Having My Cake... and Eating it Too

I cannot believe it's already been a year since Alex and I were married. What a wonderful year it's been. We're both lucky to be in the situation we are and to have one another. Now it's all about enjoying life together and making this new year as exciting as the last one. Since Alex and I aren't in Cincinnati to take advantage of a complimentary anniversary cake from our baker, I decided to do my best at creating one as a surprise for Alex (part one of a weekend of anniversary surprises!). Our cake had quite a few flavors, but I decided to go with the chocolate cake and peanut butter frosting/filling which was the bottom layer of our wedding cake (Buckeye flavored!). Let's take a look back one year (and two days..)

I found a delicious recipe online, and a frosting recipe in one of my cookbooks. I love to pull out all of my cookbooks on the table and see which one is going to win!

Beatty's Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• Butter, for greasing the pans
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cups good cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• Chocolate Buttercream, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch x 2-inch roundcake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.

Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubberspatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

Peanut Butter Frosting

from The Taste of Home Cookbook

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter

4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

6 to 8 tablespoons milk

In a large mixing bowl, cream peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. (Yield = 3 cups). 

I added a light layer of frosting as a crumb coated and then popped it into the fridge to set before adding the rest of the icing. I also used wax paper under the cake to keep it super clean once I was finished (just pull out the wax paper and voila!).

My original idea was to give the cake some similar features as our wedding cake. Ribbon I did have, flowers I did not, so I used some items I did have (which also happened to relate to our wedding)! I taped the photo and the tag/note gently to some wax paper in order to save them afterwards.

Since the frosting was more of a glaze than a buttercream it didn't help me hide any imperfections! However, the green ribbon I added along the bottom did help a little bit. I used my can of decorative frosting as glue to keep the ribbon on! Pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. I also love that I can display my cakes and goodies in my glass multi-purpose serving dish/cake stand that was a wedding present. The final product!

It came out perfectly moist and delicious... what a keeper (the cake and Alex)! And the last picture is my groom.. the chocoholic! This is my favorite picture of him, so handsome!

Happy One Year Anniversary to us! 

Oh Fall...

I'm resigned to the fact that it's pretty much fall now. Now that I have given up on summer I can really begin to become excited about fall and everything that comes with it. As part of my excitement for fall, and a weekend with some long lost family and family friends I decided to put together a few fall inspired thank you gifts (Check them out here if you're the crafty type) for their hospitality. Of course, one of them had to include some a homemade baked good!

Oldham Pie (aka Derby Pie)

from Flavors of Kentucky

1/4 cup margarine (not butter)

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped black walnuts

2 tablespoons bourbon

9-inch unbaked pie crust

Cream the margarine. Add the sugar and beat on medium speed using an electric mixer. Add the eggs, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla extract; mix well. Add the chocolate chips, walnuts and bourbon. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream. 

My long weekend started with a drive to Cincy, followed by a drive to Indianapolis with my Dad. Thursday evening we stopped at my Dad's cousin's house to visit. I can't remember the last time I saw them. It was a really nice visit and I slept well that night. The next morning we were able to visit for a little bit longer before hitting the road. We made a few detours, and finally reached my family friends' lake house on Heritage Lake in Coatesville, Indiana (about an hour from Indy). 

The rest of the day included some quality time with my Dad including having a beer on the dock, watching the sunset and gazing up at the star filled sky while listening to some of my Dad's favorite music on my iphone pandora app. It was awe-inspiring to see all of the stars. Surrounding the stars it seemed like there were beautiful flecks of light everywhere, almost like someone threw glitter into the sky. 

The next day we explored the lake, by boat, by jet ski and for my Dad, by ski (see pictures). We also explored Greencastle for lunch (where DePauw is located). Although it was a little chilly (remember when I said I accepted that it was fall!), but the sky and the sights were still beautiful. The day concluded with a bonfire and some marshmallows. After a few long hours back, it ended with another good sleep. Don't you just love those relaxing weekends even when they're exhausting? 

The Life of a Lexington Housewife

If you don't know this about me yet, I enjoy watching reality TV, including all of the Real Housewives series on Bravo. As I'm in the process of job hunting, Alex likes to tease me and tell me that I'm a Real Housewife of Lexington. Unfortunately, I'm missing lots of cash, successful (or unsuccessful) plastic surgery as well as a nanny and a couple kids.

