Thursday, April 30, 2009

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE

1/2 c. butter or marg. softened
1 c. sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sour cream

1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts
1/4 c. coconut (optional)*

Cream butter, sugar, and 1 egg together well in a mixing bowl. Beat in second egg. Add soda and sour cream. Mix.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to batter. Stir to mix. Put 1/2 batter in a greased 9x9 pan.
Stir brown sugar, nuts and cinnamon together. Sprinkle half over batter. Spoon second half of batter here and there over the top. Sprinkle second half of cinnamon mixture over all. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.

*Coconut is optional but I like to use it not only for the yum factor but it also keeps the cake really moist. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Prayer Pretzel

I came across this activity and thought it would be fun for family night. So while everyone shaped their pretzel I shared this story.

In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine Monk decided to make use of the pieces of dough left over from baking bread. The Monk formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer.

This scrumptious treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They began calling the treat "Pretiola", which is Latin for "little reward". Soon it was known the world over as a pretzel.

The secret of making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our Father in Heaven.

Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that's lost its shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don't pray always to keep our spirituality intact. Even in the midst of our greatest trials, we must remember, as did Job, to call on the Lord. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. Our "Pretiola" or "little rewards" are the blessings we receive.

Every time you see a pretzel, remember prayer. Check to see if your arms are often folded in prayer and have not lost their shape.


Then we baked and ate them! The recipe is a basic bread recipe and then you just shape it into pretzels. Here's the one I used:

Homemade Pretzels by Paige Holden

1 Tbsp. dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

2 c. flour
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt
Wax paper

Mix yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add flour and mix. Put dough on wax paper and knead until soft. Cut off pieces and shape as you like (too thick = doughy, too thin = brittle). Place them on a cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt. Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes.

If you want to make the real deal go to this link.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

LOVIN'...

* My new camera...no it's not an SLR . I went back and forth. Do I save up and get an SLR? I finally decided I really like just pointing my camera and taking a quick shot. So, I bought a nicer point and shoot in chocolate brown and I'm loving it.
* The apron I made. I actually sewed it for my sister in Oregon and I keep meaning to send it. I don't even know if she looks at my blog but it will be on it's way soon.(Someday I need to make myself one!)

*Toadstools....I saw the fabric and couldn't resist. My daughter actually wears the dress. So easy to make though next time I think I will skip the pattern and just take her measurements for a better fit.
* Finally having a chance to feel more involved at my kids school. It is requiring me to sew 21 skirts and 9 aprons for a play but I love being part of something my kids are excited about.

*My husband working 4 days a week!

NOT LOVIN'

* All the houses foreclosing around me when I am trying to sell mine. This is just ugly...
* the fact I am not fitting into my summer clothes this year. What's up with that?
* 100 degree weather. Makes me cranky!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter Weekend...


Anyone else sick from Robin Eggs? Hoping all had a great Easter weekend. Not forgetting the true reason we celebrate Easter....

Fun was also included in our weekend. The Easter egg hunt and breakfast at Grandmas..
Breakfast of Champions! Chocolate and eggs.

The Easter egg hunt at Skousens....
Now, if I could just stay out of my kids candy!!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Bunnies

A bunny nest was found a bit ago in my parents backyard.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

It's Official....


The house is up for sale! We've talked about it off and on and have decided that it 's time. I have mixed feelings about it. We've been in our home 6 years and remodeled etc to make it our own and update it. We have wonderful neighbors.....but it feels right to go. We are doing For Sale by owner and the economy is tanking so I don't think we will be selling anytime soon. Now I just have to keep my house clean, just in case....