We had Bud's birthday party last night--at the local rope course! Luckily, the rain went both north and south of us (unlike the great storm the night before that dropped 4.75" on us.) The park wasn't crowded, probably because of the threat of rain, and so Bud and his friends got four rounds on the course (instead of the usual three.) Several had never done a rope course before and were nervous to start, but they all had a great time. Bud was grinning ear to ear the whole time. They finally stopped around 8 pm and had lemonade, pizza, and homemade Victoria Sponge Cake (his request) amid all the twinkle lights, chatting and laughing between bites. A very happy 11th birthday party!
Showing posts with label birthday cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthday cake. Show all posts
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
(No) Slumber Party
Tonight, Sis is celebrating her 11th birthday with some friends. It's her first solo birthday party, meaning without Bud. Bud's taking it a little bit hard to be left out, especially because they share so many friends. So, he's out to a nice dinner, movie, and hotel with a big pool with Mama; he'll have his own birthday party in a few weeks . . . and he's not inviting her.
Sigh.
There's a lot of fun going on here tonight, though. It's Sis's first time to host a sleepover like this, with more than one friend, and a party at home to boot (almost all the other parties have been out and about.) Fried chicken and homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner, with some corn. Then make-your-own jar cakes with yellow cake, brownies, fudge frosting, white frosting, jam, sprinkles, M&Ms, and whipped cream. These went in the fridge while they played outside; then they came inside to decorate wooden letters with markers. Sis also opened some nice gifts--books and arts and crafts and such. Then they ate cake (after Sis blew out some candles!) and are now singing and dancing and talking downstairs.
Later, they might do henna and then watch a film (they were all at odds over which film.)
A few of the girls had never been here before, so Sis gave them a quick tour (mainly to locate the bathrooms and their lights, which are tricky.) One of them said our house was so friendly, which is about the nicest compliment I've ever had about our home. I only had a few rules--stay out of Bud's room, ask before heading outside, watch for the cats so they don't go outside--and said they could stay up as late as they'd like. I don't imagine they'll get much sleep. I'm not sure I will, either. All in the name of great fun and wonderful memories.
As I'm not needed for now (they'll want some help with henna, I imagine) and I want to give them some space, I'm lying down and watching old episodes of "Downton Abbey." And thinking of some of my own slumber parties (once, in a tent in the backyard--in December!--we ate GORP and cooked our meals on the grill, including blueberry pancakes.) Such fun.
Happy birthday, Sis!
Sigh.
There's a lot of fun going on here tonight, though. It's Sis's first time to host a sleepover like this, with more than one friend, and a party at home to boot (almost all the other parties have been out and about.) Fried chicken and homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner, with some corn. Then make-your-own jar cakes with yellow cake, brownies, fudge frosting, white frosting, jam, sprinkles, M&Ms, and whipped cream. These went in the fridge while they played outside; then they came inside to decorate wooden letters with markers. Sis also opened some nice gifts--books and arts and crafts and such. Then they ate cake (after Sis blew out some candles!) and are now singing and dancing and talking downstairs.
Later, they might do henna and then watch a film (they were all at odds over which film.)
A few of the girls had never been here before, so Sis gave them a quick tour (mainly to locate the bathrooms and their lights, which are tricky.) One of them said our house was so friendly, which is about the nicest compliment I've ever had about our home. I only had a few rules--stay out of Bud's room, ask before heading outside, watch for the cats so they don't go outside--and said they could stay up as late as they'd like. I don't imagine they'll get much sleep. I'm not sure I will, either. All in the name of great fun and wonderful memories.
As I'm not needed for now (they'll want some help with henna, I imagine) and I want to give them some space, I'm lying down and watching old episodes of "Downton Abbey." And thinking of some of my own slumber parties (once, in a tent in the backyard--in December!--we ate GORP and cooked our meals on the grill, including blueberry pancakes.) Such fun.
Happy birthday, Sis!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Catching Up
Advent
For whatever reason, we have fallen behind in our daily Advent Activities. I don't know if it's because we are distracted by and focused on the new cats (more on that in a bit), or because we have lots of activities--cookie decorating with GS troop at senior center, piano performance at nursing home, Piano Guys concert, various office parties, two friends' birthday parties, birthday lunch at German restaurant with visit to British grocery store, our annual cookie decorating party, and other things, plus are regularly scheduled activities.
Cats
We've had first contact! We couldn't tempt the new boys upstairs after we locked up our original cats last night, so we let our cats visit them in the basement. We were ready with treats, which worked very well--Albus and Hermione approached Mojito, but nothing happened as they all munched away. Later, Hermione and Mojito hissed a bit at each other, but separated. Mojito even went to eat while Hermione was still hanging around. We ended it soon after, since it had been pretty promising. And no one seemed the worse for the wear last night or this morning--no hiding, no litterbox accidents, no obvious stress. We'll try again. We realize the basement isn't the best place for them to live, but under the circumstances, Mojito (Mojo) and Patron (Tabby or Petro) are pretty lucky. And it is temporary.
Colonial Lecture
I gave that lecture to a local AAUW (American Association of University Women) chapter last weekend. And it went really well! My light beige body sock arrived the day before so that I didn't feel quite so exposed in my chemise. 'Cos I started out in nothing more than my shift, which is a very flimsy nightgown (and would've been used as such), and stockings. I then tied on garters, slipped on my leather Merrills (the most obvious anachronistic bit I have--reproduction colonial shoes are too expensive for my needs), and kept going. A volunteer helped me lace up my stays/corset, skipping every other hole to make it go faster--she used my spiral bobbin to help thread it (the spirals help twist the bobbin through.) Then pockets, petticoats, bodice, cap. They couldn't believe how many clothes I had on--are you hot? can you breathe? can you bend? I'm pretty comfortable in my colonial clothes, even the corset, which is a nice brace for my back. I spoke a bit about the development of the corset as a foundation for heavy petticoats and as a way to achieve the straight silhouette they desired (their clothes were much more fitted than now, tight, and so you really get these amazing lines, esp if you have wide skirts, a bum roll or panniers, an early side hoop.) Since it's all cotton--the other main anachronism, for it would've been mainly wool, linen, or a combo linsy-woolsey here--I don't get as hot as I could (though I get warm faster than usual), and, of course, now the historic house has AC and heat; it would've been so much colder in the 18th century and you would've needed the wool, quilted petticoats, and numerous layers. The talk was short, only about 20 minutes, and I could've covered a lot more. I would definitely do it again, longer and more detailed. And when I changed back into my civvies, I just felt ordinary again. I like the way I feel, physically (the corset, the change in how I move--sit, walk, even gesture) and mentally (i.e. thinking about the past, getting a different perspective.) Regular clothes just don't do that for me (mind you, if I wore colonial clothes more often, I probably wouldn't feel that way anymore, either.)
Birthday Celebrations
Mama set up this great present for me--a Lyve app that allows me to manipulate all the digital photos we have in chronological order, updates any of our new photos, let's me share them. So, I can look back on all the photos we've taken on my birthday through the years. Or, look at all the photos in a month or year. And she bought this digital frame that scrolls through them. Right now, there are pictures of us at Mystic Seaport going past.
