September 2007

The August ‘Enrichment Night’ was really nice. We each brought a ‘family-recipe dessert’; it was fun, and reminded me of my old traditions. I brought Mississippi Mud Cake. Years ago, I would buy all of the ingredients and make it for my sister’s birthday. When her daughters got old enough they started making it for her. She’s too far away now and her last child moved on to college this fall. I added the recipe below, in case you want to experiment.

Another ‘Tradition Cake’ - I had a neighbor / close friend who knew my favorite birthday cake was German Chocolate cake so she would bring one over to me every year! Since I moved here I’ve been without. But last Christmas we went back to Los Alamos and surprise! She brought over German Chocolate cupcakes!

Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake
Ready In: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup margarine softened
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup coconut
1/3 cup cocoa
1,1/2 cup flour
dash salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped nuts

Icing
1/4 cup margarine softened
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 7 oz. jar marshmallow cream

Cake Directions:
Melt margarine, in a large sauce pan Add sugar, and cocoa . Beat in eggs one at a time.
Add vanilla,, salt, flour, and, baking powder. Blend well.
Mix in coconut and nuts and bake in a greased and floured 9 X 13 pan at 350 for 30 minutes. Immediately after removing for oven, spread marshmallow cream over cake.

Icing:
Mix well and spread over marshmallows. Swirl the icing and marshmallow cream to muddy it up! Cut into 1-inch squares. It’s VERY rich!

After Sept. 9th. I’m off to New Mexico to stay with my Dad while my sister goes to her youngest daughter’s wedding and takes her youngest son to BYU. Fall brings lots of changes!

‘Old Traditions’ can be a wonderful thing to start, and keep, and share. Does your family have one?
My sister gives each person in her family underwear for Christmas, but I send sweaters. Many years ago, I was EXTREMELY embarrassed when my first bra came in a Christmas present and I opened it in front of my brothers!!!

I love the fall traditions. I loved school starting each year. Now I’d rather do stay at home and self study. I spend each mornings reading and studying. Last fall I was reading art histories, techniques and biographies. I haven’t decided yet what I want to focus on this fall. One of the ‘fringe benefits’ of getting old is being able to set your own priorities and agenda. So ‘school’ is one of my personal ‘old traditions.’ Here are some ‘personal education’ quotes I found:
"Dedicate yourself to continuous personal improvement -- you are your most precious resource." -- Brian Tracy

"Make education a continuing, never-ending process." -- Nido Qubein

Have a good month,
Wendy