Okay, so Strawberry Heart Cake isn’t the most complicated of things to make. But I can’t claim to be the world’s best cake decorator. That title can be battled out between my friends Amanda and Kristan. But maybe you’re like me. You wish you could make the beautiful things those talented women make. Plus, I think we can all agree strawberry cake can overcome a lot of homeliness.
Posts from: 2011
Cheese toasties are one of the best comfort foods the British Isles have to offer. They’re not unlike their American counterparts, the grilled cheese, but it’s kinda like Zebras and Donkeys. Kinda similar, but completely different animals.
I know, I know. I’m on a British kick lately. Yes, my blog is dedicated to Tex-Mex and Southern food. But this is a Texan British household, so just as often British favorites make it to our table.
In my last post, I waxed on poetic about the joys of an electric tea kettle. I said in that post how I’d never seen one until I moved to England.
That’s kind of not true. I had seen them. They’re in Wal-Mart and Target, and even Bed, Bath and Beyond. I just didn’t know what they were, or why I would need one.
True story about tea: When we lived in the UK, I took a misstep at the top of a very tall flight of metal stairs, and ended up falling down the entire flight. It was as painful as you imagine. The first step in first aid on the part of my British co-workers? A sugary, milky, strong cup of tea. I kid you not. As far as Brits are concerned, TEA FIXES EVERYTHING. And 99% of the time, they’re right.
These Mango Maple Muffins are an inspiration provided by my brother-in-law, Chris. He came to spend this Christmas with us. It was our first Christmas entirely at home, and it was more than wonderful to spend it with him.
Chris lives in London. And because he lives in London, we hardly ever see each other. We spent the entire holiday playing games (don’t get me started on the 3-day debate on whether it’s Rummi-cub or Rummi-CUBE.. for the record, I’m in the Rummi-Cube camp), eating chocolate and good food, and catching up. Pure heaven.
One of the best things about winter eating is soup, and one of the best things about winter eating in my kitchen is Bean, Bacon and Ham soup. I don’t know about you, but I always want Ham when it comes to holidays. But even when I buy the smallest spiral ham I can find, James and I are left with days and days of leftovers.