Tuesday Treats.

     I'm a huge fan of coconut cream pie and I finally found a recipe for coconut cream CAKE! This cake is a delicious alternative to it's pie counter-part and it's mmm...mmm...tasty!

Ingredients (for cake batter):

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable oil

5 eggs, separated

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup ground pecans

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup freshly grated coconut

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1 1/2 pounds powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup pecan pieces

1 cup freshly grated coconut

Directions for deliciousness:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. Using an electric mixer, cream the sugar and butter. With the mixer running, add the oil and incorporate thoroughly. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each yolk. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking soda together. Add the ground pecans to the flour mixture. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly. Fold in the coconut. Using an electric mixer, in a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold the egg whites into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake the cakes for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the center of each cake is set. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on a wire cake.

After the cakes have cooled, invert each cake onto a piece of parchment paper. Set the cakes aside. To make the frosting, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Mix well. Fold in the pecan pieces. Spread a thin layer of the frosting on top of each cake. Place the layers of cake on top of each other. Ice the sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top of the cake with the coconut.

Enjoy!

Love Thy Neighbor.

 A world inflated with prejudice 

Leads the inhabitants to loneliness.

As we live, we must accept

Our fellow creatures, we ought respect.

When God cast us to the earth

He hoped for all to have their worth.

Not for hate to reign above

But to co-exist in peace and love.

Elephants stand as tall as trees

Then there are the tiny bees.

Cats, dogs, rabbits and sheep

Prove that we are all unique.
 

The leopards, they do have their spots

We as humans, we do not.

Though we aren't all alike

We are kin, connected in this life.
© Aimee Cakes

Funny, Honey!

I don't have a twitter account, mainly because I think twitter is super-duper lame. I could never bring myself to update the world on the leftover meatloaf I had for dinner, how much I wuv Justin Bieber or my agonizing bout of constipation...it's just weird to me that people use twitter. However, I do looooove me some Fun Tweets. It's a bunch of hysterical tweets minus all the other unimportant, non-sensical crap.

Singing In The Shower.

     I, like many people, sing in the shower. It's fun to belt out a tune while getting squeaky clean. The acoustics of the bathroom make my voice sound exceptionally good, despite my lack of singing ability. Today as I lathered up, I was singing The Zombies "Time Of The Season", when my boyfriend knocked on the door letting me know that our two cat's were sitting outside the bathroom door listening to my performance. He said they seemed to like it, or they were just merely confused by the pitchy noises. Even still, singing in the shower is the way to start a very good day. Try it. You'll have a jolly-ol'-cleanse.

Tuesday Treats.

     Pavlova is a meringue cake that has a light and delicate crisp crust and a soft sweet marshmallow center. This lovely dessert is typically served with softly whipped cream and fresh fruit. The cake is named after the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, circa 1920's.

Ingredients:

4 large (120 grams) egg whites

1 cup (200 grams) superfine (castor) sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (corn flour)

 
Topping:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream 

1 1/2 tablespoons (20 grams) granulated white sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Fresh fruit - kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, passion fruit, peaches, pineapple, or other fruit of your choice

1 cup of marshmallows (optional)

 

Directions for deliciousness:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (130 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7 inch (18 cm) circle on the paper. Turn the parchment paper over so the circle is on the reverse side.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they hold soft peaks. Start adding the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat, on high speed, until the meringue holds very stiff and shiny peaks. (Test to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a little of the meringue between your thumb and index finger. The meringue should feel smooth, not gritty. If it feels gritty the sugar has not fully dissolved so keep beating until it feels smooth between your fingers). Beat in the vanilla extract. Sprinkle the vinegar and cornstarch over the top of the meringue and, with a rubber spatula, gently fold in. Spread the meringue inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper, smoothing the edges, making sure the edges of the meringue are slightly higher than the center. (You want a slight well in the center of the meringue to place the whipped cream and fruit.)

Bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the outside is dry and is a very pale cream color. Turn the oven off, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the meringue cool completely in the oven. (The outside of the meringue will feel firm to the touch, if gently pressed, but as it cools you will get a little cracking and you will see that the inside is soft and marshmallowy.) 

The cooled meringue can be made and stored in a cool dry place, in an airtight container, for a few days. Just before serving gently place the meringue onto a serving plate. Whip the cream in your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, until soft peaks form. Sweeten with the sugar and vanilla and then mound the softly whipped cream into the center of the meringue. Arrange the fruit randomly, or in a decorative pattern, on top of the cream. Serve immediately as this dessert does not hold for more than a few hours.

