Sunday 17 May 2009

Marie's Sunday Six and a Little Surprise



Welcome to my Sunday Smile Makers post! With Mother's day being last week, it's been a few weeks since I have done one. I really love doing the smile maker's post because it helps me to focus on some of the many blessings in my life and to share them with you. I had so much to smile about this past week I have had trouble pinning it down to just six, but here I go!




I did take my camera with me, but DOH! I forgot to take it out and take any pictures of the pizza making activity we did yesterday with the young men and young women at my chapel. I love working with the youngsters. They are such a wonderful bunch. When I was first called I was not overly happy about it, as I had really been enjoying being in Relief Society on Sunday mornings, but . . . I have never been one to turn down a calling, ever.

I accepted the challenge, and I prayed that somehow, someway . . . it would work out. God always answers our prayers, and the Lord always qualifies those whom He calls. I have come to love each one of the young women over these past few years, and more importantly, like them! I enjoy the time I get to spend with them, whether it's teaching them a lesson, playing badminton, going bowling, cooking or just plain listening. It is this love for them that has me painting prayer rocks on a rainy afternoon, and hauling my butt into the chapel on a Saturday morning to make pizzas. They are a great group of gals and each one is so unique. I enjoy them, I really do. We had a great time making the pizza's yesterday. It was hard work keeping them from eating the cheese and meat before the pizza's were all made, but we managed to get through it and there are 26 pizzas living in a variety of homes right now, just waiting to be taken to church and handed out to their respective owners. I hope the recipients enjoy eating them as much as we enjoyed making them!



There are baby Canadian Geese at the local pond, or goslings as they are properly known. I have been looking at them and smiling each time we have driven past in the last week or so. Yesterday, with my camera in my purse, I got Todd to stop and we got out to have a closer look. They were very tame. I think they're quite used to being fed. I had thought that I would have a problem getting a picture of them, but as soon as we got out of the car they started running towards us at full speed! I think they must be quite used to people feeding them.




They were so sweet and so cute. Unfortunately I didn't have anything with me that I could feed them, but they were so good and entertained us anyways! I just HAVE to go back now armed with some treats for them.




We were really surprised to find that there were also ducklings at the pond. When we got there, they were frolicking on top of the lily pads that grow there, as their mother squawked at them from the side lines, but they soon were out and paddling in the grass as well. Aren't they sweet? They sure made me smile. Why is baby anything so cute? I reckon God did that on purpose. That way we would always love them no matter what. It is hard not to love something so adorable.




Speaking of adorable. My son sent me another lovely picture of our Gabriel enjoying his sock monkey. I just love my grandsons so much. I really enjoyed making these sock monkey's for them and it is so nice to see them enjoying my efforts so much! When I was a girl, I had a doll quilt that my grandmother had made for my doll's bed, and I know that I truly treasured it. I hope that they will come to treasure these sock monkey's as well. For now it looks like they are a hit anyways, and that does make me very, very happy.



Last night was the Eurovision Song Contest finals. Todd and I sat and watched, and I have to say we found the quality of the songs this year much better than they have been in recent years. I said to Todd, it would be very hard picking a winner. Of course England had pinned their hopes on a beautiful young lady named Jade and the lovely song written just for the contest by Andrew Lloyd Webber. In fact, Andrew was right there on the stage playing the piano during the song and supporting our country. Jade did a beautiful job of singing. We placed a respectable fifth in the contest, which is way better than we have done in recent years, with Norway coming in first. I have to say that I actually really enjoyed listening to all of the songs and thought they were all incredibly good this year. Congratulations to Norway on their win and to Jade and Andrew . . . you did us proud!