With that being said I did feel like quite the Susie Homemaker yesterday. I had to run errands, prepare a birthday gift, walk the neighbor's puppy, tidy up the guest room, put together a couple personalized thank you gifts, bake a pie and cook dinner, clean the house, and finally prepare myself as well to get out the door for a meeting at 7 p.m.. I'll share my personalized thank you gifts in another post, but want to skip to 6:00 p.m. last night... While I'm pulling my pie out of the oven and waiting for it to cool I throw some butternut squash into the oven to roast so I can eat something before I run out the door. This is another recipe from Real Simple. (I'm slightly obsessed). Their version is called Tortellini with Butternut Squash, Mushrooms and Fontina. I adapted it based on ingredients in my fridge as well as my distaste for mushrooms.

Tortellini with Butternut Squash & Parmesan

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m | Total Time: 40m

Ingredients

• 1 small butternut squash (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons cup dried sage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 pound fresh or frozen multi-colored cheese tortellini
• 2 ounces Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup), plus more for serving 

Directions

1. Heat oven to 450° F. On 2 rimmed baking sheets, toss the squash with the sage, oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Roast, tossing once and rotating pans halfway through, until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water; drain the tortellini and return to the pot. Add the squash, parmesan, ¼ cup of the cooking water, and ½ teaspoon salt and toss gently to coat (add more cooking water if the pasta seems dry). Sprinkle with additional parmesan.

This recipe was surprisingly easy. I foresee butternut squash in my future this fall quite a bit. My favorite 

thing is when a recipe turns out to be even easier than I originally thought and it uses new ingredients. Okay, now back to last night....

So I throw some of this delicious dish into a bowl and run out the door. I'm running late for my 7 p.m. meeting. I'm eating pasta at red lights (not a brilliant idea considering it requires a fork, but I am starving at this point because I hadn't eaten anything since the Taco Bell drive thru at 2 p.m. - also not a brilliant idea).  

I pull up to church with about a minute to spare. I'm there to join the Women's Guild group and this is my first meeting. I'm not sure where to go or what to expect. As I walk in the door I'm greeted by two woman who ask if I want to join.

I quickly glance behind them and see a couple of round tables filled with women in their 50's, 60's and potentially even 70's. At that point I did not know what to say other than yes. In my head I'm wondering if this was such a great idea. My original thought in attending was that maybe I would be able to meet some more young people. That thought has gone out the window. 

I write a check for the $10 yearly membership fee, correct the woman on how to pronounce my last name and write my name in all caps on a name tag sticker. The smell and deep green hue of the sharpie is my favorite thing about the experience so far.

As I walk away from the table it's already past 7 p.m. and the meeting hasn't started yet. I feel slightly panicked by social anxiety since everyone is already seated. I take a quick detour to check out the table of name tags that haven't been picked up and spot a photo album. As I leaf through the first few pages the president calls the meeting to order. I skirt over to the closest table and ask the the woman if the seat next to her is taken. 

One of the deacons is present to talk for a couple minutes about the changes to mass that will be happening. He gives us a pamphlet with more information. It also has a reference card that you can tear off that includes all of the new language that will be used. This is where not being Catholic can be an advantage to me. I haven't had the old language etched into my brain just yet so it should be a cinch to pick up the changes. It'll probably take Alex longer to get used to this. 

 

After a few other announcements the night's speaker takes center stage. He is a 5th generation nursery 

owner. He's going to chat about container planting, winterizing and answer any questions. My ears perk up. With our new house this is definitely an area that I could use some advice in. He is very animated and speaks off the cuff without a formal presentation. I actually take notes and ask questions. 

They hold a raffle for a couple of potted flowers, It must be my lucky night. I call the first number and then a second woman draws a ticket and announces the number on it. It happens to be mine! The presentation is followed by refreshments and chatting. I meet quite a few of the ladies and am actually enjoying myself. Although the group might not hold many young women in my age bracket it's still nice to get out of the house, meet some people and have a conversation with someone other than Alex. After 45 minutes I pack up to leave. I'm surprised that everyone is still there and they all seem pretty comfortable. I have no idea how much longer they'll stay, but I bid my goodbyes and head out the door. 

The meetings are held once a month which I think I can handle. I'm excited to take part in some of their volunteer activities which might be a better way to meet other people in the church. My first volunteer event is next week and the following week Alex and I are volunteering together to help with Oktoberfest. 

Some moments might not always turn out like you expect, but there's always a reason for everything. It was quite comical to re-tell the story to Alex, but all in all I was excited by the time I got home. The next meeting will be all about Mary which should be super interesting considering she's not a featured component of the Methodist faith. 

