Happy Birthday

Today is the birthday of someone special in my life.  Since I love to bake and decorating cakes is a part of that I could not let the day go by without baking a special cake for that special someone.  So I got up early this morning and while Jimmy was at work I spent the day baking a chocolate cake from scratch.  It is just a simple cake with no major sugar art frills.  He loves blue so blue was used as an accent.  

I made half again as much batter and divided this into 4 pans - two circles for his birthday today and hearts for Valentine's Day tomorrow.  Hiding the Valentine cake between now and then could be a bit tricky.  It would stick out like a sore thumb in the fridge...no room in the cabinets....will need to make cornbread later so the stove is definitely out!....hummm...  Will have to give that some serious thoughts.  It is about 3:30 and he could be home soon so I am running out of time.  

I think my puppy would like for me to leave it some place where he could keep his "eye" on it.  :)

Peanut Butter Fudge

OK, I may be crazy for even thinking about attempting fudge on a day when the chance of snow is 60%.  I am feeling the urge for something sweet, and I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I have not had lunch yet. :)

Thought it would be fun to share a recipe along with this blog, just in case you would like to make peanut butter fudge yourself some day.  

When making the fudge it is best to have everything ready to go before you start to cook because there is no time to gather ingredients once the mixture starts to boil.  So.... I sprayed the 9x13 pan with cooking spray, measured out 1 cup of peanut butter, and opened the jar of marshmallow cream then poured 1 tsp vanilla on the top of it.   I put 3 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 stick butter (the recipe calls for 3/4 cup margarine) and 2/3 cups of evaporated milk in my cast iron dutch oven pot and started cooking.  It has to be stirred constantly.  After it comes to a full boil, then cut the heat down to medium and cook it for 5 minutes.  After 5 minutes turn off the heat and add the peanut butter.  Stir until it is melted, then add the marshmallow with the vanilla and stir until mixed.  Pour into the pan and allow to cool.  It is OK to take a break and sample the fudge left in the bottom of the heavy pot! :) 

I can see that it is going to set up nicely.  It is still a little warm, but getting firm.  So, if you are interested, it looks like this fudge can be made even if it is humid outside.  OMG that is good! Better taste another one.

OK, one more and that is all.