It's lilac season and the air is filled with the perfume of a million blossoms! I just adore lilacs . . . the white ones, the purple ones, the pink ones . . . they're all so very beautiful and their scent is just heavenly. When I was married the first time, my husband and I had rented a lovely little apartment that was on the ground floor of an old house at the top of a hill. It was surrounded by a lovely lilac hedge and, that first spring, it was so beautiful to witness them all in bloom and to sit on the front steps of the apartment building and breathe them in. I had bucketloads of them in our little apartment making it smell nice and looking so very pretty. The marriage didn't last long, but my love of lilacs has surely stood the test of time!

And now for my surprise . . . This is my 550th post and I have decided to do a giveaway to celebrate it! I know, perhaps I should have waited for the 600th, but I just couldn't help it, I had to do one now! Anyone who leaves a comment on this post will have their name entered in my 550 Giveaway and be in on the chance to win . . .



A lovely cupcake cookbook written by Susannah Blake. She is the same author that wrote the Tea Party Cookbook I gave away the last time. She really is a lovely baker and I am sure this book will delight whoever receives it. I have it myself and I adore it. Since we have cupcake recipes I thought it would be fun to include some fun cupcake liners, and so I am also throwing in a lovely package of Wilton Cupcake liners with a really fun and colourfully retro polka dot print.


I'll also throw in five of my tea party print Notecards for you to use as special invites to your very own tea party complete with cupcakes!

Just leave a comment at the end of this post and be sure to tell your friends. If you blog about it and tell me you have, I'll enter your name a second time. I will be drawing a winner on June 1st, so you have approximately 2 weeks to enter. What are you waiting for!!!

Yesterday afternoon I really felt like having a cake. I adapted this recipe from one that I found in one of my old Edna Staebler cookbooks, "Cakes and Frostings with Schmecks Appeal." I love Edna's recipes. They're all delicious, simple and uncomplicated. They are just plain good eating. The addition of the orange zest and the cinnamon are my own, as is the cream cheese drizzle icing. They turned what was already a delicious cake into something really special. This is not heavy like your traditional carrot cake, but it is moist and very light. It's a great snacking cake for the whole family!



*Carrot Crumb Cake*
Makes one 9 by 9 inch cake
Printable Recipe

This is a lovely and moist little carrot cake that has the added treasure of a delightful streusal topping baked right on top. Light, delicious and very easy to prepare, this one wins on all counts. The Cream Cheese drizzle icing is it's crowning glory.

1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 to 1 1/2 cups raw sliced or grated carrots**
2 cups pastry flour
(if you dont' have pastry flour, use two cups of regular flour. Remove 4 TBS of the flour and
replace with 4 TBS cornstarch)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
the grated zest of one orange
1 tsp salt
TOPPING:
1/2 cup soft light brown sugar, packed
4 TBS flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 TBS cold butter

Pre-heat your oven to 180*C/350*F. Butter and lightly flour a 9 inch square baking pan, tapping out any excess flour. Set aside.

Put the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, buttermilk and raw carrots (cut in slices) into a blender and blitz until the carrots are finely chopped.

Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange zest and salt into a large bowl. Whisk them all together to mix well. Pour the blended misture over top and stir all together until well combined. Pour into the baking pan.

To make the topping, whisk together the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Rub in the cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.

Bake for 45 minutes, until the cake is nicely risen and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool while you make the Cream Cheese drizzle.



*Cream Cheese Drizzle Icing*

Makes enough for one cake

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup icing sugar
1 TBS whole milk
1 TBS fresh lemon juice

Blend the cream cheese together with the icing sugar with a rubber spatula until smooth. Beat in the milk and lemon juice until the mixure is creamy and smooth. Drizzle over top of the cooled cake.

**Note - if you don't have a blender you will have to grate the carrots and make the cake in a more traditional way, as follows:
Cream together the butter and sugar, beat in the egg and vanilla, stir in the carrots and then alternately add the buttermilk and the dry ingredients.

48 comments:

  1. Thank you for all your beautiful thoughts and stories of thankfulness. Just lovely to hear!

    That carrot cake looks positively delicious. I am going to give it a try soon!