Serves 6 to 8 (or 1 indulgent individual).

Me. In. A. Nutshell.

1. I'm extremely weird. I make myself laugh more than anyone else makes me laugh. It's just sad.

2. I am 5'11. A certified giant!

3. When I was little I had crushes on most of my dad's old friends. One of whom told me that he would marry me when I turned 18. He's like 65 now, sooo... I'll pass on that.

4. I love all genre's of music. I don't discriminate. My favorites are oldies. Especially the ones that make me feel happy inside, like, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Guess Who, Dion and the Belmont's, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, The Bee Gees, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and lots of 60's and 70's stuff. :)

5. I can run reallllly fast. Faster than you and your pet cheetah.

6. My celebrity crush is Clive Owen. ...Is it getting hot in here? Or is it just him?

7. I'm a huge hypochondriac. I always think there is something wrong with me. If I have a headache, I assume its a brain tumor. If I have a stomach ache, I assume I'm pregnant. If I get a pimple, I assume I have a flesh eating bacteria. It's a personal problem.

8. I've lived in California, Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington State and Florida & I have visited nearly all the other states or at least drove through them. I've got that traveling bone.

9. I love corn. :)

10. I love to draw, paint and make crafts.

11. I have dyed my hair every color in the crayon box.

12. I have designed a coffee table picture book made up of millions of cool pictures of scenery, fashion, people, color, animals, etc. that I would love to replicate and sell. It's pretty freaking rad.

13. I have kept a diary since my junior year in High School. The year of my parents divorce. I haven't deviated from writing in it...and I don't plan to stop writing about my life. I hope someday when I'm dead and gone my grandchildren can read them and relate or at least have some kind of insight into my life, who I was, and the era I grew up in.

14. I'm really good at Scrabble. It's my favorite board game.

15. I'm a Virgo and I believe that it does reveal my true nature.

16. I wish I was more religious. I do believe in God but I find it hard to keep the faith sometimes.

17. I love funny people. (i.e.: Chelsea Handler, Russell Brand, Vince Vaughn, George Carlin, Kathy Griffin) People who are extremely sarcastic and hilarious.

18. I miss my dog Bandit. May he rest in doggie peace.

19. When I witness someone else going through heartache, I truly believe that I can feel exactly what it would feel like to be in their shoes. I have the ability to honestly and completely empathize with people. Therefore, I cry a lot.

20. I want to travel the world. My dream places to visit would be: France (mainly Paris), New Zealand, and the UK.

21. I love to dance. I've attended hip-hop dance classes since I was 12 :)

22. I can rap to all of Ludacris' songs. ...What a talent right? My boyfriend thinks I sound like an angelic thug.

23. When I make lots of money (fingers crossed!) I want to donate substantial amounts of money to animal rights groups and animal shelters because I believe that animals should be protected and cared for just like any of us.

24. My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden. My boyfriend takes me there every Valentines Day, anniversary, and birthday. I will only order the Mixed Grill. Yuuumm!

25. Philosophy has increasingly become my favorite topic to talk and read about. I love anything that asks questions about why we are here, how we got here, and what the meaning of life is. My mind is mostly preoccupied with these thoughts anyways so it's wonderful to read some possible explanations. All I want are some answers, dammit.

& I'll Be Singing, "I Did It My Way..."

     Frank Sinatra's memorable melody, “My Way” tells the story of a man whose life is approaching its end. He is certain that he lived his life genuinely and despite problems that arouse he kept his integrity and took responsibility for how he spent the years.

     This song has always intrigued me. When I was quite young, my dad had a karaoke CD made of him singing tunes like Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls Of Fire”, Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn” and Sinatra’s “My Way”. My father's voice, coupled with these great hits, sounded amazing and I delighted in listening to his CD daily.

     “My Way” was by far my favorite song. It was a lyrical masterpiece, line by line telling a story. Though it is somewhat melancholy, it’s also very real. The song illustrates the life of someone whose existence wasn't perfect but it was meaningful and true. The song is so peaceful. It brought me serenity knowing that no matter how someone lives, as long as they do things that make them happy, and they don’t hold onto misery, they can be content in the end. And this song still gives me peace of mind. Many others, including, Dorothy Squires, Elvis Presley and Sid Vicious have attempted to recreate the magic of “My Way” but no one does it like Sinatra.

