Saturday, December 31, 2011

WELCOME 2012


God grant us this year a wider view,
So we see others' faults through the eyes of You.
Teach us to judge not with hasty tongue,
Neither the adult ... nor the young.
Give us patience and grace to endure
And a stronger faith so we feel secure.
Instead of remembering, help us forget
The irritations that caused us to fret.
Freely forgiving for some offense
And finding each day a rich recompense.
In offering a friendly, helping hand
And trying in all ways to understand;
That all of us whoever we are ...
Are trying to reach an unreachable star.
For the great and small ... the good and bad,
The young and old ... the sad and glad
Are asking today; Is life worth living?
The answer is only in, loving and giving.
For only Love can make man kind
And Kindness of Heart brings Peace of Mind.
By giving love, we can start this year
To lift the clouds of hate and fear.

- Helen Steiner Rice -

What was your highlight of 2011?
I am sure you all know what mine was!
HAPPY NEW YEAR & LOVE TO ALL!


Friday, December 16, 2011

Time Flies and Rum Cake

I don't know about you, but to me there aren't enough hours in a day! But somehow it wouldn't be Christmas if we weren't hustling and bustling! Right?
I am almost finished my shopping and have tons of wrapping to do. Tomorrow night
we celebrate with the Talbot Christmas party. Our family has grown so much and I absolutely love family traditions. I just wish my Dad were still with us to share in those traditions.
On Christmas Day we celebrate with the Hernandez clan...lots of food and fun!
What are your family traditions?
I think we will be making some new traditions now that we have a grandchild...
it's going to be SO much fun!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend!


BACARDI RUM CAKE



1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 package plain yellow cake mix
1 (3 3/4-oz.) package vanilla instant mix
1/2 cup Bacardi dark rum
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
4 large eggs

Glaze:

4 Tbs. butter (1/2 stick)
2 Tbs. water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Bacardi dark rum

Place rack in the center of oven and preheat to 325 degrees.
Lightly spray a 12-cup a Bundt pan and dust with flour. Sprinkle the pecans or walnuts in the bottom of pan.

Place the cake mix, pudding mix, rum, oil, water and eggs in large mixing bowl. Blend with mixer on low for 1 minute. Scrape down sides of bowl; increase speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more. The batter should look thick and smooth. Pour into pan.

Bake until golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed; 58-60 minutes. Remove pan from oven and cool on rack 20 minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Poke holes in the top of cake with a wooden skewer.

Prepare the glaze. Place butter in small saucepan and melt over low heat. Add the water and sugar, stirring. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and let glaze simmer until thickened, 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in rum. Spoon over warm cake allowing to seep into holes and drizzle down sides. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Store cake, cover tightly at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze up to 6 months. Thaw overnight on the counter before serving.