You are currently browsing the monthly archive for March 2014.
My first attempt at a yeasted cake, testing the recipe for THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL. The recipe goes into the novel.
So over on Facebook, I had multiple requests for the Best Birthday Cupcakes in the World. No exaggeration. Happy to oblige, because these are super easy. 
Cake
1 box spice cake mix
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
2 cups fruit puree of your choice, such as canned pumpkin, apple sauce or apple pie filling, apricots, prunes or plums
Icing
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese or neufchatel, softened
2/3 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 Tablespoon vanilla
about 4 cups powdered sugar
Mix together all the cake ingredients. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Pour into lined cupcake tins or into a cake pan. Bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the tins. Insert a toothpick in the middle to test for doneness.
In the same bowl (no need to clean up), blend together the icing ingredients. Keep adding the powdered sugar until it’s the right consistency for spreading.
Allow the cake to cool and frost, then sprinkle with nonpareils.
Janie requested a photo of the glorious Clara Louise, my first grandchild, born last Christmas Eve. There are no words, so enjoy a couple of pics:
Wordcrafters in Eugene, Oregon had a unique event–unique for a writers’ conference, anyway. “The Introverts’ Ball” featured writers at their MOST introverted. Here is a shot of Elizabeth George, who has a hidden talent for photobombing, with Susan Wiggs and respective husbands, Tom & Jerry.
The View From Here 