Mama went into work late so we could all have breakfast together--egg sandwiches she fetched from the deli!--and treats (yummy pastries from a special bakery she'd snuck home.) Sis had hung up a birthday sign telling me I was awesome. Feeling lots of love from my family today.
And family and friends, far and wide. Gommie, Aunt Banana, and Lambeth and Mrs. Lambeth have called--it definitely sets the day apart and makes me feel special. And several of my local friends came over for coffee and cake this morning, bringing treats to share (and some gifts, though I had said not to, which was sweet and appreciated.) We chatted for two hours, having not gotten together in awhile. I never get to talk to everyone as much as I'd like, but they're all interesting and seemed to enjoy getting to know each other (there are definitely different spheres, like a Venn Diagram of my life, and they crossed over today.) I even played a few songs on the piano to show off my new skills!
Tonight, Mama and I are going to a big holiday party and tomorrow we're meeting up with my in-laws to do holiday things. And Sunday, the kids have another piano performance. So, all in all, a very special birthday.
For whatever reason, we have fallen behind in our daily Advent Activities. I don't know if it's because we are distracted by and focused on the new cats (more on that in a bit), or because we have lots of activities--cookie decorating with GS troop at senior center, piano performance at nursing home, Piano Guys concert, various office parties, two friends' birthday parties, birthday lunch at German restaurant with visit to British grocery store, our annual cookie decorating party, and other things, plus are regularly scheduled activities.
Cats
We've had first contact! We couldn't tempt the new boys upstairs after we locked up our original cats last night, so we let our cats visit them in the basement. We were ready with treats, which worked very well--Albus and Hermione approached Mojito, but nothing happened as they all munched away. Later, Hermione and Mojito hissed a bit at each other, but separated. Mojito even went to eat while Hermione was still hanging around. We ended it soon after, since it had been pretty promising. And no one seemed the worse for the wear last night or this morning--no hiding, no litterbox accidents, no obvious stress. We'll try again. We realize the basement isn't the best place for them to live, but under the circumstances, Mojito (Mojo) and Patron (Tabby or Petro) are pretty lucky. And it is temporary.
Colonial Lecture
I gave that lecture to a local AAUW (American Association of University Women) chapter last weekend. And it went really well! My light beige body sock arrived the day before so that I didn't feel quite so exposed in my chemise. 'Cos I started out in nothing more than my shift, which is a very flimsy nightgown (and would've been used as such), and stockings. I then tied on garters, slipped on my leather Merrills (the most obvious anachronistic bit I have--reproduction colonial shoes are too expensive for my needs), and kept going. A volunteer helped me lace up my stays/corset, skipping every other hole to make it go faster--she used my spiral bobbin to help thread it (the spirals help twist the bobbin through.) Then pockets, petticoats, bodice, cap. They couldn't believe how many clothes I had on--are you hot? can you breathe? can you bend? I'm pretty comfortable in my colonial clothes, even the corset, which is a nice brace for my back. I spoke a bit about the development of the corset as a foundation for heavy petticoats and as a way to achieve the straight silhouette they desired (their clothes were much more fitted than now, tight, and so you really get these amazing lines, esp if you have wide skirts, a bum roll or panniers, an early side hoop.) Since it's all cotton--the other main anachronism, for it would've been mainly wool, linen, or a combo linsy-woolsey here--I don't get as hot as I could (though I get warm faster than usual), and, of course, now the historic house has AC and heat; it would've been so much colder in the 18th century and you would've needed the wool, quilted petticoats, and numerous layers. The talk was short, only about 20 minutes, and I could've covered a lot more. I would definitely do it again, longer and more detailed. And when I changed back into my civvies, I just felt ordinary again. I like the way I feel, physically (the corset, the change in how I move--sit, walk, even gesture) and mentally (i.e. thinking about the past, getting a different perspective.) Regular clothes just don't do that for me (mind you, if I wore colonial clothes more often, I probably wouldn't feel that way anymore, either.)
Birthday Celebrations
Mama set up this great present for me--a Lyve app that allows me to manipulate all the digital photos we have in chronological order, updates any of our new photos, let's me share them. So, I can look back on all the photos we've taken on my birthday through the years. Or, look at all the photos in a month or year. And she bought this digital frame that scrolls through them. Right now, there are pictures of us at Mystic Seaport going past.
Mama went into work late so we could all have breakfast together--egg sandwiches she fetched from the deli!--and treats (yummy pastries from a special bakery she'd snuck home.) Sis had hung up a birthday sign telling me I was awesome. Feeling lots of love from my family today.
And family and friends, far and wide. Gommie, Aunt Banana, and Lambeth and Mrs. Lambeth have called--it definitely sets the day apart and makes me feel special. And several of my local friends came over for coffee and cake this morning, bringing treats to share (and some gifts, though I had said not to, which was sweet and appreciated.) We chatted for two hours, having not gotten together in awhile. I never get to talk to everyone as much as I'd like, but they're all interesting and seemed to enjoy getting to know each other (there are definitely different spheres, like a Venn Diagram of my life, and they crossed over today.) I even played a few songs on the piano to show off my new skills!
Tonight, Mama and I are going to a big holiday party and tomorrow we're meeting up with my in-laws to do holiday things. And Sunday, the kids have another piano performance. So, all in all, a very special birthday.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Summer Fun: Birthday Bash
We've had birthday parties (by year):
- in the backyard with everyone we knew to thank them for helping us;
- again in the backyard, this time with bubbles (described in retrospect in third paragraph);
- at the nature center with animal time, craft time, and playground time;
- at the zoo, with animals and a craft;
- at the Aquarium, with a tour and a craft;
- at the church hall, for Legopalooza;
- at the invention museum, with a hands-on woodworking project;
- at the dance hall, for a pop music dance party;
- and now, at the ice skating rink.
Which means I'm pretty experienced with the "away" party. I thought I had already written a post about hosting a take-away party, or whatever they're called (I remember there was a name for them), but I never posted it, can't find it, or didn't actually write it.
Still, a few suggestions:
- have a pad of paper to record names and phone numbers of parents who are not staying on site;
- don't forget matches and candles, very few places have them available;
- also remember bowls you might need to serve snacks;
- bring a Sharpie to label the kids' drinking cups;
- I always try to have enough food for seconds and for parents who stay (today, we barely had enough cupcakes for the kids);
- cupcakes travel and serve more easily than sheet cake;
- bring 1-2 garbage bags to carry the presents away;
- money for a tip for the assistant (I aim for 15-20% of the fee);
Today's birthday party at the skating rink was great. The kids woke up this morning so excited and grew more so when Goo arrived. They had their skating lesson first--it was Bud's first official lesson--and then helped us set up for the party. The set-up was pretty minimal--bowls of potato chips, lemonade and water, ice, cups, napkins--and then they began welcoming friends, both from school and from kung fu.
Most of the kids could skate and Sis helped those who couldn't (with more experience than Bud, she's the better helper.) We had talked to them about how to be a host/hostess--welcome everyone and explain any details, talk to everyone, buddy up with those who are alone, help serve food and drink, thank them when you say goodbye. They did a great job and the two groups of kids, strangers to each other, got along well.
