Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hannah, The Baker

On Monday we bought Hannah some fabric to make her an apron and chef's hat. She couldn't wait to wear her "baking dress" so we just wrapped it around her and tied a knot in the back. As soon as we arrived home, Hannah started getting out ingredients for a birthday "cake" for me (I'm turning 16, according to Hannah). She is holding a block of cheese and there is pudding mix in the bowl. She got all the ingredients out by herself, put them on the table and then poured the pudding mix in the bowl. Here are her other ingredients that she was planning on using for her cake.

Goldfish, Bisquick Biscuit Mix, 2 Bread Mixes and Flour

Flour, Jell-O Mix, Fruit Roll ups, Cool Whip container that contains left over Mashed Potatoes

Here is the pudding that became the "base" of the cake.

I convinced Hannah to make the pudding recipe on the box, and I was able to save 5 cups of "real" pudding before Hannah took over. The last cup of pudding was my "cake". She added flour, mashed potatoes, cheese, goldfish and milk (I was able to hid the mixes so she wouldn't try to use those!). Then we poured it into a cake pan and put it in the oven to cook. Since I've never made this recipe before I wasn't sure what temperature to cook it on. Since we were baking french fries for dinner it was cooked at 425 for 20-25 minutes. I didn't take a picture of it since it looked pretty gross. After dinner, Hannah forgot about it so I didn't have to worry about her getting sick from eating any. In case you were wondering, here are the measurement for our recipe.

Mama's Birthday Cake

1 cup of chocolate pudding (pre-made)
3 TBSP flour
1/4 cup milk
2 TBSP mashed potatoes
1 TBSP shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 goldfish

Pour into mini loaf pan and cook for 20-25 minutes at 425.

Hannah had a great time making it, although I'm a little scared to see what she will try next!

Here is our pudding! (This one is edible)

The cup is part of my mom's Denby Ode china that she gave to me. Growing up, we would eat on these dishes every Sunday and holidays. I am so excited that I have these now!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Diego Cake

I made this for Hannah's birthday in April. This is my first attempt at a theme cake. Hannah saw this tutorial online, and had to have this one! I think it turned out pretty good for a first timer :)

Here's Diego!!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Blue Pancakes

Hannah loves pancakes, but loves blue pancakes even more! We make regular pancakes and add blue (or red or green) food coloring. (We also color our cream cheese for our bagels!) Hannah thinks it's the best thing and loves picking which color she wants. Any leftover pancakes we store in the freezer and can be toasted later for an easy breakfast.

My mom used to make pancakes in letter shapes for us. The pancakes always tasted better when they spelled my name :)

Here is our favorite pancake recipe.

Ultimate Melt in Your Mouth Pancakes

2 cups Original Bisquick mix
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
3-4 drops of food coloring (optional - but very fun)

1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)

2. Stir all ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle.

3. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. To keep warm, place in single layer on cookie sheet. Cover with aluminum foil, and place in 200°F oven up to 10 minutes

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Bake on Saturday

We don't bake every Saturday, but I love the nursery rhyme:

Wash on Monday
Iron on Tuesday
Mend on Wednesday
Churn on Thursday
Clean on Friday
Bake on Saturday
Rest on Sunday

I even have my mom's handmade embroidered "bake day" dish towel.

So this is my little way of sharing the recipes that I have successfully made.