What this shortcake lacks is fresh, cut strawberries. Because they’re in the sauce, people. It makes it easy to bring places and to make ahead. Plus, I made strawberry malts with the sauce later. Rave reviews from my dad, the king of the strawberry malt. When we were growing up, the only time we ever stopped for ice cream was on the way to the cabin. We would find a Dairy Queen or other ice cream shop and stop. All the kids were allowed a single ice cream cone or Dilly Bar, and my dad... more

In the car today, telling you about cheesecake on my laptop. We’re on our way to the Boundary Waters, although I wish we were already there. Or at least to Duluth. Duluth is where this trip starts to get exciting. There’s a lake to look at. Trees. Rock faces scattered about. None of that has to do with cheesecake. Admittedly, we were late leaving, and at least a portion of our lateness is due to the fact that I was getting pictures ready for this post instead of packing. I wanted... more

We don’t make birthday cakes very often here. It’s not that I myself don’t enjoy and appreciate cake. My kids don’t. I know, what kid wouldn’t want to shove their face in a piece of frosting-covered sweetness? Mine. Now, don’t get me wrong. They like the idea of cake. They may even take their piece happily. Then a bite or two into it, abandonment. They’ve traded up to a side of celery or a pile of strawberries. I made a cake once for Kiwi. She... more

It’s not really chunky. It just has chunks in it. Lovely chunks of pineapple, walnuts and raisins. All necessary to make a good carrot cake. (Unless you are opposed to such things.) Ole loves carrot cake; however, he doesn’t want just any carrot cake. He wants to really chew the pineapple, crunch the walnuts. So, I make him that carrot cake. The result is a moist carrot cake with heavenly cream cheese frosting. Yes, heavenly. These are the things you need. Plus that computer over there... more