Fresh Apple Cake

This recipe comes from a cookbook my sister-in-law gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago.Normally I use fresh apples but this time I tried using apples I canned back in August.

The cake turned out perfect!

Fresh Apple Cake

3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups salad oil

1 cup pecans

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg (I leave this out)

2 cups sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

3 cups diced apples

Mix all dry ingredients together. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Mix with dry ingredients. Fold in apples and pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes.

The batter is very thick so I usually add milk to thin it out some.

My New Cutting Board

Last week Pat began working on a cutting board; it's made from oak that is at least 75-years old. I love the color and feel; it's 1.5-inches thick and weighs at least 5 pounds; maybe more.

I found it very hard to make myself actually use it;

Since I didn't want to scratch it up.

It's just too pretty!

A Bad Weather Day

When we have bad weather I prefer to take Jonathan to his classes so he doesn't have to search for parking and then walk a great distance in the ice and snow. With today being a "bad weather day" I had Elizabeth gather up her books so we could do her school work at the library.

It's always fun having school at the library;

Today we were able to watch the snow from one of the big windows while working.

Day Trip

This morning I woke up feeling like doing "NOTHING"! So Elizabeth gathered her constant companions and we loaded up the car... our destination? Levelland!

Our goal on day trips is to find thrift stores and antique store...sadly Levelland only had one small Goodwill and no antique stores.

Next we headed for Littlefield...no thrift store or antique store could be found! I did however find some flour, that came in an old fashion cloth bag, on sale for $4.99 for 25 pounds. It was sold as "buy this 20 pound bag and get one 5 pound bag free". Elizabeth loves the fabric so I think I will make her a tote bag out of one set.

Once we got back to town we hit some of our regular thrift stores and then stopped at the ice cream store for a treat...Elizabeth just has to have the bubble gum ice cream!

Even though our day trip wasn't exactly what I hoped for...it was still a nice get away. But, I think next time we will head for a larger town.

King Quilt pt. 9

Last week as I was gathering all my supplies for pinning the quilt I realised my quilt back wasn't big enough! I had found a wonderful king size flat sheet that was perfect for the quilt back but now I have a dilemma;Should I add a piece of fabric to the sheet, remove one row of blocks, or search once again for a second sheet and hope to find 2-pieces so I can piece the back in the same fabric? Hummm, by the time I finish this quilt it just might be summer!

Addicted To Old Things

Oh, how I love old things! For some reason, either good or bad, old things and bargain shopping go hand in hand.
While killing time yesterday Elizabeth and I browsed the thrift store;

Where I stumbled upon a most charming set of glasses. The set is missing one medium size glass but now I have a reason to search out antique stores looking for one lonely glass.

I did not need these but had to buy them...because they were less than 9-dollars...and because I love the feel of glass...and because I really like green...and because they remind me of The Brady Bunch...and because, and because, and because, and because...!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Over the years I have learned baking cookies on parchment paper produces a better cookie; not necessarily better in taste but better in form.Parchment paper is a bit pricey, I pay just under 3-dollars per box, but it is worth every cent.

When I make oatmeal cookies I like to "plump" the raisins before mixing the dough. To do this simple place raisins in water and bring to a boil; cover and turn off heat. Raisins will soften and plump up in about 20 minutes. Drain before adding to the cookie dough.

I love oatmeal cookies with soft raisins; yummy!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 sticks margarine

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup raisins; measure before soaking

Mix dry ingredients; except oatmeal. Beat margarine, sugars, eggs and vanilla until creamy. Add dry ingredients; mix well. Add soft raisins; mix well. Add oatmeal; mix well.

Bake 350-degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.