“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

New Year Resolutions on Hold

Have you all been keeping your New Year Resolutions? Maybe you don't make any, I know that I gave up on them quite awhile ago. Actually not true, I make resolutions about every month. Some I keep and others... eh... not really.

We've been trying to eat better around here, lots of salads and lower carbs and fat.  It's been a struggle, I grew up on a farm for goodness sake, and every day there included comfort food. I still miss my Mom's home cooked meals, she was a fabulous cook! 

One thing I'm already tired of is no dessert.... that lasted about three weeks and then these yummy blueberries were on sale and then I saw some lemons,  and well here is the result....



Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake




 





This is a pretty easy recipe and it's luscious, plus it feeds about twelve people, so it's great for a crowd. The entire recipe and directions are at the bottom of the post.


 

Start by making your crust, it's just butter, cake mix and an egg.  Remember to spray or grease the pan so it doesn't stick.

 

 

I've already creamed the butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs and juice... now I've added those delicious blueberries.
 


 
 

Stir in the blueberries and lemon zest, gently! Don't crush your berries! OK, I actually forgot to add the lemon zest.... too caught up in taking pictures and conversing with our house guest! 
Oops! 
It's much better with the zest. 
Don't forget like I did!



 

 
Smooth your batter over the unbaked crust.



 

Bake until golden and puffy, but don't over bake, it still should be gooey.  Jiggle the pan and if the center is still really loose bake for about 5 more minutes and check again. 



Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake

Crust:
1 box cake mix, white or yellow
1 stick butter, softened
1 whole egg


Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 whole eggs
2 lemons (zest removed and then juiced)
2 or 3 cups of fresh blueberries


Directions:
 
1.    For the Crust:  In large mixer bowl blend the cake mix and butter to combine.  Add the egg and mix until it forms a soft dough. Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Press the dough evenly into the dish. Set aside and make the filling.

2.    For the Filling: In large mixer bowl cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.  Add the sugar and mix well.  Then add the eggs and lemon juice and mix until well combined and smooth.  By hand, stir in the blueberries and lemon zest.  Pour over the crust.

3.    Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.  Center of dessert will be gooey but not runny.

4.    Cool at least 20 minutes, cut or spoon onto serving dish and top with whipped cream.
 






Wait for your dessert to cool until you can't stand it any longer and then scoop into a bowl and cover with massive amounts of whipped cream.... and then fall into a sugar stupor! Yay! What else is there to do in January?  Except then I remember we're going to be going somewhere soon where the weather is tropical and shorts and swim suits are a possibility ..... then it's back to the salads!


Desserts are my one weakness! 
Want to share yours?

 ~xx Diane xx~

 

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year 2016






May the stars above sprinkle upon you all the joys of heaven.




May you reach the moon on all your journeys.




May your days be filled with happiness and joy.





Wishing you fun times with friends and family.






May you enjoy fond memories of those loved ones who are gone, 
but never forgotten.






"...and after the crimson light has fallen, when only the lavender hue of first night remains, as the stars begin their ritual twinkle, let our hearts touch and be full of thanks, because the gift of time is all we have." 
 ~ Susan Florence ~ A Gift of Time



May you make the most of your precious gift of time, 
and use it wisely.




Wishing you all Happiness and Peace in the New Year!
~~ Diane ~~