They skated almost 2 hours, with barely a break for pizza; after skating, we sang "Happy Birthday" and ate cupcakes--those wonderful "TARDIS in the Time Vortex" cupcakes that only a couple of people understood. As the Zamboni cleaned up after public skate, we said goodbye to everyone and cleaned up.
And now, after opening all the wonderful presents from generous friends at home, the kids are off to the movies with Mama and Goo, after a big sushi dinner. I'm home alone, resting and rejoicing . . . and writing it all here.
Summer Fun: First Full Day
Friday was our first full day of summer, if you count summer essentially as no school. Bud woke up at his usual 6:30 a.m. weekend time, while Sis purposefully slept til 9 a.m. I was in between.
Before Sis awoke, Bud practiced his "Penguin of the Opera," an idea we had the night before to have him stage the musical with our collection of stuffed animals. And he did an amazing job. Below, you'll see Amy the bunny as Christine and Tango as The Penguin, in the "Angel of Music" scene, first in the mirror and then in the boat on the lake, and then the "All I Ask of You" scene on the roof of the Paris Opera. Besides taking these stills, Bud has been practicing some of the score on the piano. We then spent midday watching the 25th Anniversary Phantom at the Royal Albert Hall. It's a good thing we've purchased tickets to the Broadway production later this year!
When Sis woke up, we headed outside to play, it being a beautiful (cool for June) day. I even did some weed-eating while they planted some seed packets they received from church as part of Stepping Up. We also had the first of our many summer picnics, this one from the deli, sitting under the Japanese maple out front.
We ran errands midday--deposit at the bank (with lollipops!), party foods from the big store (and two new books--one Lego, the other a crafting felt project), and then we headed to the Y to join as a family in order to swim! Surprisingly, Bud didn't want to swim, but Sis did, in the deep end even, for about an hour. We stopped for ice cream on the way home.
Evening was spent eating the lobster that Ma, Gong, and Goo got us in Maine, as well as prepping for their birthday party. The theme was Doctor Who, minimally, since it was mainly an ice skating party. But we did make inspired "TARDIS in the Time Vortex" cupcakes, complete with blue-gold-white swirl and tilted TARDIS on a toothpick! Sis helped frost while Bud and Mama made the decorations. I think they came out rather well:
I had promised them a water fight and so, stripping off my good shoes, I snuck up on them while they were swinging and doused them with the hose. They got me back, pretty well, since we have two hoses and they're faster.
And then it was pretty much bedtime.
A really good start to our summer fun, considering we can check off two or three things off our list!
(And look, no mention of computers!!)
Before Sis awoke, Bud practiced his "Penguin of the Opera," an idea we had the night before to have him stage the musical with our collection of stuffed animals. And he did an amazing job. Below, you'll see Amy the bunny as Christine and Tango as The Penguin, in the "Angel of Music" scene, first in the mirror and then in the boat on the lake, and then the "All I Ask of You" scene on the roof of the Paris Opera. Besides taking these stills, Bud has been practicing some of the score on the piano. We then spent midday watching the 25th Anniversary Phantom at the Royal Albert Hall. It's a good thing we've purchased tickets to the Broadway production later this year!
 |
| I love how Bud took the picture so you only see The Penguin in the mirror, just like in the stage show. |
 |
| The boat is an upside-down cat scratching apparatus; Bud ingenuously flipped it over. |
 |
| [No Name] appears as Raoul |
We ran errands midday--deposit at the bank (with lollipops!), party foods from the big store (and two new books--one Lego, the other a crafting felt project), and then we headed to the Y to join as a family in order to swim! Surprisingly, Bud didn't want to swim, but Sis did, in the deep end even, for about an hour. We stopped for ice cream on the way home.
Evening was spent eating the lobster that Ma, Gong, and Goo got us in Maine, as well as prepping for their birthday party. The theme was Doctor Who, minimally, since it was mainly an ice skating party. But we did make inspired "TARDIS in the Time Vortex" cupcakes, complete with blue-gold-white swirl and tilted TARDIS on a toothpick! Sis helped frost while Bud and Mama made the decorations. I think they came out rather well:
 |
| The inspiration |
|
| Our creation |
I had promised them a water fight and so, stripping off my good shoes, I snuck up on them while they were swinging and doused them with the hose. They got me back, pretty well, since we have two hoses and they're faster.
And then it was pretty much bedtime.
A really good start to our summer fun, considering we can check off two or three things off our list!
(And look, no mention of computers!!)
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Birthday Month
After almost a month of celebrating, the kids have finally finished their birthdays! I might actually be relieved. While my paternal relatives always applaud the stretching out of celebrations, it was almost out of control (in a good way.) But, I'm not sure I can do what Shelley of Little Chickadees does, and stop the big celebrations when they turn 10, having only individual sleepovers or something with one friend. Which tells me something about myself . . . .
It started way back before school was out, with a disco dance party with a luau theme and even a Tiki pole. "Nikki Minaj" and "Psy" danced their hearts out with their friends to all their favorite Taylor Swift and Pink and Katy Perry songs and played various games such as Coke and Pepsi, balloon race, limbo, and this 1-2-3-4 cluster game. They ate pizza and homemade chocolate-frosted vanilla cupcakes, with crushed vanilla wafers for sand under mini-umbrella decorations, and danced some more. Once home, they opened lots of presents (no one up here seems to open presents at parties--I've never seen it done.) Since then, we've written half the thank-you notes and I have since lost the list and the notecards!
Then one Saturday, Mama and the kids headed to NYC to celebrate all the summer birthdays, of which there are four, with Ma and Gong and Goo. They had dim sum, ice cream from the truck, and special Japanese pastries, I believe.
We gave them each an early birthday present. Bud got the first three episodes of Star Wars, which we promptly watched. His favorite is #2; he really disliked Order 66 in #3. Sis enjoyed them, too, and they've both been playing Jedi non-stop since. Sis received two more American Girl dolls--the original Felicity and Elizabeth--which a teenager daughter of a colleague of Mama's was letting go of. Sis has now named that Felicity "Martha" instead, because she had named her Make Your Own doll "Felicity" first. Confused? No worries. We gave her the dolls early (and therefore Bud the DVDs) because Gommie was taking Sis to the American Girl doll store in Houston for a birthday treat and we knew she'd want to get their ears pierced. So we hauled all the dolls to Texas and she and Gommie had fun playing with them.
Then, as I mentioned in my Texas post, Gommie threw an impromptu party for them and invited all the aunts, uncles, and cousins for cake and ice cream (why is it that no one up here every pairs cake with ice cream at parties? It's the best!) If I count correctly, there were 17 adults and 12 youngsters, almost all relatives (the kids were no longer overwhelmed by this, even if Mama will always be.) There were cards, homemade ice cream (along with lots of Blue Bell), confetti poppers, kites, and water balloons, so of course they had a water balloon fight.
Later that afternoon, Great Aunt Sis and Uncle W had presents for the kids when we visited them--wonderful books, as always--as well as cheesecake and ice cream, fruit and cheese. We also gave Aunt Sis, another summer birthday, a Tudor Rose suncatcher from the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition to put in her window since she spends so much time in bed.
