Thursday, March 3, 2011

Let Them Eat Cake:)

If you are like me, then you probably think that cake can solve all your problems (well at least your sweet tooth problem, lol) Here is an awesome cake recipe that I make from time to time. It is not complicated to do, and it tastes out of this world!  This cake may remind you of summer, causing you to run around the house in a tank top and barefoot (not that it's a bad thing is it?) I would love for you to try this cake and leave a comment telling me what you think of it. Oh and if you love it so much you can't share it, I understand completely:)

Hawaiian Sunset Cake Recipe

  • 12-16 Servings
  • Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Ingredients

  • 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white or orange cake mix
  • 1-1/2 cups milk
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup canola oil

  • FILLING:
  • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 package (10 ounces) flaked coconut
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
  • 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Toasted coconut, optional

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
  • Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, sugar, coconut and sour cream. Reserve 1 cup; set aside. Place one cake on a serving plate; top with a third of the remaining pineapple mixture. Repeat layers twice.
  • Fold whipped topping into the reserved pineapple mixture. Spread over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12-16 servings.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Non-conformity....Embrace It!

Yes, I am chubby, pudgy, and dare I say it........fat!   But, I am also smart, friendly, fun to be around, beautiful, and I have some killer curves for days;)
See, I am happy with myself and I love the skin I am in.. Too bad it took half a lifetime for me to actually get to that point. I was always trying to conform to everyone else's standards as to what they thought was beautiful. See they didn't care what means I had to lose weight by as long as I lost it. The world doesn't care if you nearly kill yourself with years of bulimia and anorexia (as I almost did) as long as you fit the standard of their idea of beauty.

I guess you could call me a rebel and a non-conformist, because I am not just a number on a scale. I am ME, I know my self worth doesn't come in a dress size. Now I do believe in being healthy, you can still be healthy and not be a size 10. You can be active and eat good food. But I am not going to beat myself up over a piece of chocolate cake either.

So with loud acclamation I proclaim that, "Yes I am big, beautiful, and living my life the way I want it!" Oh and another thing, this summer when I am at Myrtle Beach I will wear my swimsuit (and dare I say it even a 2-piece...Shocker!) and I am gonna be having fun with my family and not worrying about, are my arms too big, or my thighs too big?  Be yourself, be happy. Be a non-conformist..... don't worry about what others think :)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Running nowhere fast....

The one thing I have discovered lately is that no matter what you do sometimes, or decide, you can't always run from things. There is one part of my life that no matter what I try to do to get away from it, it always catches up with me and rears it's ugly head in my face.  I won't go into detail about this part of my life, because it hurts too much.  I guess one day I will understand it all.....

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Thinking about the past....

I have been thinking about my Nanny here lately. She was my grandmother on my father's side. She wasn't your typical grandma. She wasn't was one of those rocking chair, knitting grandmas. She was awesome! She would take me on Saturday nights to two-step dances and then after mid-night we would go to Shoney's breakfast bar. She was the manager at the Goodwill store in Lebanon and on certain Saturdays she would pick me up and I would help her at the store and in return she would let me take stuff home:) She could tell some of the scariest ghost stories (her own experiences) that would make your hair stand on end.  I hope that whenever I have grandkids (better not be till I am at least 50, lol) that I can be as wonderful as she was.I know she is up in Heaven having a big, ole' time and looking down on me from time to time.  Nanny, I love you and you are missed!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Hey good lookin' whatcha got cookin'?

How's about cookin' somethin' up with  me ...
Hey, sweet baby, don't you think maybe...
We could find us a  brand new recipe.

Hello on this Sunday afternoon! I thought I might put some recipes and cooking tips here on my blog too.
I guess I will start with this one.......

Broccoli Rice Casserole
1 stick margarine
1 bag frozen chopped onions (or 2 small fresh)
1 large bag frozen chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped celery
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups cooked minute rice
salt and pepper to taste
 
Preheat oven to 350
 
 
Melt margarine in skillet, saute onions and celery until tender. Mix broccoli and cheese together with onions and celery, mix well. Add rice, soup and cheese, add salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 45 minutes. ENJOY!!!
 
You can reduce this down by half for a smaller casserole.
 
This is extremely good comfort food:)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

A little introduction:)

My name is Alicia, and I am new to this blogging thing:)

I have lived here in Tennessee all my life. I am a small town girl, put me in the city and I would probably be lost.  But I still like being adventurous and trying new things. I love to cook. I have been cooking since I was about 11 years old (hey, I'm a curvy gal, so you know I can cook some good food for days, lol)

I am also shy when I am around people for the first few times. I have always been like that. But once you get to know me I am pretty talkative. I have been told I have a weird sense of humor, but hey, that's ok, suits me just fine:)

I am also married with 2 daughters 17 and 11. I also have 2 furkids Maddie and Jack. In a nut shell this sums me up-----" I am just me, slightly neurotic, unorganized, unpredictable, but easy going, likeable, wife, mother, Christian girl that's just trying to live her life the best way she knows how.........."

I guess this was rambled but I will get better at this I promise:)  I would really like some followers, and you can post comments or questions below:)  Till next time......Alicia;)