Who knows... I might just make some unexpected friends out of the deal. 

Last, but DEFINITELY Not Least: Happy Birthday Dad

In honor of my mom's birthday I sat down and made a list of all the things she has taught me. I also remember so many things that my Dad has taught me over the years as well. Together they made a really great team and throughout both of their birthdays and my birthdays they've always been there for me and I never stop learning from them. Here's a few of the things my dad has taught me (really not an exhaustive list!):

• how to get my hands dirty outside whether it be with a shovel or a paintbrush
• about pool chemicals
• not just how to drive, but how to DRIVE
• how to avoid getting into an accident 
• how to be adventurous
• how to network
• how to be energy efficient and save money on bills
• how to check my oil, tire pressure and wash a car
• how to snorkel and parasail
• how to travel
• how to play the trumpet
• how to live life to the fullest
• how to drive a boat and waterski
• how to give really good hugs and tell others that you love them
• how to find good deals
• how to calculate gas mileage
• the best day to fill up the gas tank
• how to mow the grass 
• how to lift heavy things from my knees
• how to attract birds
• how to use ear plugs
• how to hit and catch a softball
• how to avoid getting sick
• the basics about tools like the difference between a flat head screwdriver and a phillips
• about animals and especially dogs
• how to use a camera and get the best shot
• how to maintain friendships and take care of family

The thing that I learned the most from my dad is that he's proud of me and he'll do whatever he can to help or be there for me. This is something that has truly stuck with me, and I think this attitude has allowed me to be a better friend, daughter and wife. 

I'm so grateful that I can be on this beautiful earth on my Dad's birthday to help him celebrate on his special day.

Lauren's Birthday x3

I'm blogging with some hot chocolate in hand and rain outside my window. A perfect activity for this type of day. The past month has already been quite hectic with Pat's birthday (my brother-in-law), my mom's birthday, Karleya's birthday (true friend & MOH), Alex's birthday, AND my parents' anniversary. One week later and now it's my turn to have a birthday. 

Alex was scheduled to go to Nashville for work the day of my birthday as well as a couple days following. We decided to postpone my birthday celebration until later in the week. Since I am still currently jobless and was going to be left all alone in Lexington I decided to make a short trip to Cincinnati (Might as well take advantage of my schedule right?). I reached out to a few friends to see if they would be willing to meet up for dinner. Since I have wonderful friends, they were more than willing even with the short notice.

We met for an early dinner in Columbia Tusculum. My restaurant of choice happened to be closed (who closes on Mondays argh!), so we hopped across the parking lot to sit outside on the patio at Tostados. There was camaraderie, a few drinks and a couple of fried appetizers to wash them down. To make the night even more entertaining we had the most interesting experience with our waiter. He was rude, outspoken and quite sarcastic. He was semi-attentive, but I was quite shocked when he brought out a tray of shots for my birthday. There also happened to be one for himself on the tray. You could tell he took his job quite seriously (that's my attempt at being sarcastic). All things considered, it was a beautiful night with friends. The rest of the time I was in Cincinnati I was able to spend some quality time with my parents, one on one as well as the three of us together. Every once in a while it's nice to be able to spend time with them without Alex present. 

My lovely mother bought a Bill Knapp's Chocolate Celebration Cake (there is some history to these, but you'll just have to ask my mom for the low down sometime). She decorated it herself for the occasion. Alex called from Nashville and 30 of his co-workers sang me a personal rendition of "Happy Birthday." Coincidentally, my mom walked outside with my cake and the candles right as they finished over the phone, so I was privy to an encore of the song by my parents. 

I went back to Lexington the next day, the same day Alex was due to be back in town. It was an exhausting work week for him so we postponed my birthday dinner until Sunday. After a couple days I was back on the road again, this time to Columbus to visit friends. We had a jam-packed weekend filled with take-out, Something Borrowed (check chick flick off the list), Starbucks run, an Antique show, tailgate for OSU, drinking games and burgers, brunch at Lindey's as well as some Columbus culture (the Statehouse, the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Museum of Art). 

The weather was absolutely perfect and I enjoyed spending time at my home away from home with two of my closest friends. Alex took the weekend to decompress and plan for my birthday.

I returned to Lexington to find a relaxed and rejuvenated husband, a clean house, dinner simmering on the stove and presents wrapped on the table! (There was also Graeter's Ice Cream waiting in the freezer yummm). After a crazy week (for Alex) and exhausting weekend (for me), we finally were able to slow down and have Sunday evening together. I think I need to let Alex takeover the cooking a little more often because he's so good at it!