On their real birthday earlier this week, Mama and I played "birthday fairy" and decorated the house with streamers and Star Wars birthday banners and left the last couple of wrapped presents on the couch with a clear warning "not to open without Moms!" We could hear them crowing about it all at 6:40 the next morning! More Legos and the complete Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? dvd set. And tickets for all of us to see The Lion King on Broadway (their first real Broadway show!) later this summer! (I think this excites us more than them, even having seen it twice already ourselves. But they'll love it and we've long dreamed of taking them.) Needless to say, the Legos were done and the first disc of Carmen Sandiego watched before the day was out. We made Rice Krispie treats as part of the fun. Later, we went up to a little pool birthday party for them at babysitter M and Miss K's house in the afternoon, which was kind of them. Dinner was Italian.
And finally, last night, original Beloved Babysitter M came over, having returned from a week in London and Paris (about which I was very interested and the kids not so much!) She generously brought presents, the best being walkie-talkies which they've used non-stop since then, especially for playing a modified chase game outside. And Babysitter--about whom it is as hard to believe she is 21 as they are 8! She's been with us for almost 8 years!--then played their all-time favorite games of "Escape Zoo" and "Tickle Monster," just like they did years ago. So, even if they are 8, it's great to see that some things just don't change and they still are, while much closer to 10 than 5 in attitude and activities, pretty much kids.
Happy Birthday, Sis and Bud!
It started way back before school was out, with a disco dance party with a luau theme and even a Tiki pole. "Nikki Minaj" and "Psy" danced their hearts out with their friends to all their favorite Taylor Swift and Pink and Katy Perry songs and played various games such as Coke and Pepsi, balloon race, limbo, and this 1-2-3-4 cluster game. They ate pizza and homemade chocolate-frosted vanilla cupcakes, with crushed vanilla wafers for sand under mini-umbrella decorations, and danced some more. Once home, they opened lots of presents (no one up here seems to open presents at parties--I've never seen it done.) Since then, we've written half the thank-you notes and I have since lost the list and the notecards!
Then one Saturday, Mama and the kids headed to NYC to celebrate all the summer birthdays, of which there are four, with Ma and Gong and Goo. They had dim sum, ice cream from the truck, and special Japanese pastries, I believe.
We gave them each an early birthday present. Bud got the first three episodes of Star Wars, which we promptly watched. His favorite is #2; he really disliked Order 66 in #3. Sis enjoyed them, too, and they've both been playing Jedi non-stop since. Sis received two more American Girl dolls--the original Felicity and Elizabeth--which a teenager daughter of a colleague of Mama's was letting go of. Sis has now named that Felicity "Martha" instead, because she had named her Make Your Own doll "Felicity" first. Confused? No worries. We gave her the dolls early (and therefore Bud the DVDs) because Gommie was taking Sis to the American Girl doll store in Houston for a birthday treat and we knew she'd want to get their ears pierced. So we hauled all the dolls to Texas and she and Gommie had fun playing with them.
Then, as I mentioned in my Texas post, Gommie threw an impromptu party for them and invited all the aunts, uncles, and cousins for cake and ice cream (why is it that no one up here every pairs cake with ice cream at parties? It's the best!) If I count correctly, there were 17 adults and 12 youngsters, almost all relatives (the kids were no longer overwhelmed by this, even if Mama will always be.) There were cards, homemade ice cream (along with lots of Blue Bell), confetti poppers, kites, and water balloons, so of course they had a water balloon fight.
Later that afternoon, Great Aunt Sis and Uncle W had presents for the kids when we visited them--wonderful books, as always--as well as cheesecake and ice cream, fruit and cheese. We also gave Aunt Sis, another summer birthday, a Tudor Rose suncatcher from the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition to put in her window since she spends so much time in bed.
On their real birthday earlier this week, Mama and I played "birthday fairy" and decorated the house with streamers and Star Wars birthday banners and left the last couple of wrapped presents on the couch with a clear warning "not to open without Moms!" We could hear them crowing about it all at 6:40 the next morning! More Legos and the complete Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? dvd set. And tickets for all of us to see The Lion King on Broadway (their first real Broadway show!) later this summer! (I think this excites us more than them, even having seen it twice already ourselves. But they'll love it and we've long dreamed of taking them.) Needless to say, the Legos were done and the first disc of Carmen Sandiego watched before the day was out. We made Rice Krispie treats as part of the fun. Later, we went up to a little pool birthday party for them at babysitter M and Miss K's house in the afternoon, which was kind of them. Dinner was Italian.
And finally, last night, original Beloved Babysitter M came over, having returned from a week in London and Paris (about which I was very interested and the kids not so much!) She generously brought presents, the best being walkie-talkies which they've used non-stop since then, especially for playing a modified chase game outside. And Babysitter--about whom it is as hard to believe she is 21 as they are 8! She's been with us for almost 8 years!--then played their all-time favorite games of "Escape Zoo" and "Tickle Monster," just like they did years ago. So, even if they are 8, it's great to see that some things just don't change and they still are, while much closer to 10 than 5 in attitude and activities, pretty much kids.
Happy Birthday, Sis and Bud!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
More Cake on My Plate
We are having the kiddos' birthday party early, before school is out (hoping it is easier to get RSVPs and guests.) They had considered an at-home party with just a few friends, but then decided on a bigger dance party at a local place. With a luau theme! They will greet their guests with leis, with some candy and a music CD in the favor bag. There are tiki centerpieces and even an inflatable Tiki pole (Mama took them to buy supplies, of course. It's reminiscent of Disney and the Polynesian; I try not to think of cultural appropriation!) They'll dance to all their favorite current pop hits--oh, how they love to dance right now, putting on shows for us almost nightly to "Gangnam Style" and "I Knew You Were Trouble"--and play games, then have pizza (and chicken fingers for Sis.) And, after much back and forth about the birthday dessert, the kiddos decided on vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting, to be decorated with crushed vanilla wafers for sand and little beach umbrellas. Today, they helped me make the cupcakes; tomorrow, I'll frost and decorate them. And then we'll party!
-=-=-=-=-=-
Yellow Cake
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-by-2-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess; set aside. Into a medium bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until combined after each addition.
Divide batter between the prepared pans, and smooth with an offset spatula. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until cakes are golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool 20 minutes. Invert cakes onto the rack; peel off the parchment. Reinvert cakes and let them cool completely, top sides up.
Chocolate Frosting
24 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon boiling water
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Pinch of salt
Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water. Turn off heat; stir occasionally until chocolate has melted completely, about 15 minutes. Set bowl on countertop, and let chocolate cool to room temperature, 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl; stir until cocoa is dissolved.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add melted chocolate; beat on low speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in cocoa mixture.
Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level; brush off crumbs. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place the first layer on the cake plate, and spread top with 3/4 cup of frosting. Place the second layer on top, bottom side up, and spread top with 3/4 cup of frosting; repeat process with the third layer. Place the remaining layer on top of the third layer, bottom-side up; insert a dowel into the center of cakes if necessary. Spread entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
Martha Stewart
-=-=-=-=-=-
Yellow Cake
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-by-2-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess; set aside. Into a medium bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until combined after each addition.
Divide batter between the prepared pans, and smooth with an offset spatula. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until cakes are golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool 20 minutes. Invert cakes onto the rack; peel off the parchment. Reinvert cakes and let them cool completely, top sides up.
