cake walk

"You can't judge a recipe's success based on how it turns out during Funeral Week."

These were Emily's words of encouragement to me as I faced this week--a somewhat daunting week which included four major baking assignments, one of which was to make Triple Caramel Cake, pictured above in our first post-Mother attempt.

The first task, cookies for Sarah's softball team, was a no-brainer. I can make chocolate chip cookies in my sleep. That was the first project to get crossed off the list, and one I did at about 11:30 Monday night, hoping that since I had already brushed my teeth, perhaps I wouldn't eat the dough. (I also had the good sense to mark the finished bag of cookies as off-limits to the rest of the family.)

The second was Emily's birthday cake--chocolate with White Mountain frosting. Though I can't yet make this one in my sleep, it's still a no-brainer, as it has been a family favorite for years and I've been making it since I was a young teenager. I made this one Tuesday afternoon and was pleased with the result (the cake, that is--no so much the decorative embellishments). Whew! Another one crossed off the list.

I knew I had to start the final two baking projects on Wednesday night if I was going to have them ready in time for a party I was invited to Thursday night. I am not as familiar with either of these recipes, as my mom had been the one to discover and make them in recent years. I would always frost them for her, but had never actually made the cakes myself. I started missing my mom again.

"If we're lucky, the world will end soon!" said Emily in another attempt to reassure me. In response to my questioning look, she clarified, "So we'll be able to see Grandma again and get cake-making tips." With this bit of encouragement, I pressed on and began caramelizing the sugar for the Triple Caramel Cake, and melting the chocolate for the Giant Ding Dong cake. There was no turning back now. (Yes, Miranda--I unabashedly took some Baker's Joy from my mom's stash.)

I finished baking both cakes and took the Ding Dong layers to my Dad's freezer for safe keeping and freshness protection overnight. After work on Thursday I frosted both cakes and was quite pleased with the results.

After some creative maneuvers to figure out how to transport the cakes safely to the party (which included the use of duct tape and a ceramic flower pot, held in place at Emily's feet) we arrived with everything intact!


It looks like I can bake cakes by myself after all.

early birthday surprise!

Last Thursday night around 7:00 p.m. I received a text message from Charlotte which said "Guess where we are? Happy early birthday!!!" Attached to the message was a photo of an airport terminal sign which had a flight number, a departure time, and the destination: DENVER! Earlier that day both she and Emily had both told me they were shipping my birthday package that day. I had no idea my gift would be the two of them!

They arrived home around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night and had (thankfully) arranged for a good friend to pick them up at the airport. Apparently one of the girls' friends, upon hearing of the surprise birthday plan, had asked, "But what if your family decides to go out of town that weekend?" Obviously, they don't realize what boring homebody parents Charlotte and Emily have.

I was sad that I had to work on Friday, but delighted to come home to find that Emily had mopped the kitchen floor for me! Now that's what I call a birthday gift. She neglected to document the mopping while doing it, but she willingly obliged me this photo on Saturday, even changing back into her favorite cleaning shirt and posing with the Murphy's Oil soap.

It was so fun to have company in the kitchen again. I love working together--chopping, sauteing, dish-washing, singing, occasionally kitchen dancing--everyday things are just so much more enjoyable with Charlotte and Emily around.

On Saturday afternoon we ran errands, which included a stop at Michael's (I was inspired by Michelle's recent post to revamp the floral in my front door Spring basket).

We unabashedly snapped photos throughout the aisles of Michael's, laughing at these lovely Big Bling rings for a mere $2.98.

We laughed when Charlotte got trapped in the back seat of my car. She was sitting on the side with the kidnapper door and couldn't get out until Emily obligingly opened the door for her. The door used to open like a charm after only three tries, but Charlotte lost count at ninety (yes, 90) and gave up. Even the dumb things in life are easy to laugh about with these two around.

Of course, we made time for stop at 7-11 for a fountain drink. I like mine with a shot of cherry flavoring. Here's Emily pondering what flavor to add to her Diet Pepsi.

And here's our Big Gulp SP in the car:

After dinner Saturday night the kids had fun jumping on the trampoline in the dark (this is Sarah's favorite pastime).

We had Stake Conference today and came home to hurry and make their favorite dinner (roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc.) before having to leave for the airport this afternoon. We forgot to take any family pictures in our Sunday clothes, but managed to take this group SP while making dinner (Mark was late getting home, which is probably not such a bad thing, since I'm not sure how we'd all fit in!).

I'm really working this birthday angle; when my mom asked what she should make for today's dessert, I quickly replied, "Chocolate pie," which everyone loves--especially me. Now I can have my two favorite desserts in one week--chocolate pie today and German Chocolate cake on my birthday--both sure to make my pants fit better.

Mark and I rode together to take the girls to the airport. I'm usually a crier when it comes to airport departures, but this time it wasn't quite as sad, since they'll be coming home for the summer in another month. Mark didn't even cringe when I requested this SP at the airport curbside, though his SP skills need a little honing.

So now I'm tired, just a tad blue, but mostly happy and grateful for such a fun weekend with "The Girls." Thanks, girls, for such a fabulous birthday gift--I love you both so much.

time in a bottle: Christmas Day

It wouldn't be Christmas morning without Hot Punch and homemade Caramel-Pecan rolls!

Fortunately, I remembered to snap this photo before they were all gone.

We were all glad to see that Moosey was in fact on Santa's "Nice" list, and that he didn't forget to leave her something--a new bed and a few toys in her stocking.

After my parents arrived around 9 a.m., we took our time opening gifts. I love unwrapping presents one at a time so we can see what everyone gets. Here, Emily displays the cupcake apron she received from Aunt Susan.

