I Knew He Was Coming So Baked a Cake
My dad celebrated his birthday on Saturday, and extended the celebration last night when he and Mom came over for a birthday dinner. He chose pork roast, one of our all time favorite Sunday dinners, and I was happy to oblige.
I probably could have 'styled' the pork roast better, but it sure tasted good. Sides were those yummy pressed potatoes I told you about last week and a biggo salad.
That's me, Mom and Dad, having a quick toast before filling our plates.
Since it was Dad's birtday, I even baked a cake.........from scratch. I can say with confidence that I am a good cook, I think because I can put my twist on things. There is leeway. Baking is much more specific and not generally my forte, but I've baked this Italian Apple Butter Cake before and it did not disappoint last night.
It was a delicious end to the birthday evening, complete with tea light candle for Dad to blow out and make a wish. I'll share the recipe later this week.
Spreading Some Blog Love
There so many wonderful blogs out there, one could get lost. Here's a few that I think you should check out. I read them and really enjoy them for many different reasons.
Lori is an illustrator and has a wonderful eye. Her blog automatism is a wonderful collection of design finds that tickle her fancy, and mine. Lori has a wonderful weekly post of links that she shares and I always love exploring them. While you're there, check out our ad!
Eleni is an architect working on the island of Crete. I just found her blog myparadissi last week and am already smitten. Like Lori, she shares wonderful designs finds. Bates Mercantile Co. may be advertising here soon.......let us know what you think!
Like Lori from automatism and myself, Fiona is also an illustrator. I can always count on her blog Cafe Cartolina to be colorful. That makes me happy.
I thank Jaime at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy for introducing me to the talented Lucy and her blog Craftberry Bush. She has the most wonderful projects! Check out today's wheat and wire pumpkin. I'm just in love with the wheat.
If you visit any of these blogging ladies, which I really think you should, mention that I sent you their way. I know that once you take a look around, you'll be a fan too.
Happy Monday! The sun is shining, the air is crisp and the birds are chirpping. What more can a girl ask for?
I'm working on whittling down my to-do list today, and also need to make some time to move, whether a walk or hitting the yoga mat at the end of the day. I need to work 'movin' back into my daily routine, big time. What are your plans?
You are always eating the best looking food! I've never heard of an Apple Butter Cake - It sounds too good. I'm more of a cook and less of a baker also. It really is very specific and one mistake flops an entire recipe. Regular cooking is so much more forgiving. I have a handful of things I bake really well and am always attempting new recipes. I'd like to tackle some Italian desserts. They are always just sweet enough and never make you sick at the end of a meal from being too rich.
ReplyDeleteCourtney Jo, your recipes always look awesome. I am definitely trying your fondue recipe. The cake is a recipe from Williams and Sonoma. It's not wickedly sweet but it does have a good dose of butter so it is rich and a little goes a long way. Yummy.
ReplyDeleteLOVE love my soap. Will have to order more pronto!
Thanks for stopping by :)