Martha Stewart
24 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon boiling water
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Pinch of salt
Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water. Turn off heat; stir occasionally until chocolate has melted completely, about 15 minutes. Set bowl on countertop, and let chocolate cool to room temperature, 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl; stir until cocoa is dissolved.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add melted chocolate; beat on low speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in cocoa mixture.
Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level; brush off crumbs. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place the first layer on the cake plate, and spread top with 3/4 cup of frosting. Place the second layer on top, bottom side up, and spread top with 3/4 cup of frosting; repeat process with the third layer. Place the remaining layer on top of the third layer, bottom-side up; insert a dowel into the center of cakes if necessary. Spread entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
Martha Stewart
Monday, June 17, 2013
She Takes the Cake
Mama Teacher is having a birthday and I'm making a cake, Bundts being my new favorites. I have a few tried and true recipes, below, and she has chosen the first one with rum syrup. I share all of them with you.
If you have a favorite lemon (or lemon poppyseed) poundcake or plain poundcake, do share.
Happy birthday!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
My favorite Bundt cakes, with additions since the original post.
Chocolate Glaze Topping (no chocolate on the one at church)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa
1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoon buttermilk or low-fat milk
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup Bundt pan and set aside. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in almond filling until blended. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt until mixed. Add to almond mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until blended. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on rack. To make glaze, combine ingredients in small bowl, and stir until blended and smooth. Spoon or drizzle over top of cake. Let stand until glaze is set. Or top with fresh fruit and whipped cream!
NYTimes All-in-one-Holiday Bundt
1 ¼ sticks (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
Pinch salt
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups canned unsweetened pumpkin purée
1 large apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1 cup cranberries, halved or coarsely chopped
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Maple icing (optional; see Note)
Heat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the center. Butter a 9- to 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan.
If you have a favorite lemon (or lemon poppyseed) poundcake or plain poundcake, do share.
Happy birthday!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
My favorite Bundt cakes, with additions since the original post.
Rum Cake with Chocolate
Frosting
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon
baking powder
½ teaspoon
salt
1 ½ cups (3
sticks) butter, softened
2 ½ cups
granulated sugar
7 large eggs
2 teaspoons
rum
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 10 inch bundt pan. Mix together flour, baking powder and
salt. Beat together butter and sugar at
medium speed until light and fluffy. Add
eggs, 1 at a time, beating well. Beat in
rum. Beat in flour mixture at low speed
until just combined. Do not
overmix. Spoon batter into pan. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted
comes out clean, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Do not overbake
Rum Syrup
2/3 cup
granulated sugar
½ cup water
2
tablespoons rum
Prepare syrup meanwhile. In a saucepan, heat together sugar and water
over medium heat, stirring occassionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; cool completely. Stir in rum.
Transfer cake pan to a wire
rack. Pierce cake top all over. Spoon syrup over cake. Cool cake in pan for 30 minutes. Turn cake out onto rack to cool.
Chocolate Frosting
4 ounces
semisweet chocolate
½ cup heavy
cream
1 ½ teaspoon
corn syrup
1 tablespoon
rum
Prepare frosting by melting
chocolate with cream in double boiler.
Stir until smooth. Remove from
heat. Stir in corn syrup and rum. Cool frosting until slightly thickened. Place cake on serving plate. Spread frosting over cake.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Chocolate Almond Toffee Chunk Cake
1 (1 lb.
2.25 oz.) Betty Crocker Super Moist Devil’s Food Cake Mix with pudding in the
mix (or any devil’s food cake)
1-3.9 oz.
box instant chocolate pudding
8-1.4 oz.
bars Skor or Heath chocolate covered toffee, chopped in small chunks
½ cup
slivered almonds, lightly toasted and thoroughly cooled
1 cup sour
cream
4 large eggs
¾ cup
vegetable oil
1 ½
teaspoons pure almond extract
1 ½
teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup
heavy cream
Preheat the oven to 35O°F. Generously coat the inside of a 10” bundt pan
with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the cake mix and chocolate pudding in the large bowl of
an electric mixer. Mix on low for 1
minute to combine ingredients. Place the
almond toffee chunks and slivered almonds in a bowl; toss with 1 ½ tablespoons
of the cake mix mixture. Set aside.
Add the sour cream, eggs, oil, almond extract, vanilla
extract, and heavy cream to the dry ingredients in that order; beat on low
speed for 1 minute to combine, scraping down the sides. Increase speed to moderately low and beat the
batter for 4 minutes. Stir in the almond
toffee chunks and slivered almonds.
Spoon the batter into bundt pan. Shake the pan gently two or three times to
level the top. Bake the cake for 50-55
minutes or until wooden pick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Carefully place another cooling rack on top
and invert the cake. Let stand for 10
minutes (cake will fall slightly).
Almond Glaze
3
tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup
Amaretto
1 tablespoon
granulated sugar
½ teaspoon
pure vanilla extract
Place the butter, Amaretto, and
sugar in a small saucepan, over moderate heat, and cook until butter
melts. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Using a dry pastry brush, paint hot glaze
over top and sides of cake. Let cool
completely.
Chocolatier
Wellesley Fudge Icing
6-1 oz.
squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
1-16 oz.
package powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
½ cup
butter, softened, divided
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons
vanilla
Melt chocolate. Beat in sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, milk,
and vanilla with electric mixer on low until well blended. Beat in remaining butter until smooth. If frosting becomes too thick, beat in
additional milk by teaspoonfuls until desired consistency.
Baker’s Chocolate
box
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bittersweet Chocolate
Pound Cake
6 oz. Nestle Unsweetened Chocolate baking bars (3
foil-wrapped bars)
2 cups
all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1 teaspoon
baking powder
2
tablespoons freeze dried instant coffee
2
tablespoons hot water
2 cups
granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks)
butter, softened
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
3 eggs
confectioner’s
sugar
cold water
Preheat
oven to 325°F. Grease and flour 10 inch
fluted tube or angel food cake pan. Melt
unsweetened chocolate baking bars.
In
small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside. In 2-cup measure, dissolve instant coffee in
hot water; add cold water to measure 1 ½ cups.
In
large mixer bowl, beat granulated sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until
creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a
time. Stir in melted chocolate. Add flour mixture alternately with coffee
mixture. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake
one hour or until skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely. Drizzle with Rich Chocolate Glaze (see
below); sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.
Rich Chocolate Glaze
2 oz. Nestle
unsweetened chocolate baking bar (one foil wrapped bar)
3
tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups
confectioner’s sugar
3 to 4
tablespoons water
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
In
medium saucepan over very low heat, melt chocolate and butter, stirring until
smooth. Remove from heat . Stir in confectioner’s sugar, alternately
with water until desired consistency.
Stir in vanilla extract.
(makes about ¾ cup glaze)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
HERSHEY'S
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake
2 cups
sugar
1-3/4
cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup
HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2
teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2
teaspoons baking soda
1
teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup
milk
1/2 cup
vegetable oil
2
teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup
boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING(recipe follows)
1. Heat oven
to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. Stir
together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large
bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes.
Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake 30
to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10
minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.
