Daily posts
It is January first.
The new year has arrived with a bit of a start for Larry and me.
Yesterday, Libby Pug dog {15 1/2 years old}
had a really bad day.
I will not go into detail, but, we came home early
from parties last night because we were worried.
Today she seemed fine, but then was confused and in the slump again.
I pulled this chart up.
Do you know that anything like this existed?
I love my dog so much….
Love you too.
Me
Every holiday,
it seems that I discover one more treasure for the recipe box.
This year 2016,
was the year of lets eat a lot of chocolate
and
I found a cake recipe that takes the blues away.
Take your time baking this Chocolate Charm.
It is the best chocolate cake I have ever made.
Till next time….enjoy.
Valentine
Chocolate Charm Cake
ingredients
Pam spray for misting the bundt pan
Flour for dusting the pan
1 package of chocolate cake mix.{Duncan Hinds is my favorite}
1 package chocolate instant pudding {3.9 oz}
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup rum
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Raspberry Sauce
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/4 cup rum
Chocolate glaze
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
****************
method
* Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mist and flour a bundt pan.
* Place cake mix, pudding mix, water, rum, oil and eggs in large bowl. Blend with an electric mixer for a moment.
Scrape down the sides and continue to mix cake on medium speed for 3 more minutes.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour batter into pan, smooth out batter as it will be thick. Place pan in oven.
* Bake cake for 50-55 minutes, till it springs back when you lightly touch it. Cool for 10 minutes then invert onto plate.
Place cake pan next to inverted cake.
*NOW make the raspberry sauce. Measure raspberry jam and rum into saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly till ingredients are melted together. {about 3 minutes}
*Using a chop stick, poke holes in top of cake.
*Pour raspberry sauce into bundt pan.
*gently lift cake and place back into bundt pan. Take your time.
*Let cake set in bundt pan for about 20 minutes.
*Invert cake back onto plate and allow to cool completely.
*****
When cake is cool, make chocolate glaze.
*Melt butter in small saucepan. Add cocoa powder and cream and stir until the mixture thickens. 2-3 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
Remove pan from heat and stir in confectioners sugar and vanilla. stir till smooth. Spoon glaze over cool Charm Cake.
16 servings
Freezes well
We had people over for dinner last night.
It was our annual “French” dinner,
and
this year we invited friends.
It was an amazing evening of shared thoughts, ART, laughter and food.
Larry even toppled over a lamp and it exploded
{just like in the movies}
and the candle light was romantic.
It was our last dinner party of 2016.
No, no, no. That is not sad at all.
Imagine the wonderful parties yet to come.
Happy 2017 dear hearts.
Have a lovely weekend.
Love you beyond the brand new calendar in the laundry room.
Me
My Larry and I have been rolling with the punches this year.
I am happy and content today,
but find myself heartbroken for those around me.
Life is fragile and
maneuvering our way through the bumps and smiles is difficult.
Strength, grace and faith is my mantra.
Strength: Be strong in accepting God’s will.
Grace: Be mindful of others feelings as you nurture your own.
Faith: Believe. Just believe.
This morning, while getting things ready for a party tonight,
the sign over my oven caught my eye.
It reads: Grow In Grace
Jamison gave it to me for Christmas
and
to be honest, I needed it.
I want to be reminded that kindness expected.
I want to be patient and open.
Grace was my Mothers name and like remembering her too.
Thank you Jimmers.
Your gift will be part of my everyday for a very long time.
Love you.
Me
Yesterday, while resting,
I looked at photos I had taken the past few weeks.
They are….
exuberant.
Happy.
Optimistic.
Content.
I don’t believe that I am leaving anything in 2016 undone.
What about you?
Are you prepared for a brand new year?
With no mistakes in it?
Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
I have 4 days to celebrate the end of 2016.
That will not be a problem….
I have awesomeness planned .
Blessings abound…
much love to you.
Me
This past Christmas weekend was perfect.
Christmas Eve found us all together for breakfast.
It was early and the food was delicious.
Josh, Lauren and Matilda were under the weather and went home.
We knew that they would feel better at home.
{don’t we all want to be home when we are not feeling well?}
Jamison stayed with Larry and me, as made our way through an antique mall.
Then, Larry introduced Jamison to a used book store he likes.
It was nice, special.
My daughters mean everything to me and it was nice spending time with Jamison too.
Christmas morning, we went to The Miller’s house.
It was so much fun. Everyone was excited and happy.
After brunch, we opened gifts.
Someone loved the FOX hat I made for her!
{she looks adorable in it!}
I am glad that 2016 is coming to an end.
We are ready for a new year filled with new moments and new smiles.
I know that we cannot expect our lives to be perfect, filled with sunshine and lollipops.
{do you remember that song?}
But….this past year was a disappointment to me.
I was disappointed in people that I should never judge.
Sometimes, people get close to you
and
their disregard for you or someone that you care about is evident.
All you can do is forgive them and move on.
2017 is going to be a wonderful year.
New adventures with the lights and
colors of my life with My Larry.
Life really is a gift, isn’t it?
Have a happy day.
Love you.
Me
Once a year, somewhere between returning from France and Christmas eve,
we have a family garden party at the Dallas Arboretum.
This past Saturday was a perfect day.
The temperatures were in the 70’s and the gardens were busy.
We had sandwiches…deviled eggs, fruit, cookies and Champagne.
Matilda had Sprite.
Lauren, Josh, Matilda, Jamison, Larry and I
enjoyed each moment visiting.
Then Matilda would say to Jami: Lets go on an adventure!
They would go to a far off garden in the Arboretum, and come back
ginning and bursting with secrets.
Jami gave Matilda horse back rides.
Lauren, Josh and Matilda posed by the lake.
Matilda is ma cherie. {my darling}
This is my Family.
I hold these moments in my heart.
Don’t buy me anything for Christmas.
Just give me time with these beloved people.
I know that this year has been difficult for many people.
We must remember that God’s plan might not be our plan.
With that being said,
Please remember that you are loved by so many people.
Including…me.
Love you.
Me
Oui, I found this recipe in France.
Since I have been home, I have made 4 batches of it.
It is easy and flavorful.Translated, it means Hot Nuts.
You can taste a bit of heat with each bite…..Chaud!
Enjoy, Valentine
CHAUD NOIX
2 cups mixed, raw nuts, any combination
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Fleur de Sel
2 cups of mini pretzel twists
~~~~~
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spread nuts on baking sheet and roast for 10 min, stirring once.
In medium bowl, mix together, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup.
Add the hot nuts to the above mixture. Add the salt and pretzels. Stir till well coated.
Spread the mixture back on baking sheet.
Return to oven and bake for 15 min stirring once or twice during cooking.
Remove from oven and cool completely,
Separating the nuts and pretzels as they cool.
This mixture can be stored in a container for one week.