THE BEST CARROT CAKE EVER

14-CARAT CAKE
2 Cups Flour, sifted
2 tsp. Baking powder
1-1/2 tsp. Baking soda
1-1/2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Cinnamon
2 Cups Sugar
1-1/2 Cups Vegetable oil
4 Eggs
2 Cups Carrots, peeled and finely grated
8-1/2 oz. Can Crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 Cup Walnuts or pecans, chopped
3-1/2 oz. Flaked coconut
Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Blend together in separate mixing bowl: sugar, salad oil, and eggs; stir in flour mixture.
4. Add carrots, pineapple, nuts, and coconut; blend thoroughly.
5. Butter or Pam spray (3) 9" round layer pans, or 9 x 13 rectangle.
6. Dust pan(s) with flour or sugar. Shake out excess.
7. Bake 35 - 40 minutes for layer pans, possible longer for 9 x 13.
8. Test for doneness with toothpick--should come out dry and clean.
9. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Turn cake onto racks to cool thoroughly.
10. Fill layers and frost sides with Cream Cheese Frosting.


CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1/2 Cup Butter, softened
8 oz. Cream cheese, softened
1+ tsp. Vanilla
1 lb. Confectioner's [Powdered] Sugar
Milk

1. In mixing bowl, blend together butter and cream cheese; add vanilla.
2. Gradually add in powdered sugar, beating well.
3. If mixture is too thick to spread, add a small amount of milk.

NOTE: Try using only 4 oz. of cream cheese, and more milk. Frosting is still rich and creamy with just a hint of cream cheese rather than a strong taste.

RENOVATING...

Our version has 6 shelves.

I'm in Omaha in the midst of the first phase of JE's pantry makeover. Good thing her father-in-law is here today as the tear-down is far more complicated than I'd have expected. :)

Some DIY-er of past years obviously had a screw gun he was anxious to put to use, because the shelves are ANCHORED! HS spends a few hours wresting the shelves away from the supports and then digging out and unscrewing the many, many screws that fasten the supports to the plaster. He uses his car jack to pop the shelves loose from the supports! Eventually he painstaklingly patches the screw holes and a few larger pits of crumbling plaster. He's a very conscientious worker.

STRETCHING

JA and grandma practicing yoga.

Today I participated in my first yoga class in 2-1/2 years. I always do some yoga--the stretching and poses help realign my back, neck, and other aging parts. Since rejoining Health Bridge, so far I've only power walked, braved the eliptical, and used the pool, steam room, and sauna a bit. I had plans with a friend for yoga today but when she was side-lined with a serious knee incident I decided to dive in. It's good to be back. I plan on attending a class on Thursday, too. And, on Friday I will do a aquatic exercise class with a friend and power walk.

CLEANING... KABOOM!

not my shower doors

Kohler

I've embraced the Kaboom spray cleaner for our shower walls and doors limescale problems for a few years now. The fumes are overwhelming and there doesn't seem to be any way to adequately vent our master bathroom, so I suffer on... But, not too often.

I tend to procrastinate on the whole white tile, white shower pad, and clear glass shower door accumulation until either company is coming for an extended stay or something sucks me into jumping in. Because, quite literally I jump in. Yep! There's no way to do this baby unless you are smack in the middle of it, and dressed (or undressed) appropriately.

LUNCHING IN PARIS

from thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Wouldn't that just do my heart good! Having the opportunity for a early spring cafe visit anywhere in Paris. I love everyday life in France, and all the beautiful foodstuffs and flowers everywhere. You can say what you will about the French (I really don't know any French citizens well enough to judge), but they sure know how to appreciate and merchandise the small beauties of life.

JUST BECAUSE

Just because I have been absent from this place, I am posting this morning.

I've been telling myself that nothing of note is happening in my world, thus nothing to post. But, life is always happening, whether it feels notable or not.

Winter is on the wane; can Spring be far? A few sunny days in a row and we are actually seeing grass in parts of our yard, although there is still mostly snow. Today is predicted to hit the 60s, and predictably when it really warms up the rain begins and the sun disappears. Snow melt is a sure thing, and I will tolerate the drizzle and puddles and mud because they are sure signs of Spring.

MARCHING ON

House and Garden magazine

via http://brabournefarm.blogspot.com/

This is were I would love to be. Somewhere in Provence with sunshine and wonderful food.

But, I'm here. Finally well and striving to find the right balance in daily living.