VARIATIONS:
ONE-PAN
CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter
into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.
THREE LAYER
CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour
batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from
pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.
BUNDT CAKE:
Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into
prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire
rack. Cool completely. Frost.
CUPCAKES:
Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to
350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely.
Frost. About 30 cupcakes.
"PERFECTLY
CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1 stick (1/2
cup) butter or margarine
2/3 cup
HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups
powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
Melt butter.
Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading
consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla.
About 2 cups frosting.
Hershey's
Cocoa box
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Hershey
Special Dark Picnic Cake
1 cup
Hershey Special Dark Chocolate Chips (regular semisweet work too!)
1/4 cup
(1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1-1/3
cups boiling water
2-1/3
cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4
cups sugar
1/2 cup
dairy sour cream
2 eggs
2
teaspoons baking soda
1
teaspoon salt
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
Special
Dark Frosting (recipe follows)
1. Heat
oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
2.
Combine chocolate chips, butter and water in large mixer bowl; stir with spoon
until chocolate is melted and mixture is blended. Gradually add flour, sugar,
sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt and vanilla; beat on low speed of electric
mixer until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake
35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out
clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Frost with Special Dark Frosting.
12 to 15 servings.
Special
Dark Frosting
1/4 cup
(1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1 cup
Hershey Special Dark Chocolate Chips
1-1/2
cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup
milk
1/2
teaspoon vanilla extract
Place
butter and chocolate chips in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM
(50%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM 15 seconds at a time,
stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when
stirred. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk and vanilla, beating until
smooth. If necessary, refrigerate 5 to 10 minutes or until of desired spreading
consistency. About 1-2/3 cups frosting.
VARIATION:
For a stronger chocolate flavored cake, decrease flour to 2 cups and add 1/3
cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa.
Hershey's
-=-=-=-=-=-
Solo Almond Bundt Cake
Almond Glaze Topping
1 cup confectioners sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoon light cream
Cake
Almond Glaze Topping
1 cup confectioners sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoon light cream
Cake
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 can Solo Almond Cake and Pastry Filling or 1 jar of any other fruit filling
1⁄4 cup milk
2 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 can Solo Almond Cake and Pastry Filling or 1 jar of any other fruit filling
1⁄4 cup milk
Chocolate Glaze Topping (no chocolate on the one at church)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa
1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoon buttermilk or low-fat milk
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup Bundt pan and set aside. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in almond filling until blended. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt until mixed. Add to almond mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until blended. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on rack. To make glaze, combine ingredients in small bowl, and stir until blended and smooth. Spoon or drizzle over top of cake. Let stand until glaze is set. Or top with fresh fruit and whipped cream!
Rawhide's Whiskey Cake from Taste of Home1 package spice cake mix with pudding (regular size)
1 package (3.40 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup canola oil (I used grapeseed oil)
3/4 cup whiskey (I used bourbon)
4 large eggs
1-1/3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts, divided
GLAZE:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup whiskey
Preheat oven to 300°. Grease and flour a 10-in. tube pan.
1 package (3.40 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup canola oil (I used grapeseed oil)
3/4 cup whiskey (I used bourbon)
4 large eggs
1-1/3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts, divided
GLAZE:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup whiskey
Preheat oven to 300°. Grease and flour a 10-in. tube pan.
Combine the first six ingredients; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes; fold in 1 cup nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan; sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 60-65 minutes. Cool in pan.
For glaze, mix all ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes. Pour one-third of glaze over top of cake, allowing some to flow over sides. Let stand 1 hour. Remove from pan to cool completely; cover.
The next day, reheat glaze; brush half over cake, cooling before covering. Repeat the following day, using remaining glaze.
Yield: 16 servings.
Thunder Bundt Cake
Cream together, one at a time
1 cup shortening (we used coconut oil)
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
*3 eggs, separated (Blend yolks in. Beat whites until they are stiff, then fold in.*Do this first? Unless you have more than one bowl.)
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
Sift together
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350F.
Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture.
Bake in greased and floured Bundt pan for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Optional--frost with chocolate buttercream and decorate with strawberries.
Patricia Polacco, Thunder Cake
Cream together, one at a time
1 cup shortening (we used coconut oil)
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
*3 eggs, separated (Blend yolks in. Beat whites until they are stiff, then fold in.*Do this first? Unless you have more than one bowl.)
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
Sift together
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350F.
Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture.
Bake in greased and floured Bundt pan for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Optional--frost with chocolate buttercream and decorate with strawberries.
Patricia Polacco, Thunder Cake
Apple Cake a la Alton Brown
The creamed:
1 cup/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened but not melting (70°F)
2 cups sugar
The eggs:
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
The dry goods:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
<1 cinnamon="" ground="" span="" teaspoon="">
The creamed:
1 cup/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened but not melting (70°F)
2 cups sugar
The eggs:
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
The dry goods:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
<1 cinnamon="" ground="" span="" teaspoon="">
<1teaspoon font="" freshly="" grated="" nbsp="" nutmegteaspoon="">
The extras:
1 lb/4 cups apples, cored and roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces or smaller; don’t peel (I like Galas)
2 cups pecans, chopped
Baker’s Joy or AB’s Kustom Kitchen Lube for the pan (see Notes)
Place an oven rack in position C (second position from the top) and preheat the oven to 275°F.
Prepare the Bundt pan (see Notes) and set aside.
Assemble the ingredients via the Creaming Method, folding in the apples and pecans last.
The Creaming Method:
1. Scale or measure all ingredients. Fats should be pliable but solid (no sign of melting). If kitchen temp is over 70°F, chill the mixing bowl.
2. Combine all Dry Goods (except sugar) by pulsing in food processor.
3. In a small bowl, beat eggs together along with any extracts.
4. Using a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, on medium speed, mix the fat(s) alone for a minute to spread them around the bowl. Add sugar(s) slowly and beat until mixture lightens noticeably in texture and increases slightly in volume.
5. Reduce the speed to “stir” and add the eggs very slowly, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
6. Work in the Dry Goods in three installments alternating with any additional liquids, such as milk. Always start with the dry ingredients and finish with the wet for a smoother batter.
7. Stir in any bits and/or pieces (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake until the internal temperature reaches 212°F, about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove to rack to cool completely.
Wrapped tightly, this will keep for 5 days.
Apple Cake a la Smitten Kitchen
6 apples, Mom uses McIntosh apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons sugar
2 3/4 cups flour, sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a tube pan. Peel, core and chop apples into chunks. Toss with cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
Stir together flour, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, orange juice, sugar and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ones, then add eggs, one at a time. Scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Pour half of batter into prepared pan. Spread half of apples over it. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and arrange the remaining apples on top. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool completely before running knife between cake and pan, and unmolding onto a platter.
1 lb/4 cups apples, cored and roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces or smaller; don’t peel (I like Galas)
2 cups pecans, chopped
Baker’s Joy or AB’s Kustom Kitchen Lube for the pan (see Notes)
Place an oven rack in position C (second position from the top) and preheat the oven to 275°F.
Prepare the Bundt pan (see Notes) and set aside.
Assemble the ingredients via the Creaming Method, folding in the apples and pecans last.
