Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Lemon Pound Cake


Do you have a favorite cake recipe that never fails you? That you can make for almost any occasion, whether it's a friends' birthday, office party or picnic?

For me, it's this delicious Lemon Pound Cake. I'm a real lemon lover, so this really satisfies my desire for that tangy, tart flavor. I'll sometimes make it for dessert for a family gathering, and have some left over for a piece the next day with a cup of tea.

I like recipes for Bundt cakes. Bundt cakes always look homemade and somehow comforting to me. I remember my Mom making the Tunnel Of Fudge cake with a mix that was so popular years ago. But I always think it's worth the extra time to make a cake from scratch, and makes all the difference in taste.




 

 
Recipe for Lemon Pound Cake
 
Ingredients:
 
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) at room temperature, plus more for the pan
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus more for the pan
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream
2 cups confectioners' sugar
 
Directions:
 
  1. Heat oven to 325° F. Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice, then the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  3. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add half the flour mixture, then the yogurt, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined (do not overmix).
  4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 60 to 65 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan for 30 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Pour glaze over cake.
Serves 12
   

Patricia
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Friday, January 30, 2015

Starting Mornings My Way With McCafé Coffee

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it's advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #McCafeMyWay #CollectiveBias


One of the things I've come to learn about myself as I've gotten older is that I need my morning routine. I need to have quiet time for thinking, planning my day, and my yoga practice. But before I do any of these things, I need a great cup of McCafé coffee.

I'm a true coffee lover, and that first cup of morning coffee is really important to me. I recently discovered McCafé coffee pods that I can use with my Keurig machine to brew up a delicious cup of coffee in no time at all.

Since I live with my daughter and her family, which includes three of my grandchildren, I like enjoying my coffee before everyone else wakes up. I adore my grandchildren, but it's so nice to have some me time before everyone's busy day begins.


The Premium Roast coffee pods are my favorite for my first cup in the morning. They have a wonderful aroma, and taste. I also love the French Roast, too.

McCafé coffee is made with 100% Arabica Beans, and harvested from the rich soils and mountainous regions of the foremost coffee growing areas of the world. And as much as I like using the coffee pods for time saving convenience, it's also available in premium coffee bags as well.


Using my Keurig lets me have my cup of coffee quickly and easily. I love just popping the coffee pod into the machine, with no measuring, no coffee filters, and no mess. After my cup is brewed, I add a little creamer, and I'm good to go!


I want 2015 to be the year of change for myself. I would love to earn more money, seek out new opportunities, and find a charming little apartment in the city.

With my cup of coffee and my calendar notebook, and before I open my computer, I use that time to think and plan. And as much as I do love my computer, there is just something special about writing things down by hand.

When I was a busy mom raising my five children, there was no morning time for me. I know that is so true for many moms today. My daughter enjoys getting up before her kids wake up, and having that first cup of coffee in quiet. It's so worth losing a little extra time sleeping in, and can make all the difference in a mom's day.


My morning routine includes a thirty minute session of yoga a few mornings a week. Nothing terribly strenuous like this book cover, but enough to help me stay healthy and fit. I enjoy yoga very much, and I'm excited to start going back to a local yoga studio in addition to my home practice.

After yoga, it's time for a light breakfast and another cup of McCafé coffee. Using the coffee pods lets me have a freshly brewed cup of coffee each cup. For me, drinking coffee that has been sitting in a pot for an hour or two, is not my idea of a good cup of coffee.


I first tried McCafé coffee at a coffee demo at Walmart. I got hooked right away. I'm actually quite picky about the coffee I buy and drink, so this had to taste great to win me over.

I was a little early for the demo, but I'm so glad I stayed to try the McCafé. Walmart has lots of demos, and I've actually found a lot of my favorite products by sampling them this way.


You can find McCafé coffee pods and bagged coffee in the coffee aisle at Walmart. Look for several different varieties of each product.

McCafé coffee is part of the Kraft brand that includes many of our favorite and well-known brands available at Walmart.
If you need more inspiration, check out the Cooking Up Good website. It has recipes, sweepstakes, loyalty programs, coupons and more! What's not to love? If you're looking for a new dinner idea or a chance to win some awesome prizes, be sure to check it out!


How about you? Are you someone who would love a less rushed morning? Do you have a morning routine that helps you get a good start? And how important is a great tasting, convenient cup of coffee to you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please leave me a comment below. And thanks!!


Patricia
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Healthy Kale and Black Bean Veggie Soup


Part of my plan for getting healthier in 2015 is to eat more vegetables. I actually love vegetables and I do eat a lot of them. But like most of us, I could always add more.

