Graham Crackers

Graham Crackers

I'd been patrolling the local grocery store for something other than goldfish and apples or ice cream and oreos and stumbled across a childhood favorite:  Graham Crackers and Vanilla Frosting.

Travel Video: Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Travel Video: Pagosa Springs, Colorado

In this episode of into the Soup, we travel to the eclectic town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado or as we like to call it "No Hassle Colorado."

Food For Lovers

Food For Lovers

Ok lovers, its time to consider how to use food to get your significant other in the mood. Top notch libidos and goofy smiles are just one romantic meal away and the fare is far simpler than you might think.

Braising Season Has Arrived!

Braising Season Has Arrived!

If you know me, you know I love a good braise, especially one marinated in an entire bottle of Pinot Noir.  The recipe I found for Beef Daube (pronounced Dob) was ideal for a Sunday.

Gardens, Greens and Good Things

Gardens, Greens and Good Things

Tonight we’re having oven –roasted carrots and sweet potatoes; fresh mixed greens and those diva heirloom tomatoes with a champagne vinagraitte; pan seared pork chops with fresh garlic and mushrooms and an Anjou pear with a little gorgonzola for dessert.

Arizona Wine Country Road Trip

Arizona Wine Country Road Trip

Although tamed down and classed up, we hit the road with all the same zeal of a college road trip. Arguably, there are few better places for road trippin’ than Arizona. This time, we pointed south to a small part of Arizona we had yet to explore but had heard a lot about, Sonoita and its wine country.

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T'was The Birthday After Christmas & Italian Cream Cake

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I have never liked my birthday. Not for the fact of birthdays, any excuse to have a party, but for the date - December 26th - Boxing Day, the day that people recover from Christmas celebrations, pen their New Year resolutions, and gear up for the next holiday.  No one feels like going out or raising a glass, and presents are often the batteries for what you got the day before.
That is until this year.
Who would have thought that one could have a singularly spectacular birthday after the age of 39++? 
This year was special because my BFF, the friend I have had since second grade and her mom, Patty B, came to visit. Along with my wonderful family in-law, we feasted on surf and turf, made a big dent in the wine given during the holiday party, and indulged in the most spectacular Italian Cream Birthday Cake.
It was a blast and for once the day after Christmas became the party of the year. Wonders never cease. And, apparently, neither does the desire to blow out all the candles on the cake whilst lying on top of my dining room table.
 

 
In case you’re interested, the recipe for Italian Cream Cake is below.  I warn you, it is decadent, and it was even better the following morning with a really strong cup of coffee, 4 Advil and half a gallon of water… t'anks Patty!
 
Pat Martinson's Italian Cream Cake
Cake

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 5 eggs yolks
  • 1cup flour
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 5 egg whites, whipped stiff

Cream sugar and butter and Crisco until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time. Mix the buttermilk, coconut and then add the flour and soda. Mix well. Fold in the egg whites. Butter and flour 3- 9" cake pans. Bake 325 for 25 min. Cool on a rack and then frost and top with extra coconut.
Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 stick butter or margarine
  • 1 box of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Mix and cream all together. Frost tops of each cake and stack. Traditionaly this cake is not frosted on the sides and the nuts and coconut are sprinkled on the top. Refigerate and enjoy this marvelous cake.

Local First Arizona