In addition to a long-wished for Nintendo DS, Sarah received some much-needed clothing.

The only gift I made this year was a dress coat in charcoal grey wool for Charlotte. This picture is somewhat blurry, but nevertheless captures her excitement upon opening her gift. Rewarding for me to see!

John was happy to get Guitar Hero World Tour. Here, he is excited to open a thoughtful gift from Charlotte--a guitar music book of one of his favorite bands.

After the gifts were opened, we opted to stay in our pajamas--far more conducive to lounging, watching television, and napping--which was all we did. Later, we enjoyed leftovers from the previous night's buffet. Moosey, unaccustomed to having round-the-clock attention, basked in the plethora of laps and eager would-be scratchers.

Biggest surprise of the day? Mark venturing into the world of self-portraiture.

A day of many treats, surprises, smiles, laughs, and good memories. *sigh* Good times.

relax to the max!

After thoroughly enjoying Michelle's and Jill's detailed accounts of Christmas Day, I'm anxious to post my own. Tomorrow. Or maybe the next day.

For now, suffice it to say that we're logging some serious relaxation hours at the Wood house--and loving every minute of it.

Woman With List

After reading Michelle's post from a couple of weeks ago, I've been thinking that a portrait painted of me would undoubtedly be titled Woman With List. I live by the power of the list and find satisfaction in writing one.

Sometimes, when I find myself unable to cross many things off of my week's to-do list, I'll add on a few extra things that I've done--just so I can cross them off. Silly, I know, but it's a mind game I like to play.

One such item this week--something that wasn't originally on my list--was making a new blanket for our dog Moosey. We adopted her from Jessie last summer and have since fallen completely and entirely in love with her! (So much so that I hardly even notice the little black hairs that are often found on my bedroom quilt.)

Coming from a warmer climate, Moosey seems a little sensitive to the chillier weather here, especially as the season changes. Last week I stumbled across a crib-sized down comforter that I used for Sarah and John. I decided that, with a cute fleece cover, it would make a nice blanket for Moosey, who likes to cover herself on her doggie bed.

She can often be found sleeping like this, completely covered. Occasionally, we don't realize she's in her bed, as she is entirely covered up. I'm not sure how she breathes, but she seems to like it like that.

So, despite my busy week and the myriad of things still undone on my list, I chose to make a doggie duvet--complete with a zipper for easy removal for washing--this week. Ah--the power of choice!

You'll have to admit, she's pretty darn cute!

recipe by request

Here's the recipe for "spud-nuts," so you can have your own Donut Night!

• 2/3 c. butter or margarine
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 c. hot mashed potatoes (we use instant mashed potatoes)

Combine first three ingredients together and add:

• 1 c. warm milk (we use water and powdered milk; we like our homemade breads best when we use powdered milk)

Let cool to lukewarm and add:

• 1 T. yeast that has been dissolved in 1 c. water with 1 t. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 t. salt

Beat well. Add 2 c. flour and mix well. Add an additional 5-7 c. flour and knead thoroughly (we use dough hooks in the mixer). Dough should not be too sticky. Place dough in large Tupperware bowl, spray top with Pam, cover, and refrigerate overnight (we have been known to make dough first thing in the morning for use later that day--the dough is easiest to work with, however, when thoroughly chilled). For a large crowd we have been known to make 1 1/2 batches of dough.

Roll out dough about 3/8"-1/2" thick and cut circles and holes with round cutters. You may have to experiment with sizes. We have a large set of circle cutters and use one of the larger ones. Transfer cut donuts to waxed paper-lined trays that have been generously scattered with flour. The secret to beautiful donuts is being able to get them off of the cookie sheet and into the fryer without collapsing the dough, hence adequate flour is helpful.

We originally tried frying the donuts in hot oil in a skillet, but found it difficult to control the temperature of the oil; the donuts would often get too brown on the outside and still be doughy on the inside. We have since invested in a "Fry Daddy" and it has been worth every penny! We also read up on donut making and discovered that it is recommended to use solid shortening (a.k.a. Crisco) rather than vegetable oil. Fry donuts until golden, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels/newspapers.

Make a watery glaze of powdered sugar, water, vanilla, and a few grains of salt. I am the fryer and my mom is the glazer, and when I asked her for the Secret Recipe for the glaze she laughed. She just starts with some powdered sugar in a bowl and adds 2-3 times as much water, adjusting thickness/thinness as necessary.

After the doughnuts have drained for a minute or two (not too long) use a fork to dip in glaze and transfer to wire rack. Donuts are also good dipped in granulated sugar instead of glaze.

Good luck in your homemade donut endeavors!

ripe for the picking

I couldn't wait another day. The bananas I had been saving had reached a stage of blackness that could be ignored no longer, and I was yearning to use the cute Halloween mixing bowl Susan brought me on her last visit. It was time to make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars.

An after-school staple in our home for years, I admit I get some odd measure of comfort in making these--perhaps because I look forward to the kids' expressions of delight, or maybe it's the happy smell their baking leaves in my kitchen, or quite possibly it's just because I like to eat the edges.

Of course, licking the bowl could be another reason I like to make them.

Here's the recipe, should you have some black bananas that need a good home, or if you just want good batter to eat:

Denise's Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

• 3/4 cup Land o' Lakes margarine (it really is the best, I promise)
• 2/3 c. brown sugar
• 2/3 c. granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 t. vanilla
• 2 medium bananas, mashed
• 2 c. flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• mini chocolate chips, to taste

Cream margarine, sugars, and vanilla; add egg and bananas. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake for 20 - 25 minute at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!