Maple Cake

I found this recipe via 'On Sutton Place', not too long ago. It sounded so good, so I just had to give it a try. It comes together easily. If you start making it now, you'll be eating it within the hour. I've actually made this cake twice this weekend. I sent one to my friend in Utah and I am bringing one with me to work, tomorrow. How do you like them apples?! Ha ha.

Maple Cake

1                cup (2 sticks) butter softened

3/4             cup pure maple syrup

1/2             cup sugar

1                teaspoon vanilla

2                eggs

2-1/2          cups flour

2                teaspoons baking powder

1/2             teaspoon baking soda

1/2             teaspoon salt

3/4             cup sour cream


Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and maple syrup. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. About 5 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions. Add vanilla.

Add flour mixture in three batches, to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Combine well and scrape down after each addition.

Put batter in prepared 9x9 pan. (I used vegetable shortening and flour.)

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of cake comes out clean.

To serve: Dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream to each piece.



For the original post click the link below:

On Sutton Place: Maple Cake

And here's a link to her lemon muffins that I tried a while ago. Super good!:

Lemon Muffins

A Book in Review: A Reliable Wife

A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick

I might be one of the rare ones who actually liked this book. When I first started reading it, I read one chapter and did not like it at all. I put it down for a week. But then... what a story!! Being lost in the present, because you are living in the past. Haven't we all been there? I think this book has a few messages, but I keep thinking of redemption. We are a mess and we've made mistakes, but we can learn from them and change for the better. We can hold on to hope. We can be brought into the light. 

Ralph Truitt is the man! He stayed firm in his love as Catherine worked her way into the light. I love Ralph Truitt for the man that he became. Even though he knew that Catherine was trying to kill him, he still chose to love her. Even though he knew about her past, he still loved her. He has so much love!

What an ending!

4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it.

P.S.- No major spoilers here, really, because the back of the book mentions that Catherine is going to kill him.

A Book in Review: A Crimson Frost

Image from Goodreads.com

After reading all of these reviews, I think that you might have a good idea as to what I did over my spring break. I have to get reading in when I can, because as I am teaching throughout the school year, my time is not so much my own.

I had never heard of Marcia McClure before, but one day I was fiddling around on Goodreads and I happened upon this book and instantly, I knew that I wanted to read it.

These kisses! They are hot! I loved this book for its purity. No raunchy sex scenes here (Although sometimes a book like that is OK. See Bodyguards of LA County series by Cate Beauman and I don't even know if I would call them raunchy). Yet, I still got worked up!

Boderick is a good man and Monet is a good woman. Finally two people who deserve each other. I would have liked to have seen more of their story after the fight with King James. I feel like it kind of ended abruptly and then was fast forwarded to several years later.

4 stars out 5. I really liked it.

I have had great experiences with books that have extremely cheesy covers! Marcia has one million other books and I am slowly going to read them and I know that I am going to enjoy the process!

A Book in Review: Looking For Alaska

Looking For Alaska, by John Green

I purchased this book a while ago, off of the recommendation of my good friend Micah. He told me that it was his favorite book by John Green. This book marked my first experience with the author. Though, I know him from his YouTube videos and of course because all of the hype behind 'The Fault In Our Stars'. Is it his best work? I do not know and I do not know if I should find out. 

I really enjoyed this story. I just wish that my friend told me that it would be sad and leave me with a lot of questions, because I am sad and I have a lot of questions, but I also have hope for the future of the characters. I looked for an extra chapter that would explain... that would give me closure, but there wasn't one. I wanted to punch Alaska in the hip, for being a stupid stupid girl.

My mom read 'The Fault In Our Stars' and liked it, so she wants me to read it. I will do so, but I believe that that will mark the end of my time with John Green.

4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it.

A Book in Review: With a Name Like Love

With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

Though it may be few in pages, it is packed with understanding and love... everlasting love! What a great story Tess Hilmo has given us. I am reminded once again, how great it is to seek the truth and as it is said in the book, doing what is right isn't always the easiest. This book is good for the young and the old because all ages can benefit from reading this lovely story.

I look forward to reading Tess Hilmo's other book, 'Skies Like These'.

5 out of 5 stars I loved it!

A Book In Review: Saving Sophie

Saving Sophie is number 7 in the Bodyguards of LA County series, by Cate Beauman. I have read each book and I always eagerly await the next installment.

I read this in one day, so I suppose that I liked it. I think that this in one of my favorites, in the series. It seemed more real when it came to their relationship. They didn't always get along and it seemed touch and go for a moment.

The romance in this book doesn't happen until they are married and the story behind their marriage is something else!  I laughed every time the author mentioned that Stone's hair was pulled back in a 'kerchief'... because why? Does he have one kerchief per day??!!

4 out of 5 stars I really liked it

A Book in Review: All The Light We Cannot See

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

A very good book. You become attached to Marie-Laure and Werner. I love that this blind girl is surrounded by people who love her just the way she is.

It is sad.

It is melancholy.

It is happy.

It is life. It goes on even when bad things happen.

I cannot say more without spoiling it all.

I highly recommend this book! 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it.