    This is my first time to visit your blog...I will definitely be back again, soon. I would love to be entered in your giveaway...congrats to you...wow 550!!!

    Stay Cozy and come visit,
    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Marie
    I've not read a past Sunday Six ,I have to say it was just lovely.We will have to make your carrot cake recipe (although I won't tell our bunny we're using carrots *shh*) Congratulations on 550 posts that's an accomplishment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marie those baby Canadian Geese are sooo cute!
    As is of course, your grandson Gabriel, he is just lovely!
    Your carrot crumb cake looks delish!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Happy 550th birthday post! You have a great blog and I love reading it - so peaceful and inspiring. x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your carrot coffee cake sounds and looks amazing, Marie. And another sweet photo of your grandson with his monkey.. how cute! I recently picked up the same cookbook and love the photos and indeas in it. I will have to see if I can find the tea party one too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely pictures of the goslings they are so cute as you say. 550 that is great I am struggling just now to find things to write about, so well done you as you always manage to write every day. Love Joan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Marie: I have been a silent reader of your blog for quite some time now. I always enjoy your writings, and look forward to your daily recipes. I would love to have my name included for your book. Congratulations on your 550 posts, keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a super happy post today, Marie! Those baby Canadian geese are sooo sweet! And Gabriel is just such a sweetie-pie! Glad you had fun making the pizzas yesterday. Hope the fund raiser goes well. I'm not a huge fan of the EuroVision Song Contest, and I've been living in Europe long enough to be converted...LOL! I find the quality of entertainment...well, let's just say variable--LOL! But Hubby loves to watch and it's an annual tradition. Must say we were very happy when Norway won though. ;o) Happy 550th post here at Oak Cottage...that is a wonderful milestone. And as ever, what a sweet generous gift giveaway. Do count me in on the fun. :o) This cake today looks scrummy! Wish I had time to bake one. But we're on track with packing and making ready for our trip, so at least some time to sit down this evening. Hope to catch you for a chat--look forward to it! Happy Day, dear friend. LOVE YOU HEAPS! ((BIG HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  9. 550 posts.....WOW!!! I have enjoyed everyone of them...the insights, the sorrows, the joys and the wonderful recipes. Your giveaway looks wonderful.My granddaughter, Keely and I have a great time making cupcakes and my little grandson Zack is our best guest at our tea parties. He eats, smiles and then gives hugs before he is off to play again. Have a great day Marie.....I look forward to tomorrows visit.
    Hugs, Barb

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Marie from Virginia, USA
    I read your blog for all the wonderful recipes, love to see what pretty cards you are making and just to get an idea what your life is like in England. It's one of my favorite places and I'd love to visit one day.
    550 posts is wonderful. I'm not very good about writing in my little blog so I won't hit that number for many years. Hope you have a wonderful day.
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats on 550 posts!!! I love reading your blog- always so interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AS always it's so nice to read your post's. The baby geese were so cute. That must have been such a nice time feeding the birds and watching the babies. And your grandson is ADORABLE. I bet you just spoil him!

    I'm with you, I just love YW. I miss it so much. I spent the past 4 years as Stake YW pres. and before that served in YW for years (along with primary) I'm trying to figure out Relief Society.

    WOW on the post's. You've been at this for awhile. Your giveaway is wonderful. I'd love to be entered if that works for you.

    Have a great day!!
    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have Canada geese that come back every year to my pond, there are several honk-honking around as I write.
    The carrot cake recipe sounds lovely.
    Congrats on your 550, have a wonderful Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Still enjoy waking up and reading your blog "first"! Your pictures have just been incredible....you really know what you are doing!!!

    Can't believe that you posted 550 times already....wonderful job!

    Love today's recipe and the cookbook looks very "special"!

    Thanks for being there and have a good day!