Recipes: Lime & Soy-Glazed Chicken. Wild Rice & Grapes.

I'm so grateful for all of my friends and family members. Thank you all for the thoughtful birthday wishes, notes, cards, and gifts. I love you all and my life would be way less fulfilling and interesting without you in it. 

Happy Life to my Alex

Within the past few weeks there have been quite a few difficult moments that have made both Alex and I realize just how precious life is. This is a reminder that we're all given over and over again, but somehow life catches up to us and we get caught up in the grind and forget this (over and over again).

Amidst all the craziness Alex celebrated another birthday - 26! As we learn to appreciate family and friends over the birthday presents we used to jump up and down in anticipation for, birthdays seem different somehow.

I don't want to say less important, but our perception of what a birthday is and should be shifts. It's more about who you are able to spend it with rather than where you went or what you ate. (Don't get me wrong, I still love the food part). I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to spend another birthday with Alex and can't wait to spend even more with him.

So instead of wishing Alex another "Happy Birthday" this week I want to wish him a "Happy Life"; this birthday means that we get to start another amazing year together in our journey of getting old and experiencing everything that life has to offer.

Click here for the Sautéed Tilapia with White Wine & Lemon Sauce recipe (pictured above). 

Happy Anniversary to a Tried & True Couple

Earlier this week my cousin (in-law) told me that I was going to make a good mother, and that I already made a good wife. What a compliment, thank you Amanda.

As I already mentioned in my recent posting for my mom's birthday last week, I've learned so much from my mom and my dad. Not only in regards to being a well-rounded person, but also in regards to being a good partner in marriage. They've truly set the example for what a real, loving and supportive relationship looks like. Tomorrow marks their 33rd wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe they've been married that long, they don't seem old enough ; )

I'm incredibly grateful for their influence in my life, and for their warm acceptance of my own spouse. As Alex and I come upon our first year anniversary I hope that we can be a constant reminder to both of our parents of what those early years were like! It's always healthy to reminisce.

Congratulations on your incredibly journey together.

And let me segue into my excuse for baking this week. While I was at my parent's house last weekend we were talking about baking and my mom brought up THE Brown Sugar Pound Cake. It's a recipe from our church's cookbook (with frayed yellow pages, it might be even older than their marriage!)

The significance of this pound cake comes from it's owner. The recipe was submitted by Edith F. Clark. When my mom first moved to Cincinnati to teach she rented a room from Edith. This is part of the reason she came to Anderson Hills United Methodist Church and how my parent's story began.

So for my parent's anniversary and our Labor Day Weekend guests I'm going to throw together a Brown Sugar Pound Cake. I do remember this from my childhood, but it's been a while. And when I say throw together... I mean two hours of baking and two hours of cooling later...

BROWN SUGAR POUND CAKE

Ingredients:

• 1 c. white sugar
• 1 box dark brown sugar
• 1 c. Crisco
• 1 c. margarine
• 5 eggs
• 3 c. flour
• 1/2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1 c. milk
• 1 t. vanilla

Note: You can use 2 c. margarine instead of half Crisco and half margarine.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Thoroughly grease and flour a 12 cup bundt pan. Cream sugars and shortening/margarine. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add vanilla. 

Stir in the dry ingredients alternately with milk. Pour into the pan, use aluminum foil around the top of the pan to discourage overflow. (I didn't have an issue with this, but typically my mom does). Bake for 2 hours. Let cool for 2 hours before removing from pan. 

My philosophy is that whenever there is something to celebrate there should definitely be food to go with it. Especially cake!

Bucatini With Turkey Sausage and Zucchini | Real Simple Recipes

Tried this recipe out for dinner last night. It was easy to make and I loved it because I already had the majority of the ingredients on hand. Very light pasta dish, great for summer!

Bucatini With Turkey Sausage and Zucchini | Real Simple Recipes

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 35m

Ingredients

• 12 ounces bucatini or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage links, casings removed
• 1 pound zucchini and/or summer squash (about 4 small), thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces), plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the zucchini and/or squash, onion, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables are golden and very tender, 15 to 18 minutes (reduce heat if the pan begins to darken).
4. Toss the pasta with the sausage, vegetables, Parmesan, oregano, and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water (add more cooking water if the pasta seems dry). Serve with additional Parmesan.

By Dawn Perry, August 2011