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Tag >> Arts

Jun 29
2008

Baking therapy for the whole gang

Posted by Specialtslisa in trauma resolution skillsRosevilleRocklinrecreationrecipesplaceropolisphotographyparentsparentinglifeleisurekidshuman potentialholiday specialshobbiesgrowthgrandparentsgrandparentinggrandparentGold Country Familiesfunfoodfeeling goodfamily-orientedfamilyfamiliesentertainmentenjoymentdiningCommunitychildrenblogsblogauburnArts

Specialtslisa
With the fourth of July approaching the planning is underway for a family get together and for me this means great food which equals lots of play time in the kitchen for chefs of all ages.

We have much to celebrate, and some wounds to lick as well. So, I am going to soak up all the baking therapy that I can. Here are a couple of our favorite recipies. These are great for little helpers as well.

Before the baking can begin We will set the mood. I like to make the kitchen as bright as possible, letting in lots of sunshine. In the background low up-beat music on. I have a table in the sort of breakfast nook where I put out any pictures and momentos along with all the material for scrap booking. I also place lots of disposable cameras around the area so eveyone can join in. (I really love the candide shots that get snapped this way) With the stage set these are a couple to the recipes we will be making this year.

Grandma's everyday cake, with a fruity 4th inspired topping and Pineapple and Cake kabobs.

Grandma's everyday cake.

1/3 cup Crisco Shortening
1 3/4 cups Sifted cake flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons real Vanilla

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
Place Shortening in mixing bowl. sift in dry ingredients. Add egg and half the milk; mix till flour is moistened. beat 2 inutes at medium speed on electric mixer. Add remaining milk and vanilla; beat 2 minutes longer. Bake in greased and lightly floured 9x9x2 inch baking pan at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Cool on wire rack.

While the cake is cooling it is time to mix the topping.

clean and rinse all fruit under cool running water.

Add 1 cup slice strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup rassberries and 1 meduim slice banana. gently toss in large mixing bowl with 1/4 cup sugar. place mixing bowl into refrigerator.

Make sure the cake is fully cooled and then cover with enough whipped topping to completely cover cake in about 1/2 inch of whipping. gently fold fruit mixture on toppin. serve imedietly.

This next recipe is fun for younger cooks to assemble

Pineapple and Cake kabobs.

Cut one meduim fresh pineapple and 1 pound cake into 1 1/2 inch squares.

Marinate the pineapple in 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. set aside.
melt 1/2 cup currant jelly, dip the pound cake cubes in melted jelly and then roll in flaked coconut until fully coated. assemble on skewers in everyother fashion. (one cube cake, one cub Pineapple) Toast over very hot coals until turning often until golden brown.


Do not forget this is the perfect time to talk and laugh, to cry and hug, or just stop the hustle and bussle of modern life and enjoy some quality family time.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone.

Lisa Sabrina Fults

Special Ts and Sports.

Apr 19
2008

OLD TOWN CHANGES

Posted by Loyce in sportsshoppingrestaurantsrestaurantenjoymentauburnArts

Loyce

Bouncing around Old Town Auburn today was pleased to learn about all the changes taking place starting with the Gold Rush Mall where I learned Mimi of  The Silver Store will soon take the best location in the front of the mall; congrats to Mimi who has waited well over a decade for this opp.  Mahogany Gail moves to Tea Thyme up Sacramento Street as TT is now out of business.  Roseanne has opened a boutique in the back of the mall next to the veteran Sharon Stanley of  South of  The Border.  The Brookside eatery appears to be holding its own while Stan of  The Gold store is suffering with a serious injury and the Indian store has folded their tent.  I was very impressed with the scintillating lustre of  The OT Gallery and enjoyed my connection with the always enthusiastic Doreen Kidd who waxed joyously about the success of the Gallery.  Congrats to Kidd and all the creative artists.  Enjoyed a cup with Courthouse Coffee Owner Linda Lareau and daughter Lisa with her fashion-grooved daughter sitting outside on the sunny patio.  Headed over for a visit with good pal Syl Bruce who had her staff re-inventorying at the new location at the end of  High Street where Syl says she is happy in her new digs and will soon advertise a grand opening.   Plan on eating at Pasquale Ts next week at their new location next to the Downtown clock tower.  As a consumer, I'm pleased with all the changes and look forward to my shopping/dining choices in our happy hamlet.