June 27 Thought For The Day

Strawberry Cake

This weekend we had a family get-together and I was looking for something different to make for a dessert when I came across this recipe for strawberry cake. I usually make chocolate desserts for my family as anything chocolate always seems to be their favorite, but I wanted something different this time. This strawberry cake was a good choice and got thumbs up from everyone!  Of course, they did mention that they would be ready for chocolate again next time!!

This recipe does start with a white cake mix but I was very pleased that the finished product did not taste in the least like a "cake mix" and was super moist and had a really strong good strawberry flavor without being overly sweet. I used frozen sweetened strawberries but I'm sure it would be delicious with fresh strawberries. I used a pudding mix and whipped topping for the frosting rather than a powdered sugar frosting and topped that with whole strawberries to decorate. I am including directions for my topping. This recipe will, for sure, go on my "make again" list.

June 23 Thought For The Day

Quick Chicken Parmesan

Image courtesy of campbellskitchen.com



I'm sure that many of you, like me, prefer to do your cooking from scratch. But, we live in a fast paced world anymore and sometimes there just isn't time to cook up a meal from scratch so I usually keep a few item in my pantry that can be used to put together a quick and delicious meal. This is one that I really enjoy and takes very little time. Hope that you enjoy it also.

June 21 Thought For The Day

We may not know what the rest of our mission in life might be, but I believe this:

Easy Bristo Chicken

I saw this recipe in my Kraft Foods newsletter and decided to give it a try. Overall I was pleased with the results and thought that it had a good flavor. I did add a little garlic and used sliced canned mushrooms instead of fresh as that was what I had in the pantry. The recipe makes a lot of sauce and when I make it again I think that I will serve it over pasta and then have the pasta and sauce leftover after the chicken is gone. It was simple and easy to make and I liked the idea of cooking it in one skillet though I think it would have worked well in a casserole over pasta also. I would love to hear your comments if you try it!

June 19 Thought For The Day

Classic Macaroni Salad

Summertime and potato salad, macaroni salad and grilling all just go together! This macaroni salad is not the one I make most often but I like to make it once in a while as a change of pace. The dressing is what makes the difference in it. I like lots of "stuff" in my macaroni salad but you can add or delete items as your tastes dictate. The dressing is a little tangy and a little sweet and is very creamy. Macaroni salad just can't be beat with hamburgers, hot dogs or with steaks. Enjoy!

June 18 Thought For The Day

This is so very true - try as we might we just can't please everyone!

Cinnamon Streusel Cupcakes

Cupcakes are really popular now, and no wonder, they are so convenient to serve and eat, easy to transport for picnics and get togethers and you can make them in about any flavor. These cupcakes are like a cinnamon streusel coffecake. I topped them with a little cream cheese frosting though they are really good with no frosting at all. Yum-Yum! The brown sugar and cinnamon streusel is layered in the center of the cupcake and sprinkled over the top. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

June 15 Thought For The Day

If you believe it...it must be true. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Tunnel of Fudge Bundt Cake

I hadn't made this recipe for years but it was my Dad's 90th birthday today and he loves chocolate so when I was looking through my recipes to find one to make for him, I came across this one and decided to give it a try again. I'm really glad that I did. The cake turns out really pretty and the fudge center makes a nice surprise and a nice rich taste. The chocolate glaze that I use to drizzle over the top is easy to make and gives the cake a final touch. Dad and the family gave it a big thumbs up!

June 13 Thought For The Day

Pretzel Turtles

These quick and easy candies are always a treat and get rave reviews. I personally prefer to have my chocolate covered caramels, pretzels, and pecans separately - but that's just me - everyone else I have made these for really likes them so I am including them here. If you give them a try I would really like to hear your comments.

June 10 Thought For The Day

It seemed like a good day to go with a lighter thought for the day. Hope you can't identify with this as much as I can!

Amish Potluck Potato Casserole

This recipe is from the Homestyle Amish Cookbook, 2010. It's a basic, simple casserole that isn't low on flavor.  If you find the flavor is a little to basic for your tastes you can always add extra flavors like green onions, bell peppers, pimentos or spices. The corn flakes on the top are tasty but it's also tasty made with crushed Ritz crackers instead of the corn flakes. Hope that you enjoy it!

June 9 Thought For The Day

I think this saying is so true:

Apricot Pineapple Freezer Jam

Last year was a bumper crop for apricot trees in my area and I made several batches of this jam. This year the trees don't have near as many apricots on them but hopefully there will be enough for another batch as last years batches disappeared quickly among the neighbors. This jam is easy to make and is delicious and it's great to just go to the freezer in the winter and be able to have that great summer taste!

June 7 Thought For The Day

This is so very true! We never know how much time we have so enjoy life while you can and appreciate those who share the journey with you.