Most people will tell you that they can’t sleep at night because their teenage daughter racked up a $300-cell phone bill with 9,634 texts.*
But, me? I’m a whole different critter.
Cake is what keeps me up, folks.
Last night, I baked a quick li’l number to take to the office.
Damn thing looked so tempting that, despite the tiramisu in the fridge, Shawn was an itsy bit jealous…
Who’s the cake for?
The office.
Aren’t you busy and stressed already?
Baking relaxes me.
Well, pshsh.
Lucky Office.
I’ve got banana pudding on the docket for ya.
NANA PUDDIN’?!
Then, he smiled and walked off, reassured of my undying love for him.
The idea of biting into that bundt kept me from getting some much-needed sleep.
So, here I am,
writing to you @ 2 o’clock in the morning.
I’ll look like a raccoon with a hangover when I wake up, but, it wasn’t my runway-pout that got me the office job in the first place.
Let me tell you guys: this is one gooooooood-lookin’ cake.
Chocolate
+ coffee
+ peppermint
= Christmas.
I know, Christmas is over, but it’s still on my mind…
Dinner is usually at our house.
This year, I somehow managed to get out of cooking.
Mom and Shawn did all the hard work. I didn’t even have to make dessert, because my sister made cinnamon-apple cobbler.
I know, Christmas is over, but it’s still on my mind…
Dinner is usually at our house.
This year, I somehow managed to get out of cooking.
Mom and Shawn did all the hard work. I didn’t even have to make dessert, because my sister made cinnamon-apple cobbler.
Daisy is just starting to get the idea that the big fat dude with the frizzy white beard and red coat is actually a nice guy.
She didn’t ask for anything and it was only after some prodding that she mentioned “Hello Teety” was on her wish-list.
She didn’t ask for anything and it was only after some prodding that she mentioned “Hello Teety” was on her wish-list.
Milou seemed to get the idea and kept looking out the window, but, he was probably looking for a skunk instead of Santa!
Shawn woke up extra early the next morning to get started on making his mom’s delicious fruit buns.
Then, those beautiful blue eyes finally opened.
What did Santa bring?!
Of all the dolls & toys, it looks like those cozy li’l boots were the winner.
Then, we were off to Auntie’s house!
Swedish straw goats were a very cute Ikea find!
This Christmas legend out-dates Santa.
Swedish children still don goat masks and exchange gifts.
We’re thinking of getting a big Elmo Santa for next year.
I know, tacky tacky, but Daisy would love it!
Mom & Dad took their places on the front porch for a li’l morning break.
I risked my life to get an action shot of this trademark scene and fell into the bushes!
I risked my life to get an action shot of this trademark scene and fell into the bushes!
See what I do for you?
Hope you appreciate it, too. 🙂
Hope you appreciate it, too. 🙂
After stuffing our faces with warm, crunchy scones and Christmas-spiced fruit buns,
we dragged our feet into the living room and watched as the kids yelled and jumped, wrapping paper shreds flying through the air. We got body-slammed with hugs when they saw their presents and nothing could be better.
Daisy made sure the babies were snugged up and shooshed to sleep.
So many of us wait all year for Christmas.
After all the shopping, planning, cooking, baking, card-writing,it’s gone in a snap.
But, tonight’s another wonderful excuse to be happy.
Our tree’s still up, champagne’s chilling in the fridge…
That peppermint mocha cake is doing cartwheels in my mind.
Scientists claim a brisk walk will banish a chocolate craving.
I took a walk
in 38-degree weather,
nearly froze my fingers off.
I still can’t feel my fingers,
but I’m rummaging through the drawers, looking for
M&Ms,
Whatchamacallits,
ANYTHING as long as it’s chocolate.
Those scientists need to go back to school.
The only way to satisfy a chocolate craving is to give into it.
It’s a good thing I couldn’t sleep last night, because I baked
another peppermint chocolate cake.
Now, let’s just see if I can wait til tonight to sink my teeth into it….
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Peppermint Mocha Cake
Based on Kevin & Amanda’s BEST Chocolate
Serves 6-8 happy faces
The CAKE
Preheat oven to 350*F
5 eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sour cream
splash of good vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1 box moist chocolate cake mix
1 Tb instant coffee
Blend wet ingredients. Add instant coffee, then cake mix until just incorporated.
Pour batter into greased bundt pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until your kitchen smells like hot chocolate.
Take cake out of oven, do a toothpick-test and let it cool in the cake pan for about 10 minutes.
Then, turn onto a rack and allow it to cool completely.
The ICING
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tb instant coffee
3 Tb hot water
3 candy canes
The icing is a snap. Dissolve the instant coffee in a bit of hot water, then add to the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the cake, allowing it to glide down the sides.
Put 2 candy canes into a plastic bag and use the bottom of a small metal pot to bash them to bits!
Cheap therapy is the bonus.
Eat the third candy cane. You need to keep up your energy.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cake and serve!
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Happy new year to YOU!
Thanks for reading my blog.
I hope 2013 brings you many, many sweet moments.
And, when it doesn’t,
bake one!
*If this sounds familiar to you, then you might be addicted to Duck Dynasty.
What a lovely recounting of your holiday! The fake sounds amazing and I love the little “Wlcome Friends” bowl with the cute little bears!
Your daughter, “Miss Daisy,” is adorable! Love the setting with the tree, and I'd love a slice of that deliciously flavored cake! So pretty, too!
Thanks! The bears are a present from my sister. I love black bears!
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Thanks, V! Happy new year!
Tha cake sounds divine!!!! and I love those purple boots 🙂