I keep hearing that kale is over, and has lost it's trendy reputation. Well, I don't care. Kale is so healthy for you and can be put into so many recipes that I'll keep buying it and eating for a long time to come.

This is my basic veggie soup recipe with the kale and a can of black beans added. I eliminated  the salt and used salt-free Mrs. Dash. It tasted just as great without the salt.


I used an entire bunch of kale. It seems like a lot when you are putting it all into the pot, but it really cooks down. Be sure you wash it well, and just tear it with your hands into pieces.


Recipe for Kale and Black Bean Veggie Soup

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale, washed and torn into pieces
1 14 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning
5 cups chicken stock
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon pepper


Directions:

Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, celery, carrots, garlic and Mrs. Dash. Stir occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.
Add stock and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, and bring back to a boil for 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, corn, kale, black beans and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Makes 6 servings.

Patricia
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

RSVP ForThe #GoldfishMix Twitter Party




#GoldfishMix-Twitter-Party-1-29-1pmEST,#TwitterParty,#ad,sweepstakes on Twitter


 Photo Credit: Jade Louise Designs

 
Do you love a good Twitter Party? You know we do and we’re excited to host a party about using Goldfish crackers to make your kids smile with the perfect kid-friendly snacks. On Thursday, January 29 at 1:00 pm ET, please join me for the #GoldfishMix Twitter Party where we’ll have some delicious fun and give you a chance to win prizes!

This fun party is sure to give us lots of great ideas about using Goldfish crackers in snacks and kid-friendly recipes. My grandchildren just love them, and whether we are at home or on-the-go, it's a snack I know they'll always enjoy. Goldfish crackers are also a great snack at parties, and the kids always eat them all up. Look for some fun ideas and inspiration for  Goldfish snacks on Facebook. At this Twitter Party we’ll announce a special Rollback price on Goldfish crackers at Walmart. Come with a smile on your face to the #GoldfishMix Twitter Party on January 29 because you have a great chance to be one of the six gift card prize winners!

Join me and RSVP for the #GoldfishMix Twitter Party on SoFabChats!


 

DATE:  Thursday, January 29, 2015
TIME:  1:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET 
PRIZES:  5 – (1) $100 Walmart gift card
EARLY BIRD PRIZE:  1 – $50 Walmart Gift Card
BRAND GUEST:  @GoldfishSmiles
RULES:  #GoldfishMix Twitter Party Official Rules
RSVP & PARTY GRID:  #GoldfishMix Twitter Party Page



TIP:  How to join a Twitter Party – sign in! Before party starts, click on the green “Sign In On Twitter” bar at the top of the page!

TIP: Who to follow at a Twitter Party? Follow the Party Team by clicking on the Twitter handle links on the RSVP page!

TIP: Want to win Twitter Party prizes? RSVP by clicking on RSVP button before you join the party, follow everyone on the Party Team, and tweet with the party hashtag during the party to be eligible!

TIP: How to win the Early Bird prize? Watch for chance to share a tweet when you RSVP for chance to win!

TIP: Special deals and brand coupons? Keep that options checked when you RSVP for the party!

TIP: New to Twitter parties? Watch your column and Party Team tweet columns – they are slower paced and easier to follow!

TIP: Where to find Twitter Parties? Check out the SoFabChats Twitter Party Calendar to find more fun parties to attend!

Find more helpful Twitter Party Tips on SoFabChats!


Patricia
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Friday, January 23, 2015

Valentine's Day Sprinkled Sugar Cookies


 

I know Valentine's Day is still a few weeks away, but time just seems to speed by these days. I love making treats for my family and friends for this holiday, and I believe it's a day to celebrate all kinds of love, not just the romantic kind.

 I have made a lot of sugar cookies that weren't all I'd hoped they would be, but this is the best recipe I've ever used. The cookies are moist and delicious, and very easy to make.

 My grandchildren loved them and I had such a good time making them. And of course, you can use different kinds of sprinkles for different holidays, they will all look great on this cookie.

 


Recipe for Sprinkled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large or extra-large egg at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 2/3 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, and using an electric hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla until well blended. Add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar, and mix until it forms a dough.
Reserve 3 tablespoons of sprinkles, and fold the rest into the dough. On a cookie sheet lined with foil, place heaping teaspoons of dough, spacing evenly.
Press down on dough just enough to get a flat surface. Sprinkle with reserved sprinkles.
Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet before removing.

Makes 18 cookies.

Enjoy!!

 
I originally published this last year, but since it's such a great recipe, I wanted to share it again. 

Patricia
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