Take-A-Listen

Banksy Branding

    

 
     As many people already know, Banksy is a face-less graffiti artist from the U.K. He leaves his artistic tags on buildings, street signs, bridges and even animals. His graffiti has an immense political focus and it illustrates his views on society.

     The media likes to portray him as a menace, just another thug running rampant through the streets with a spray paint can and a chip on his shoulder. This is not his true description. Yes, he does wield a can of paint but his M.O. is not necessarily sinister. Despite "vandalizing" property with his art, he's hardly a criminal. His art is not only beautifully created but it delivers a message as well, a message that points out the true criminals among us.

     He is staunchly anti-war and seems to be quite a moral philosopher. He questions our motives as a society, our selfish, egotistical agendas. He paints a real pretty picture of the morbid doctrine's many live by. War, animal cruelty, societal stupidity...it's all been satirized in his work.

     Ever since I learned of Banksy I've been in awe of him. He's like an artist superhero. He fights the bad guy with his paints and his phrases. Though he's not like Batman, beating the Joker's of the world to a bloody pulp, he does his fighting with his art. Isn't that the kind of vigilante we need...someone who doesn't clean up the streets but makes them a little bit prettier while forcing us to be aware that we need to clean up the street's for ourselves.

www.banksy.co.uk

Me Loves.

This adorable floral dress

via: Modcloth.com

These kickass KAPOW boots

via: Modcloth.com

This B.J. anchor ring

(Though I'm not a sailor, I sure cuss like one)

via: BetseyJohnson.com

This darling Little Red Riding Hood tea set

via: Modcloth.com

I've been lusting after this book, unfortunately it's out of stock

via: Modcloth.com

...And this puppy/polar bear lovin'

HAPPY FRIDAY, CUPCAKES!

To write or not to write...?

     There was a girl who lingered in her coursework for a major she's beginning to regret deciding on. She studies hard and learns a lot but she realizes she's become confused about her career path. I'm sure this happens to many college students and even college graduates. What's a girl to do? Switch it up...change majors? She could do that...but what if her true passion isn't necessarily economically sound?

     Writing has always been my passion. I remember when I was ten or eleven I would write short stories and a family friend, who happened to be an English professor would read them, edit them for grammar and structure, and then return them to me to revise. Though it may have seemed boring to other kids, I delighted in it. Writing, creating something in my imagination, putting it on paper, and having someone else enjoy it made me incredibly happy.

     Though I've grown up, I still revel in writing. Just now I must work and pay bills. I need to be mindful of what major will eventually make me money in the job market, especially now with this recession. Writers, at least the majority of them aren't rollin' in the Benjamin’s. Most self-employed writers are struggling financially while they eat Ramen Noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    

     I mean, I guess I could be an English major and if I don't succeed as a novelist...I could always teach High School Literature.....aw, SHIT.

Debate Of Location, Location, Location.

     There’s a debate occurring in my head over where I will finish college, the two players have very different intentions. One argues my neediness to cling to what’s familiar; it declares my safety net of friends, family, well-known landscapes and an innocuous way of life. The second rebuts with quick-wit stating adventure, diversity, and unaccustomed experiences will lead me to a fulfilled existence. Which perspective do I side with, when they are both born of my own mind?

                                            

Debater #1: Massachusetts

     The state contends that it will offer an abundance of rekindled friendships and relationships with family members. It also proposes an array of Colonial history, vintage architecture, quaint landscapes, and an ample bounty of nostalgic relief.

Debater #2: California

     From this state, endless experience, excitement, freedom and variety could be rendered. The Bay Area is full of splendid sights, including the pacific ocean, the rolling hills and funky buildings. A fruitful and diverse population may burst my mind and soul wide open to a journey of learning, meeting interesting new friends and discovering unawakened dreams.

Then there’s me:

     I know that now is the time to decide. At twenty-three, I can take a risk. So quite possibly, Debater #1 can offer me a sense of safety and stability. However, Debater #2 has volunteered to give me fearlessness and experimentation and isn’t that was life is supposed to be about? Are we suppose to cling desperately to the same old routine or are we made to be bold and welcome change to run rampant through our lives? If my choice leaves me with regret, I can always make another choice, right? So, why not take a chance? I mean, time is going to go by and there’s going to come a time when I’m not going to want to bust a move, because I’ll be too old and I might break a hip. 

So…here’s to taking chances.