Week 30 Saturday (8/9/14)

Recipe Review          

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Red Velvet Cake        

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl

                  Pages 233 – 235                  Copyright  2009 Harper Collins   OR

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/red-velvet-sheet-cake/

I figured out that there are 318 calories per serving, if 24 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

It would have looker prettier if I put something on the top

The cream cheese frosting makes this is best!

       This was my first red velvet cake. I really liked the taste but the real focus for me was on the frosting. There is nothing better in the world than cream cheese frosting. It really made this cake outstanding.

         I was wondering where the cream cheese I use originally comes from. The brand that I use, as do most people, comes from dairy farmers in the states of Wisconsin and New York. I guessed Wisconsin, but was surprised about New York. To make the cream cheese, they combine whole milk and whole cream. No wonder it always tastes amazing. No wonder I am a cream cheese addict!

                 

Random Reflections

                                   Yard Art

         One of my favorite things in the yard is my little pond by the front door. This pond was a labor of love because my amazing niece, Maddie, worked with me to create it. I always think of it as Maddie’s pond.

The waterfall wasn't turned on in this photo

This little  pond makes me so happy!

Over the years, my students have given me turtles for around the pond

Here's another one

         For awhile, I had a bubbler that shot water into the air, but then I discovered the joy of hearing a waterfall throughout my house. The sound is peaceful and soothing and can actually lull you to sleep when you are tired.  We dug this and build the entire thing in a weekend. Maybe you would enjoy it as much as I do. It is truly worth the effort.

Helpful Home Hints

           One of the things I never thought to do until two years ago was to have my air ducts professionally cleaned. I have some major allergies, and clean air ducts can really make a difference.

         I asked around and hired a company. In hindsight, I now know that I should have had the ducts cleaned as soon as I moved into this new house. The builders had small materials and dust in all of the vents as a result of simply building the house.

         I am so glad that I completed this task. I am only sorry that it took me 14 years before I realized that I should have done it 16 years earlier.

         Have you cleaned your vents? The experts recommend having them done every three to five years. Boy, was I clueless. Be smarter than I was and call today.