Music from the Other Room!

Did you ever see that movie - I love it -- it is an older one (from way back in the 90's) with Jude Law -- so cool!! Anyway....

First of all, let me say that there is a ROOSTER in my backyard... not mine, our across the street neighbors feel they need roosters... I am secretly hoping that our dear chocolate lab gets him!! Um...chicken for dinner!!

My night was a rough one sleep wise, and this morning I have been quite grumpy. I had to pull myself out of this mood because, well, it was definitely not Christ-like and I have a 3.9 year old that needs her mommy! So, my solution -- I turned on the 80's music station on our digital cable in the living room and voila! New, happier mood - maybe now I can at least make it until naptime without screaming at the child and the dog!! Music from the other room.... get it??!!??

And speaking of Applesauce cake, Hannah participated in our library's "Catch the Reading Bug" program and we read 50 books this summer. She got a whole packet for goodies for a prize, things like coupons for ice cream, putt-putt, Applebees and Pizza! We were so excited. She also got to pick a book and she chose Annie The Apple Farmer. My child loves apples and so do I . Nothing makes me happier than a really good fall day, a warm piece of my Aunt Nell's apple cake and hot mug of apple cider.

The book has some recipes and this morning we are trying out Applesauce Cake. It smells yummy and Hannah had a great time helping me mix the ingredients. The time cooking together further helped to make my mood a bit sweeter... thank goodness. An event like cooking with resident toddler could go either really good or really BAD!

So, without any further excitement to record, I will include the recipe for the Annie the Apple Farmer's Applesauce Cake... I hope you get to enjoy it. And hey, turn on some 80's music while you are baking it -- it is a mood enhancement without any medication!


Annie The Farmer's Applesauce Cake
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice ( or allspice)
1 cup applesauce
2/3 cup raisins

Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and beat well. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce, beating after each addition and blending well. Stir in raisins. Pour into 9 inch greases tube pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until browned. Cool, spread with Butter Frosting.

Butter Frosting
2 tablespoons softened butter
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add milk and stir well. The frosting should be smooth and easy to spread.

Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly

Oh - and a good blogger would include pictures of the child baking... oh well, maybe next time when I am in a MUCH better mood I will remember to take those kind of pictures. Just envision a cute girl dressed in pink and her nose covered in flour, licking the beaters! Got it! Okay!