Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Just For Company Cake



Most of us have our favorite desserts, and this cake could possibly be one of mine! This is the cake most likely to appear when guests arrive in our home. It is easy to prepare, not all from scratch and usually there is not much to put back in the refrig....that to me, is the best indication that everyone enjoyed it!
The recipe was given to me by an aunt on my husbands side of the family. She was the "aunt" that everyone loved and wished they belonged to. Living in the south most of her adult life brought opportunites for vegetable gardens and rows of fruit trees. When visiting , often we would stoll through her garden talking about each plant as if it were a real person.....describing in detail how it struggled for moisture, having no rain for a period of time or the attack of the birds or insects-whatever, there was always a story to be told.
We did have some visitors the other day. While traveling around the globe, we do meet some incredible people and often extend invitations to visit us when Stateside. An Australian couple are here for their "first" visit ........we are sharing some special moments........ and a special cake. P.S. It is loaded with pineapple and coconut~maybe you have a similar recipe?

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Last from the garden~Cabbage




Many years ago, let's see, how many are we talking about ?........18, oh my ! This recipe was passed out at one of our regular Bunko games. The ingredients were so fresh and colorful... it seemed to be the perfect salad to complement all the other dishes that were served that evening. This particular salad is one that extra ingredients can be added or even taken away.........I have added mandarin oranges and grilled chicken. The additions are endless!

Lots of my friends do not enjoy cooking with cabbage. Maybe it was something their mothers made them eat when they were kids..... or the smell that escapes while it is cooking........I love it! Seems as though it was always the last veggie taken from the garden. Maybe we were waiting for it to grow even bigger.
Well, the growing season is practically finished now. Summer is over...where did it go? I have been on the road most of the summer and now am enjoying some comfortable down time at home in Florida. Looking very forward to read about what wonderful and exciting foods bloggers will write about this Fall~


Asian Cabbage Salad


1 large head of cabbage,chopped.

8 green onions, chopped.

2 packages of Asian Noodles, toasted, usually found in soup packages.Crumble.

3/4 cup of sliced almonds, toasted.

4 Tablespoons of sesame seeds, toasted.


Toss all of these ingredients together. ( It is easier to toast the ingredients together in a large baking tray. Place under the broiler for just a few minutes until light brown. Watch carefully and stir.)


Dressing

1/2 to 3/4 cup of vegetable oil.

6 Tablespoons of rice vinegar.

4 Tablespoons of sugar- try the Spenda!

1/2 - 1 Tablespoon of pepper. Salt to taste.


Shake all ingredients well and toss in salad. Toss with care!