The Creaming Method:
1. Scale or measure all ingredients. Fats should be pliable but solid (no sign of melting). If kitchen temp is over 70°F, chill the mixing bowl.
2. Combine all Dry Goods (except sugar) by pulsing in food processor.
3. In a small bowl, beat eggs together along with any extracts.
4. Using a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, on medium speed, mix the fat(s) alone for a minute to spread them around the bowl. Add sugar(s) slowly and beat until mixture lightens noticeably in texture and increases slightly in volume.
5. Reduce the speed to “stir” and add the eggs very slowly, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
6. Work in the Dry Goods in three installments alternating with any additional liquids, such as milk. Always start with the dry ingredients and finish with the wet for a smoother batter.
7. Stir in any bits and/or pieces (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake until the internal temperature reaches 212°F, about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove to rack to cool completely.
Wrapped tightly, this will keep for 5 days.
Apple Cake a la Smitten Kitchen
6 apples, Mom uses McIntosh apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons sugar
2 3/4 cups flour, sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a tube pan. Peel, core and chop apples into chunks. Toss with cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
Stir together flour, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, orange juice, sugar and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ones, then add eggs, one at a time. Scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Pour half of batter into prepared pan. Spread half of apples over it. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and arrange the remaining apples on top. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool completely before running knife between cake and pan, and unmolding onto a platter.
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
2 1/2 cups KAF flour
2 tablespoons gingerbread spice; or 2 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup water
Glaze
1/3 cup rum or water
1/2 teaspoon gingerbread spice or 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 10- to 12-cup bundt-style pan.
2 1/2 cups KAF flour
2 tablespoons gingerbread spice; or 2 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup water
Glaze
1/3 cup rum or water
1/2 teaspoon gingerbread spice or 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 10- to 12-cup bundt-style pan.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, gingerbread spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl after each addition. Stir in the molasses.
Add the flour mixture in three additions alternately with the water, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake the cake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, make the glaze by stirring together the water spice and sugar. Set aside.
Remove the cake from the oven, cool it in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack.
Brush the cake with the glaze, and allow it to cool completely before serving.
King Arthur Flour
*Full confession: I haven't made this yet but can't wait to try it.
1 ¼ sticks (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
Pinch salt
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups canned unsweetened pumpkin purée
1 large apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1 cup cranberries, halved or coarsely chopped
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Maple icing (optional; see Note)
Heat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the center. Butter a 9- to 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and ginger powder, if you’re using it instead of the grated ginger.
Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat together the remaining butter and both sugars at medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 or 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat for 1 minute after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
Reduce the speed to low and add the pumpkin, apple and grated ginger, if using it. Don’t be concerned if the batter looks curdled. Add the dry ingredients, mixing only until they are incorporated. With a rubber spatula, stir in the cranberries and pecans. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake directly on the oven rack for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a thin knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer to a rack and cool for 10 minutes before unmolding, then cool to room temperature on the rack. Serve in thick slices.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
7th Heaven
Tuesday
Sis was too excited to sleep on her birthday eve, almost like it were Christmas. Of course, by the time birthday eve had rolled around, the kids had already received and opened a few cards and gifts in the mail. We also let them exchange presents early. Sis gave Bud a Phineas and Ferb playset and Bud gave Sis a perler bead kit and some clothes for her AG doll. Hugs and squeals and tackles and "awesomes!" abounded. So by Tuesday, excitement was at a high. She knew we were downstairs wrapping presents--earlier in the day when Mama Teacher told me there were boxes on the porch and I said they were presents, Sis piped up from another room, "Those are presents?!"--and desperately wanted to check on us.
Wednesday
They were both awake by 5:15 a.m. Though we informed them they weren't actually seven for a few more hours, they were ready to celebrate and so we opened presents, all in one rush, the exact opposite of Christmas. Paper flew, squeals sounded, hugs tackled us. Legos (Ninjago, Friends, and a Kingdoms chess set), electric circuit boards, "Phineas and Ferb" dvd, a mandala maker, and a woodland critter village. They raced downstairs and played hard for the 1 1/2 hours before Bud headed to camp. They liked our presents almost as much as the ones they'd exchanged between them.
While Bud was at camp (after a birthday pancake breakfast), Sis and I visited our church friend, Miss M, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. We had a great time talking to her and especially exploring her garden. Sis liked her "money plant" and another that made little "purses" containing a seed similar to ground cherries. After lunch, Sis played with young babysitter M while I had an appointment. M brought each child a dessert kit mimicking flower pots--one even had dirt and gummy worms--as well as markers and glow sticks and such.
Thursday
Mostly, a break from birthday fever.
Friday
On Friday, Goo came up early for the birthday party. He helped us shop for last-minute food, birthday girl/boy badges, and thank-you cards. More importantly, he also helped us pick up not one but two birthday cakes, chocolate-frosted chocolate and vanilla-frosted with strawberry (yes, I buy them from the bakery frosted but undecorated--I can't bake, torte, frost, and decorate two cakes the day before so opt for decorating over baking). We spent part of the afternoon decorating the cakes. Using a toothpick, Sis drew her standard bunny and then we outlined and filled it with white. Sis also added grass, flowers, and the sun. Later, in the day, we helped Bud do a facial portrait of his stuffed penguin, "Mr. Big" (aka Mumble from Happy Feet). Because it was a portrait, Bud asked for more help but was similarly pleased with the results.
Then we all went to dinner at the local Tex-Mex place, which we chose because we knew they make a big deal about the birthdays. After shrimp fajitas, chicken mole enchiladas, fish tacos, vegetarian quesadillas . . . and chicken fingers, plus chips and salsa the staff brought out apple burritos, flan, and sopapillas, along with giant sombreros. With candles aglow, they sang first in Spanish and then in English. The kids were thrilled. Mind you, this was the third birthday meal for each--they both went for individual meals with Mama (sushi for one, pancakes for the other) and then a big Italian lunch with us after seeing Brave, almost all with singing and desserts (not free ones, though; no one does that anymore, it seems, which is fine).
Saturday
The kids woke not-as-early-as-we-expected and headed straight to Goo's room, where he had tucked his presents--Legos for both of them. They put together and played with those until the three adults got into the kitchen and started breakfast. Goo made homemade scallion pancakes with dipping sauce a la Alton Brown and I made sourdough biscuits.
Soon Ma and Gong arrived and we packed the car to head to their party at the Eli Whitney Museum, where they would make wooden toys with their friends. I'd say about 10 kids were there, neighbors and classmates, plus their parents, Ma, Gong, Goo, and Babysitter. They separated into two tables--one for the dragon toy that moved head and tail in sync (Sis's choice) and one for the Frankenstein's Cat toy that had a motot that made it wiggle (Bud's choice). Wearing safety goggles, they sanded, colored, and constructed their toys, with the careful, double-sided coloring taking by far the most time. Then everyone ate pizza and cakes, which I think were much appreciated for their decoration--all the kids knew how much Sis and Bud like penguins and bunnies, strawberries and chocolate. After taking a picture of the group, we wandered the park outside the museum (the museum seems pretty disorganized during the summer--marble run is broken, no exhibitions) and particularly played in the water tables.
