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Category Archives: Kitchen Tips
Birthday Cakes and Birthday Boys Who Grow Up Too Fast
Birthday Cakes and Birthday Boys Who Grow Up Too Fast
Attending a birthday party yesterday for a young boy in our church gave me a new awakening. After our arrival, my two youngest boys immediately headed out to play with the group of kids that were there to enjoy the birthday party at the park.
My oldest, who is turning 14 tomorrow, lingered at the edge of the sidewalk simply gazing at the children who were playing with enthusiasm on the playground. It struck me hard for the first time that my son really is growing up fast. I sort of missed seeing him out there playing and running around on the playground.
My oldest son has certainly been a blessing to me. He loves to help me and still isn’t too big to give me a hug and say, “I love you, Mom”. If my hubby and I need any “technical” support on the computer, then he is the “go to” man for help. Above all, if he grows up serving the Lord, then I shall be one happy, content Mother! (I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ III Jn. 1:4)
We decided to celebrate my son’s 14th birthday early, and so I made a really easy recipe since it was getting late last night. It’s name is simply, “Chocolate Oil Cake“. I actually cut the sugar in half, and it was still very enjoyable for us, especially with the delicious chocolate fudge frosting on top. I’ve shared the simple recipe below with the original ingredients…
Chocolate Oil Cake
1 c. buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 TB of vinegar)
3/4 c. oil
2 eggs
2 c sugar
2 heaping tsp. soda
2 c. flour
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine ingredients and beat well. Add the vanilla last.
Bake 350 degrees about 35 min. in 9X13 pan.
Tips for Moist Cakes
I searched online to find a few suggestions for baking “moist” cakes and I thought I would share them with you. If you have any additional tips or hints, please share them with the readers here.
- Check your cake a few minutes before time is up to prevent overbaking.
- Store your cake in an airtight container.
- One suggestion I found is to bake your cake in advance, let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap, store it in the freezer overnight and then take it out the next day to frost it.
- An additional suggestion I found is that you use “cake flour” if possible. (Add 2 tablespoons more of CAKE FLOUR for each cup of all-purpose flour called for in the recipe.)
Posted in Cooking, Desserts, Family Corner, Kitchen Tips, Personal Talk, Recipes
Tagged chocolate oil cake, tips for moist cakes
2 Comments
How to Break the Paper Towel Habit
How to Break the Paper Towel Habit
On “Thrifty Thursday” I thought I would address the subject of paper towel waste. I decided that this was another area where I could save a few more pennies. Paper towels wipe up small messes and are just tossed into the trash…hence you can just imagine hearing the little “cha-ching” going on at the paper towel manufacturers.
A few weeks ago, I decided to invest in a couple bundles of white wash cloths that were on sale. I also bought a tall, white, round plastic trash container (the kind with the swinging lid on top) to toss in my cloths and other towels when they were dirty. To be honest, I still keep paper towels on hand to grease a pan or to use when I want to serve some cookies but don’t want to mess with little dishes. But overall, I feel better about being less wasteful.
I have found that keeping these white cloths nearby are really handy and just as easy to use as grabbing a paper towel. When my napkins for the table are gone, I plan to put some of these in my little square basket that I keep on the table. My boys can toss them into my container when the poor little white cloths are done being abused from wiping dirty hands and faces.
P.S. ~ Here’s a little video on this very subject that I saw just today…
Posted in Cleaning, Kitchen, Kitchen Tips, Miscellaneous, Saving Money, Thrifty Moms
Tagged how to break the paper towel habit
7 Comments
Some Quick Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen
Some Quick Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen
Here are some quick cleaning tips for your kitchen to help you keep the mess and clutter to a minimum:
* Clean the kitchen cabinets, stove, refrigerator and counters with baking soda.
* Sweep and mop your kitchen floor.
* To remove skid marks on linoleum rub the spot with toothpaste before washing the floor.
* Remove all clutter from your countertop including dishes, glasses, utensils cups and other items you may have lying around.
* Store as many appliances as you can inside your cabinets to free up counterspace.
* Clean streaks in your stainless steel sink with olive oil.
* Replace your dish rag regularly, as well as the sponge or scrub you use for washing. (Put a wet sponge in the microwave and heat it for a few seconds to help sanitize it in between uses.)
* To remove hard-water build-up in a teapot or kettle, pour in two cups of vinegar and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, then rinse well.
* To clean the coffee maker: Pour straight vinegar into it as if you are making the coffee, no filter is needed. Turn the coffee maker on as if you were making a pot of coffee. Repeat this with a new batch of vinegar until it runs clear of calcium deposits.
*Just thought you might enjoy this short video…
“How to clean with baking soda“