    JUDY

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, Marie! I adore cupcakes. Have been lurking lately, reading but not a lot of commenting going on. That carrot cake sounds divine, must save that one as Keith loves carrot cake. Much love, Raquel XO

    ReplyDelete
  16. Marie, I really enjoy your Sunday Smiler Makers. You should turn it into a meme or blog party. I am sure a lot of people would love to do this each Sunday...what do you think?

    I will tell about your giveaway and link to your post this week. My daughter, Jen, has become quite the cupcake queen. I'll also link into a few she has created so you can see them.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm making that cake when I get home from church. Gotta go.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Marie: I always love reading your Sunday Six...and I too ADORE Lilacs. Whenever I visited my family in Indiana in the summer my greatest joy was picking large bundles of lilacs and bringing them into the room I was staying in. It's a favorite childhood memory.

    Please yes enter me in your giveaway, if you ship to the US. And, I shall list this on my blog, assuming I can figure out the link thing...I'm computer dumb, to be perfectly honest.

    The carrot cake looks delicious!!

    Best regards,
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lilacs are my favourite! Unfortunately, living in Florida, I no longer get to enjoy them. I do miss that. I love your blog and have been a lurker for a while. Your recipes are so yummy and I can't wait to make more of them! Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love the photo of Gabriel and his sock monkey! I think you should make and sell them...oh, I know...when would you ever have the time! Just copied the carrot cake recipe as it is different from mine. I wonder how it would be with pears as I have some that need being used up.

    I'm watching Sandra Lee on our food network just now and she's making meatballs with chopped pieces of cheese sticks in the center of them...yum!

    Is it any wonder all of don't weig ht a ton? Oh, update! Those cheesy meatballs just came out of the oven and they look so good! I may just have to make some of these with my ground beef that's begging to be cooked today.

    Thanks for sharing your lovely photos. I enjoy them a great deal. I try to vision you and Todd together on your walks, trips, etc. I am so happy both of you found each other and are living like you are still on your honeymoon!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing another wonderful recipe! We're off to share a beach house with 20 friends and family in a couple weeks. We each take turns making dinner for the rest of the group. I've been looking for a dessert recipe- the carrot cake sounds scrumptious! I'm adding it our menu!

    PS- I would've replied about the recipe anyway, but the giveaway set will be adorable! Makes me want to host a tea party even if I'm not the lucky winner!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Marie,
    Love your tea party notecard, and all your artwork! The carrot cake looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your carrot cake looks fabulous! I'm writing down the recipe to try it out soon! I love trying out new recipes, especially those for cupcakes!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a great giveaway! Congratulations on your 550th post!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello dear Marie,
    I am back home.... after a wonderful cruise to Canada. I thought of you often...especially while I was in the land of your birth. Victoria and Vancouver were beautiful... we had a lovely time there and wished that we could have stayed longer. I had a great time but I really missed you my friend.

    I must unpack but I wanted to say hello to you first. I enjoyed your Sunday Six. I especially love the picture of Gabriel with your sock monkey...I know that you are thrilled that he loves it so much.

    I am sending love. Lura

    ReplyDelete
  26. I bought all the ingredients to make the cake today. I'm going to make it tomorrow. It looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  27. congratulations on 550 posts!

    ReplyDelete
  28. aw, those little duckies are so cuuuute! and gabriel-what a doll!

    i would love to win your giveaway(and those retro cupcake liners are just awesome!) crossing my fingers i'm a winner:)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Congratulations on your 550 post! Please include my name in your giveaway. I don't have a blog, but if I did I would share your wonderful blog with everyone! Thanks so much for brightening everyday.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Marie I just wanted to stop by and catch up a little. It's impossible for me to back track I'm sooooo behind on everything but no matter the time away I always enjoy when I return and read your writings. It's as though I never left. I love your post how cute are the ducklings and your grandson is so handsome. I love your posts and wished I lived near where I could actually smell lilacs blooming. Yum for not only the vision of blooming Lilacs but also for the yummy receipe. You are one smart lady and a very special one indeed. Good luck to everyone on your contest I don't have a blog but I'm sure all your friends who do can give you a shout out miss reading and miss you.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love reading your blog.
    Very inspiring.
    Looking forward to the dolls.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Phew, Marie, you had me worried a bit there with your ".....and a Little Surprise"!

