I woke up this morning with my head spinnning a little bit, trying to connect the dots of everything going on... it's a lot, as usual, and I'm excited because mixed in with my excitement over the release of A Sweethaven Homecoming...
There are so many other exciting things going on as well.
This past weekend, I stood up in the wedding of one of my oldest friends...
...which meant I got my hair done all fancy-like, something that really just never happens around here.
And I got to hang out with more of my oldest (and dearest) friends...
These girls (and some who weren't there) were my Circle. So creating a tight-knit group of girls who realize how much they love each other on paper wasn't so difficult...
Then, yesterday, my family got together to celebrate my nephew's birthday so I got to hang out with some of my favorite people in all the world...
And these two.
(who I must love an awful lot if I'd post such an unflattering photo of myself.)
This is my brother and sister. Together with our families, we descended upon my mom's house and I was reminded once again of how my real life wove its way into my books...
If you've read either A Sweethaven Summer or A Sweethaven Homecoming, you know there is a character in these books that's yet to be discussed.
Food.
Adele is a comfort cooker/baker. She bakes when she's stressed. (Wait till you read A Sweethaven Christmas!) This is how she copes. It's also her love language. She cares for people. While my mom doesn't cook/bake this way, taking care of people is what she does.
I would show you a photo of her but then I'd subject myself to her wrath. She's quite feisty.
This weekend, I was reminded that this cake appears at many of our family functions...
...which is probably why it found its way into my books.
While I can't give you actual cake, I can give you the recipe... because I'm sweet like that and because I want you to make this cake a part of your family functions too.
It's definitely worth adding to your recipe book.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp. cocoa
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
(I never have buttermilk anywhere in my house. So I do that old trick of adding some lemon juice to regular milk. It's kinda curd-le-y but that's what you want. Ew.)
Bring butter, water and cocoa to a boil. Then pour over flour, sugar and salt. Mix. Add remaining ingredients.
Pour into a 10 1/2" x 14" sheet cake pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Icing: (also known as "the best part)
- 1 stick butter
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3 Tbsp. cocoa
- 5-6 Tbsp. milk
Frost cake while still warm. Top with walnuts (optional.)
I'm thinking of filing this post under "Heathy eating."
My Aunt Terri showing you the proper way to enjoy this cake...
Needless to say, it's a hit, and if you make it, you will make Adele proud.
In other news...
I'm preparing to launch Round Two of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge tomorrow.
Because of the scrapbooking element of my books, I wanted to show some Sweethaven-inspired layouts from some very talented friends...and then give you a chance to show off your talents by creating your own Sweethaven inspired layout.
There will be some GREAT prizes which I will announce many times between now and the end of the challenge... I can hardly wait!
Here are some of the topics that will be included, in case you want to start planning your challenge layout now...
- reconciled friendships
- motherhood
- weight loss
- being transparent
- distractions
- forgiveness
- old friends
- best friends
- getting away
- the place where you can most be yourself
- the place where the peace is
- the cover of the book
- a verse or quote that really means something to you
- second chances
Yep. It's all in the book...
Have you gotten yours yet? No? Go HERE!
And what about that giveaway....?
I want to give you a few more hours to enter...so I'm going to announce the winner TONIGHT!
That means you can still enter HERE on my Launch Day post...but only for a few more hours...
So, let's recap.
I had fancy hair. I hung out with my sibs. I told you how to make Adele's Texas Sheet Cake. I announced the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge and commanded you to enter my big(ger), fat(ter) giveaway (because I LOVE to give gifts...) :)
Sound about right? Now...GO!
And happy Monday!