We got home midday and spent the heat of the day in the house opening their horde of presents. Mercy, such great games (Headbandz, Apples to Apples, Blink), books, arts and crafts (beads, bracelets, vases, bird house, snow globes), make-a-story book, books, doll clothes, dress, Legos. I still think it's odd to open presents at home--sure, there never seems to be enough time at destination parties and parents are uncomfortable with the inherent greediness of opening piles of presents (plus the fear of ungrateful or untactful kids)--but I'm not sure it's less greedy to disassociate gifts from the gift-giver and prevent kids from practicing the fundamental skill of receiving gracefully and gratefully (also, the art and joy of giving, when they're on the other end--it's so odd to deposit a gift like a toll and only know later that they got it when you get a generic thank-you note, if you get one). Still, I haven't bucked suburban tradition. Yet. Maybe next year if there are fewer kids or if we have the party at home. Especially because I'd like people to know how much the kids really enjoyed and appreciated all the presents. There were squeals, exclamations, and then the opening of practically every kit and game . . . .
We went for an early dinner altogether, at a Japanese place. But we didn't get the birthday dessert--Bud had been there for birthday sushi and gotten one 10 days earlier.
Yep, that's a lot of celebrating. so, we tucked them into bed tonight, wished them "happy birthday" one more time and called the fete over, as great as it was.
Sis was too excited to sleep on her birthday eve, almost like it were Christmas. Of course, by the time birthday eve had rolled around, the kids had already received and opened a few cards and gifts in the mail. We also let them exchange presents early. Sis gave Bud a Phineas and Ferb playset and Bud gave Sis a perler bead kit and some clothes for her AG doll. Hugs and squeals and tackles and "awesomes!" abounded. So by Tuesday, excitement was at a high. She knew we were downstairs wrapping presents--earlier in the day when Mama Teacher told me there were boxes on the porch and I said they were presents, Sis piped up from another room, "Those are presents?!"--and desperately wanted to check on us.
Wednesday
They were both awake by 5:15 a.m. Though we informed them they weren't actually seven for a few more hours, they were ready to celebrate and so we opened presents, all in one rush, the exact opposite of Christmas. Paper flew, squeals sounded, hugs tackled us. Legos (Ninjago, Friends, and a Kingdoms chess set), electric circuit boards, "Phineas and Ferb" dvd, a mandala maker, and a woodland critter village. They raced downstairs and played hard for the 1 1/2 hours before Bud headed to camp. They liked our presents almost as much as the ones they'd exchanged between them.
While Bud was at camp (after a birthday pancake breakfast), Sis and I visited our church friend, Miss M, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. We had a great time talking to her and especially exploring her garden. Sis liked her "money plant" and another that made little "purses" containing a seed similar to ground cherries. After lunch, Sis played with young babysitter M while I had an appointment. M brought each child a dessert kit mimicking flower pots--one even had dirt and gummy worms--as well as markers and glow sticks and such.
Thursday
Mostly, a break from birthday fever.
Friday
On Friday, Goo came up early for the birthday party. He helped us shop for last-minute food, birthday girl/boy badges, and thank-you cards. More importantly, he also helped us pick up not one but two birthday cakes, chocolate-frosted chocolate and vanilla-frosted with strawberry (yes, I buy them from the bakery frosted but undecorated--I can't bake, torte, frost, and decorate two cakes the day before so opt for decorating over baking). We spent part of the afternoon decorating the cakes. Using a toothpick, Sis drew her standard bunny and then we outlined and filled it with white. Sis also added grass, flowers, and the sun. Later, in the day, we helped Bud do a facial portrait of his stuffed penguin, "Mr. Big" (aka Mumble from Happy Feet). Because it was a portrait, Bud asked for more help but was similarly pleased with the results.
Then we all went to dinner at the local Tex-Mex place, which we chose because we knew they make a big deal about the birthdays. After shrimp fajitas, chicken mole enchiladas, fish tacos, vegetarian quesadillas . . . and chicken fingers, plus chips and salsa the staff brought out apple burritos, flan, and sopapillas, along with giant sombreros. With candles aglow, they sang first in Spanish and then in English. The kids were thrilled. Mind you, this was the third birthday meal for each--they both went for individual meals with Mama (sushi for one, pancakes for the other) and then a big Italian lunch with us after seeing Brave, almost all with singing and desserts (not free ones, though; no one does that anymore, it seems, which is fine).
Saturday
The kids woke not-as-early-as-we-expected and headed straight to Goo's room, where he had tucked his presents--Legos for both of them. They put together and played with those until the three adults got into the kitchen and started breakfast. Goo made homemade scallion pancakes with dipping sauce a la Alton Brown and I made sourdough biscuits.
Soon Ma and Gong arrived and we packed the car to head to their party at the Eli Whitney Museum, where they would make wooden toys with their friends. I'd say about 10 kids were there, neighbors and classmates, plus their parents, Ma, Gong, Goo, and Babysitter. They separated into two tables--one for the dragon toy that moved head and tail in sync (Sis's choice) and one for the Frankenstein's Cat toy that had a motot that made it wiggle (Bud's choice). Wearing safety goggles, they sanded, colored, and constructed their toys, with the careful, double-sided coloring taking by far the most time. Then everyone ate pizza and cakes, which I think were much appreciated for their decoration--all the kids knew how much Sis and Bud like penguins and bunnies, strawberries and chocolate. After taking a picture of the group, we wandered the park outside the museum (the museum seems pretty disorganized during the summer--marble run is broken, no exhibitions) and particularly played in the water tables.
We got home midday and spent the heat of the day in the house opening their horde of presents. Mercy, such great games (Headbandz, Apples to Apples, Blink), books, arts and crafts (beads, bracelets, vases, bird house, snow globes), make-a-story book, books, doll clothes, dress, Legos. I still think it's odd to open presents at home--sure, there never seems to be enough time at destination parties and parents are uncomfortable with the inherent greediness of opening piles of presents (plus the fear of ungrateful or untactful kids)--but I'm not sure it's less greedy to disassociate gifts from the gift-giver and prevent kids from practicing the fundamental skill of receiving gracefully and gratefully (also, the art and joy of giving, when they're on the other end--it's so odd to deposit a gift like a toll and only know later that they got it when you get a generic thank-you note, if you get one). Still, I haven't bucked suburban tradition. Yet. Maybe next year if there are fewer kids or if we have the party at home. Especially because I'd like people to know how much the kids really enjoyed and appreciated all the presents. There were squeals, exclamations, and then the opening of practically every kit and game . . . .
We went for an early dinner altogether, at a Japanese place. But we didn't get the birthday dessert--Bud had been there for birthday sushi and gotten one 10 days earlier.
Yep, that's a lot of celebrating. so, we tucked them into bed tonight, wished them "happy birthday" one more time and called the fete over, as great as it was.
Friday, July 13, 2012
"And I Helped!"
The kids decorated their own cakes this year (one with more help than the other; both started by drawing with toothpicks and then using my Wilton cake decorating arsenal--note the fancy "grass" tip--and pre-tubed icings. And, of course, bakery cakes purchased frosted but undecorated).
Can you guess which is whose?!
Can you guess which is whose?!
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