A Simpler Time

Book #3 of 2011 is...
The Happy Hollisters by Jerry West

I love to read books that remind me of a time when life was simpler.  I love being transported to a place where kids can ride their bikes to the ice cream shop and where parents give their kids warm milk and cookies before bed.  I love PRETENDING that I actually live in a time like that...and because of this I love to read my collection of Happy Hollisters books.  I wanted a simple read this week where I could forget for a few hours about the crisis in Egypt, the state budget in California, and the report cards that are due at work.  So I dug out the original Happy Hollisters book, curled up with a mug of warm milk (don't be grossed out, it is TOTALLY good with a swirl of cinnamon sugar in it...think latte) and lost myself in their world.  This is a great book and series if you ever need to be reminded of 1950's America at it's best.

Busy Day Chocolate Cake

Matt has the biggest sweet tooth and he would be happy if I planned desserts with the same energy and enthusism that I plan meals.  So last week I thought I would try this new recipe I saw for homemade chocolate cake.  It was described as being a "pantry" cake because it doesn't require anything you don't have on hand (no eggs or milk even) and it also promised that it is mixed and baked in the same 8x8 pyrex dish.  This cake was moist and rich and good and I wanted to share it.  It would make a perfect Valentine's Day dessert!

Busy Day Chocolate Cake

Mix with a whisk in 8x8 square pan:

     1 1/2 cups flour

     1 cup sugar

     3 Tbsp cocoa powder

     1 tsp baking soda

     1/2 tsp salt

Add wet ingredients:

     1/4 cup vegetable oil (I used olive oil because it's what I had)

     1 tsp vanilla

     1 Tbsp vinegar, white (I used apple cider because it's what I had)

     1 cup water

Mix with wisk or spatula

Bake 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Frost with simple frosting (confectioner sugar, milk and vanilla) or just dust with powdered sugar!