Another Tasty Treat!

I've been in a bit of a baking mood lately...not really sure why - I just know it brings me joy and relieves my stress...so, last night, I decided on a whim to make homemade vanilla cupcakes. This cake recipe card has been in my kitchen for many years - I'm not sure where it originated. The frosting recipe (which I got from my mother and I am guessing came from my grandmother) is one of my very favorite recipes - I used it for most cookies and all cakes.

White Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 egg whites

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place paper baking cups in cupcake trays (will make 24 cupcakes). In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk and shortening; beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add vanilla and egg whites; beat an additional 2 minutes. Pour into baking cups - filling each 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1/3 cup margarine

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla (or flavoring of your choice)

Beat on low speed: softened (not melted) margarine, milk, and vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar until desired consistency. Add food coloring, if desired.

Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with your choice of sprinkles or embellishments. This recipe will make 24 beautiful and tasty cupcakes!

I used silver foil baking cups, as those were always my favorite as a little girl...and after frosting my cupcakes, I sprinkled colored sugar on them...didn't they turn out festive and cute?! My husband and I both enjoyed a cupcake and a hot beverage last night - what a treat! We have enough cupcakes to last a while...then what will I bake next??

Baking Brownies

As usual, things are a bit hectic in our household...and yesterday was just one of those days where the sky fell in...a black cloud seemed to hover over my head the entire day. When I finally looked at the clock last night, it was almost 8:00 PM and I was exhausted and stressed to my maximum...so what did I do?? I made my way to my kitchen, of course! Looking for just a taste of comfort food and the solace I find when baking, I decided to make a batch of homemade brownies....and not homemade where you throw the contents of a box in a bowl...but true homemade, pull all the ingredients out of the cupboard/refrigerator, stir, mix, and bake. While a brownie mix can be convenient and quick, there is just something about making baked goods from scratch. This is my favorite tried and true recipe for brownies - it is from an old well-loved Betty Crocker cook book that I believe belonged to my mother when I was growing up - this cookbook is missing the cover and is in two separate pieces, but it is my "go to" book for recipes. This makes fabulous chewy, fudgy squares...and although I am not usually a chocolate person, I thoroughly enjoyed my homemade brownie with a hot cup of cinnamon tea latte last night!

Brownies

2 squares unsweetened chocolate (2 oz.)

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup sifted flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional - 1/2 cup broken nuts

Melt together the chocolate and shortening over hot water in a double boiler. Beat in eggs and sugar. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt...then stir into melted mixture. Mix in nuts, if desired. Once thoroughly combined, spread in well-greased 8" square pan (8" x 8" x 2"). Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes (top will have a dull crust and a slight imprint will be left when top is touched lightly with finger). Cool slightly, then cut into 2" squares. This recipe will make sixteen 2" brownie squares.

So, the next time you need a little stress-reliever, try baking something from scratch...the result: a happy heart and a happy tummy...

Pink Paisley Party

Yesterday was the most glorious day - I got to spend several hours with my dear friends Kimber and Merry...we got together for some girl time...a lovely tea party and lunch...which I am referring to as the pink paisley party, as Kimber had the most adorable table set for us with a pink and green paisley tablecloth and matching napkins. I wish I had a photo that did her decorating justice - the table setting was incredible (I took a TON of photos, but none of them look as inviting and exciting as it did in person). Our spring tea was held at Kimber's amazing home, a cozy 1885 farmhouse, which she lovingly refers to as Ashton House. As always, the three of us had a marvelous time! We started by having hot tea and some of the delicious treats Kimber had ready for us...seriously, look at the photos below of the table and my plate...oh my goodness! Kimber had various vintage cake plates spread across the table with all sorts of goodies, antique bowls filled with nuts and treats, a huge assortment of teas, and delicious little sandwiches. We sipped our tea, chatted, laughed, and just enjoyed each others company.

Some time was then spent opening gifts, seems even though we don't plan to bring presents, we all always have special little packages to exchange. Merry, as usual, outdid herself...not only did she make the most fabulous lunch for us, she also brought me a large assortment of gorgeous wool roving (which thrills me, as I can use it with my needle felting machine) and two jars of her homemade jam (Raspberry Rhubarb - oh my goodness, am I ever looking forward to trying it - maybe later today!). Kimber, who was gracious enough to host our gathering, had the sweetest gifts at our place settings (see photo in the top right corner of this post) - two adorable mini loaf pans with paper cups filled with vintage buttons and trims (she is SO creative!)...plus, she gave both of us a beautiful teapot that was wrapped in paisley fabric and tied with vintage bias tape (perfect!)....she even gave me a copy of a book that his been on my wishlist for months - talk about generous! We had a delightful time with our exchange.

Next, it was time for lunch...and it was scrumptious! Merry, the best cook in the world, made us homemade bread and a homemade quiche....again look at my plate - seriously - she amazes me! At Merry's request, I brought a fresh fruit salad, which (she was right) was the perfect addition to our meal. And get this - Merry made homemade macaroons (really - look how perfect they are) - they were seriously "to die for"! Having this special lunch and enjoying their company was a heavenly afternoon.

After clearing our plates, we moved to the sitting room and spent a couple hours visiting...I brought my stitching, but didn't even get it out of the bag (except to show them the new project I was working on). I was thrilled to get gardening advice from both of them - they are so knowledgeable and I a fledgling gardener, so it was great to get advice and tips! It was another excellent afternoon with my dear friends - I feel inspired, encouraged, and educated every time we get together - I truly cherish each gathering we have!

Time In The Kitchen

Today I baked a cake. No, not for a birthday or special occasion or celebration...I just baked a cake. I love to bake, but I don't usually allow myself the time to make sweet delicacies from scratch....too many deadlines and pressures in my everyday life to take the time to bake - but today I *needed* some time in the kitchen (plus a very special and wise person -Ruth- sent me the sweetest email and told me "work on something just for you that gives you joy"). There is just something about the measuring, blending, stirring, and baking - and if you follow the instructions, a few ingredients can make a magical treat! It felt good to be in the warmth of my kitchen - to smell the cake baking - to see it rising perfectly....it brought me comfort. As much as I love the art of baking, I am quite diligent with my diet and don't usually indulge in such sugary pastries...however, tonight I will make an exception and enjoy a small slice with a hot cup of tea....