize that now due to its dark appearance. If you’re wondering how they manage to enjoy aged cake, they simply pour a splash of brandy over their slice each year to rehydrate it.
The Bennetts are uncertain whether it’s the cake or the brandy that has contributed to their enduring relationship, but they’re grateful to have both as they look forward to celebrating more milestones together. “We’ve raised three wonderful children, put them through college, and are blessed with nine grandchildren,” Linda shared.
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In summary, Linda and Tom Bennett’s story is a beautiful reminder of love, tradition, and the little things that keep a relationship strong. Their celebration of 61 years together, highlighted by their original wedding cake, showcases the joy of shared memories and the sweetness of enduring love.