Saturday, July 25, 2009

Cool Summer Dessert

CHOCOLATE-ORANGE PUNCH BOWL CAKE
INGREDIENTS
1 box devil's food cake mix Water, vegetable oil and eggs as called for on cake mix box
4 cups milk 4 teaspoons grated orange peel 2 boxes (4-serving size each) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix 1 cup chocolate-flavor syrup 2 cans (15 oz each) mandarin orange segments, drained 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray.
2. Make and bake cake mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix milk and orange peel. With wire whisk, beat pudding mix into milk mixture about 2 minutes or until blended.
4. Cut or tear cooled cake into 1-inch pieces. Arrange half of pieces in 3 1/2-quart glass serving bowl, cutting pieces to fit shape of bowl. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the chocolate syrup over cake; spread with 2 cups of the pudding. Reserve 1/2 cup orange segments for garnish; arrange remaining orange segments over pudding. Add remaining cake pieces. Top with remaining chocolate syrup, remaining pudding and the whipped topping. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled.
5. Garnish dessert with reserved orange segments. Store covered in refrigerator up to 8 hours.
Prep Time: 25 min Total Time: 4 hours 5 min Makes: 16 servings

Friday, July 24, 2009

Inspiration For Friday
What inspires Us?
What does Inspiration really mean?
How can we be more inspired?
Are we an inspiration to anyone we know?
The word in·spi·ra·tion
(1) a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation
b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
(2) a: the quality or state of being inspired
b: something that is inspired <>.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
Job 32:8 "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding."
We see here who inspires us, and if we are going to give hope or encouragement to any one else, we need to go to the souce, that is God Almighty, he gives to us, and we give to others, let us all be a help, a hope, and an encouragement to those we meet.
What can you add here, to give us a good idea of inspiration?

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

CHOCOLATE LOVERS DREAM: COCO COLA CAKE

A recipe for the popular Coca-Cola cake, made with Coca-Cola and buttermilk and mini marshmallows. This is no doubt the best cake I have ever made. My family loves it, I started making it for Christmas in 1977, been an all time favorite ever since, when ever I ask them what dessert you want mama to make it is this one.
Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising flour 2 cups sugar 3 tablespoons cocoa 1 cup Coca-Cola 1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Frosting: 1/2 cup butter 1 tablespoon cocoa 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola 1 box confectioner's sugar,
1/2 cup chopped pecans (Toasted are better)
Preparation:
Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan and set aside.
In a large bowl combine flour and sugar.
In a saucpan combine the cocoa, Coca-Cola, butter, and marshmallows; bring to a boil. Combine the boiled mixture with the flour and sugar mixture.
In a separate bowl mix eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla; add to the first mixture. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, until cake tests done.
Frosting:
In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola to a boil. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread over the cake while both cake and frosting are still warm.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Have Your Replaced Psalm 23 With This

A PSALM OF SUMMER
Now it came to pass that spring turned to summer.
God's people raised their voices and said:
Recreation is my shepherd;
I shall not stay at home;
He maketh me to lie down in a sleeping bag.
He leadeth me down to the interstate each weekend.
He restoreth my suntan;
He leadeth me to state parks for comfort's sake.
Even though I stray on the Lord's Day,
I will fear no reprimand For thou art with me,
my rod and reel they comfort me.
I anointeth my skin with oil,
my gas tank runneth dry;
Surely my trailer shall follow me all the weekends this summer
*Shame on you if this is your story, no matter where you go, or what you do this summer, put God first in all things, and keep him close to your heart, and on your mind.
*Now here is the true 23 Psalm, that we need to follow, commit to memory, and attest to daily.
Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Precious Friends
There is nothing that's more precious.
Than friends God sends to me.
The friendship offered every day,
Is just a joy to see.
Always there to lend support,
Whenever things go wrong.
They know when I feel sad and blue,
Won't let me stay there long!
Many faults I know I have,
But they don't seem to mind.
They are kind to overlook them,
Better friends I could not find.
I thank my Father for my friends,
Whose colors are true blue.
Who journey with me all the day,
Are there to help me through.
And so these words I say to you,
In hopes they will convey.
The love I feel for you my friend,
That's in my heart today.
~Copied~
♥My Friendship Cake To You♥
The Friendship Cake Starter 2/3 cup sugar 2/3 cup milk 2/3 cup flour Mix in plastic or glass container with tight lid. Cover, store at room temperature for 17 days, stirring once a day. After that, leave undisturbed for 1 day. Stir again daily for 3 days. Add 1 cup each of sugar,milk,and flour, then stir the next 4 days. Add another cup of each sugar, milk and flour. Mix well. Give 1 cup each to 2 friends, use 1 cup to make a cake or use as base for another batch of starter. Now The Friendship Cake 1 cup starter 2/3 cup oil 3 eggs 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups chopped (apples,or blueberrie, or any kind of fruit) 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 to 1 cup nuts (optional) Combine all ingredients until well mixed. Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan. Pour batter into pan and bake in preheated oven 350 until cake test done 40 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out and continue cooling.