WEARING O'GREEN CAKE

St. Patrick's Day Wearing O'Green Cake
St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching and all things green come to mind.  If you are looking for a delightful dessert for your St. Paddy's Day celebration, give this one a try.  The lime gelatin adds a touch of green and a zesty tang to the cake and the vanilla pudding and whipped topping make a great creamy frosting.

In our family we always celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the customary corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes, etc.  While we enjoy the meal, we also listen to traditional Irish music.  It has always been a fun meal.  This cake will make a great conclusion to a festive meal.
-Nanette

WEARING O'GREEN CAKE

Ingredients

• 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) lime gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Green sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in cold water and set aside.
2. With a meat fork or wooden skewer, poke holes about 2 in. apart into cooled cake. Slowly pour gelatin over cake. Cover and refrigerate. 
3. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake. Decorate with sprinkles. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12-15 servings.

Fresh Strawberry Cakes

FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE
Since Olivia has not been able to cook much since her foot injury, I decided to take a sweet treat to her for both she and her husband, Dan, to enjoy for the Valentine holiday.  They liked it and I am considering using it as an Easter dessert as well.  My husband, Jim, who usually gravitates to all things chocolate, even enjoys the fresh fruit taste.  I made a batch of cupcakes with this recipe (bake only 20 minutes) and Jim enjoyed them very much.  This recipe originally appeared in Taste of Home magazine.  We hope you enjoy it.
-Nanette

Ingredients

• 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
• 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup finely chopped strawberries
• FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup crushed strawberries
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups confectioners' sugar

Nutritional Facts

1 slice: 532 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (69g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line the bottoms of two greased 8-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; grease paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, gelatin, sugar and flour. Add water, oil and eggs; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Fold in chopped strawberries. Transfer to prepared pans.
3. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
4. For frosting, in a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in crushed strawberries. Gradually beat in enough confectioners’ sugar to reach desired consistency. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Yield: 12 servings.

EASY PRETZEL BITES

This delightful recipe was made by none other than my son-in-law, Dan.  He was a man hard pressed for a tasty Super Bowl snack.  Usually Olivia makes an array of yummy treats for them to share during the big game, but this year she suffered a broken foot and that has kept her out of the kitchen.  Dan has been awesome keeping the household afloat and he even made these great pretzel bites.  Olivia said for being a super simple recipe they are very good.  When you need a great snack, give these a try.  I think you will enjoy them.
-Nanette



EASY PRETZEL BITES

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 4 c. water
• 1/4 c. baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Coarse salt
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 1 c. milk
• 2 c. Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
2. Quarter each biscuit then roll piece into a ball. Pinch to seal. In a medium saucepan, combine water and baking soda. Bring to boil then reduce to a simmer. Add the rolled balls and cook for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to baking sheet, making sure the pretzels aren't touching. Brush beaten egg over each pretzel. Sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
3. Meanwhile, make cheese sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in milk and bring to a simmer. When the milk begins to thicken, stir cheese, whisking constantly until sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne.

"Strawberry Cake to Die For" Throw-Back

We are reposting an old recipe for three reasons:

1)  It will soon be Valentine’s Day, and this is a great recipe for that day. 

2)  We have been blogging for five years as of today, and this is a great cake for a celebration!

3)  Olivia broke her foot two weeks ago and has not cooked since.  The beautiful dishes she makes have been temporarily halted.  The tamale pie last week was my creation, but I have to admit, my dishes are not as exotic as hers. 

Click on the link below and enjoy this throw-back to the past as Olivia writes about her love of cooking.

-Nanette

STRAWBERRY CAKE TO DIE FOR!