Who Is Anastasia?

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New Castle, Indiana Zone 5, United States
When I was 55, I decided to embrace the things I love and hold precious and dear, regardless of anyone else's thoughts and opinion. I am a visual folk artist who loves flowers - my own flowers, grown and/or painted by me. I love good, hearty, exotic foods, and I love to prepare them myself. I love the secret garden situated in my backyard, regardless of how overgrown and wild it gets. No longer able to afford a vacation, this will have to be it for the time being. In the winter months, I still enjoy it. Anyway, here I am sharing my art, favorite recipes, cocktails, gardening tips, and just my usual vents and bantering. After all, I'm old enough to say whatever the heck I want to now ...

JEWELS OF MY SOUL

JEWELS OF MY SOUL
My Book Available on AMAZON

July 16, 2009

a bit more sunshine




Well, Angelica was 21 on Tuesday. We had a lovely time on Sunday with a fun gathering around the kitchen table with loads of treats, gourmet snacks and a fabulous Italian Chocolate Mousse Cake!!!! However, my cupcakes were also a hit (all the young girls thought they'd be less fattening than the chocolate ... yeah, right!). I ended up making 21 Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes.

The recipe is so simple. It starts with Duncan Hines Lemon (Supreme) Cake Mix. Instead of water, to the batter, I added a cup of (thawed) Frozen Lemonade Concentrate; 3 jumbo eggs; oil and a bit of lemon zest, and a tablespoon of Raspberry Jell-O, swirled in the batter to form a marble effect. The frosting was simply Duncan Hines Lemon (Supreme) Frosting, blended with 2 tablespoons of Lemon Jell-O and 2 tablespoons of Raspberry Jell-O - blend with a fork to give a marbleised effect. The frosting was piped around the edge of the cupcake, topped with a large, fresh raspberry. I have to admit, it was bliss!

Her surgery on Wednesday went "well" ... it's a matter of wait and see, but she's strong, optimistic and so very lovely! Will post pics soon.

1 comment:

I would love to hear from you regarding this post. Please feel free to leave your comments. All the best, Anastasia a/k/a Stacey

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot
A simple garden meal in the shade. No, it's not my backyard, but it looks identical to the one I grew up with at our home in Queens. Looking for an original pic of it to post soon!

Old Fashioned Tips