    Congrats on your 550th posting. I don't know how many I've done - not that many for sure! I would love to be entered in the giveaway too.

    I'm having to save your recipes as the temptstion to eat them would be too great at the moment. Thanks for the Printable Recipe thingy though. Makes life much easier.

    love, Angie, xx

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you for such a lovely site. It's my first time here and I'm amazed at all the wonderful recipes and lovely pix. Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow...550 Marie...that's an achievment in itself. I love to visit here and drool over your recipes. I might not always post a comment, but I do keep up with you.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello Marie,

    I love your blog, I feel like we've known each other, yet I know we don't. Your writing is inspiring. I started my own blog last week and it has been fun working on it. Thanks for sharing your life and your recipes and your country! Congratulations on 550 posts!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Marie,
    I've read every one of your entries....(all years!) and I just want to thank you for giving me what I need to start my day in a better way. My schedule is prayer, read scriptures,visit Oak Cottage and then I'm set to take on whatever the day brings. I think I'm a better person because of your appreciation of the beauty in everyday little things. Thank you-Anna in Utah

    ReplyDelete
  37. BABY DUCKS BABY DUCKS!!!! :) Oh hooray!

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a lovely giveaway. Please include me. Pretty please. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  39. WHy do I feel I need to do some cardio exercises after reading your blog everyday? I guess reading the recipes maks me put on weight!!.

    Anna from Limehouse.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'd like to thank you for the smile you bring to my face everyday that I check your blog. I find it extremely inspiring to know that you always look for good in every situation. This was extra relevant for me this weekend as I was caught up in the mini twister at a music festival this weekend and it was wonderful to see all these strangers pulling together and making the most of a very unfortunate incident. Thankfully no-one was seriously hurt, but all the way home I was looking forward to a bath, clean clothes and settling down to catch up over a steaming mug of coffee and a chocolate raspberyy brownie which managed to escape being ate.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh my goodness that carrot crumb cake looks devine!!!
    Gotta try it=)

    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

    ReplyDelete
  42. Everything looks wonderful and this is my first time here...took me awhile as I had to travel quite a ways, all the way from Georgia in the U.S.!
    Yes, I'm silly...it's one of the many blessings I've received from God!
    You are at your 550th post and I am at the unimpressive post of 70, so it's just a "baby" blog.
    May you be blessed with wonderful things through this special event!

    blessings always,

    marcy

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sorry to have forsaken your blog lately ,Im afraid Ihave become very lax of late ,But Iam busy doing other things ,plus Ithink Ihave slowed uop ,age you know hee hee ,another wonderful entry from you dear Marie ,and if I won the notelets I wouldnt share them I would frame them and keep them all to my self so there ! ;>)...love Jan xx

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Marie

    When I click the Print button at the bottom of the recipe page it comes up this page cannot be found, I have firefox, does it make a difference if you have internet explorer.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I am in need of some cake today, Marie! My stomach has been rumbling... cut me a slice, won't you?! :) Lemon and carrot cakes are two of my favourites! (Really...who am I kidding...if there's 'cake' in the title, I'm there....)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Dear Marie,
    I can't tell you how much I truly enjoy receiving your daily post! You've lifted my spirits many times and I love your delicious recipes. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures and words. It makes a difference, indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh Marie, I 've never seen a Carrot Crumb Cake , it looks so moist!! I have to try this!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ali from Ireland31 May 2009 at 15:33

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and yummy recipes every day Marie - I'm looking forward to the next 550 posts!

    Best wishes,
    Ali

    ReplyDelete

Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!