Let The Sun Shine In!

Ah! I believe spring has finally sprung! We've had very warm temperatures over the past few days, in the mid to upper 70's. That's a heatwave here in northeast Pennsylvania. Of course the downside are the pollens being released, by mostly maple trees and grasses. Another downside is Amanda now has bronchitis. Her doctor stated it's been going around, and is caused not just by bacteria, but viruses floating around. She reacts differently to the meds, as codeine makes her wide awake. Most people are ready to pass out from taking narcotics. Strange :)

Another great sign of spring is the number of insects now finally appearing! Those who know us know we are actively involved in their collection. Now that we're in what's considered a "prime"4-H year in PA will mean even more active collecting. Generally, we go to certain areas where normal people tend to stay away from. It also means not wearing insect repellent, because that would defeat the purpose. If ever you see folks wallowing around in swamps, or dank areas, think of me, as I'm sure they're looking for critters to collect. I'm waiting for the day when I have to report I've contracted malaria because I was in some contaminated swamp *rolls eyes*.

The joys of being an insect-collecting mom! Let the fun begin :)

Lamb Cake

Happy Easter to all! A little late, but I suppose it's better late than never. I promised I would upload a picture of the lamb cake


Amanda did all the decorating. It came out wonderfully, although I had to alter the directions a bit. The directions call for a pound cake recipe, which I posted last time. It probably would have been a true pound cake, had I used real butter and milk, but since we have allergies to dairy, I made the substitutions of Earth Balance and Silk plain soy milk. It's a delicious cake! Surprisingly, we still have some left :)

Getting Ready for Easter

Today was the day I decided to get myself in gear, getting ready for Easter. I spent several hours today, searching the web for some good gfcf recipes. One I needed is for the 3D lamb cake mold. Last year I was able to make a regular cake. That was before Amanda was diagnosed with allergies. It's tough having a child who suffers from multiple food/drug allergies. When I go food shopping, I spend a great deal of time reading labels. Not fun!

Here is one gf pound cake recipe for the lamb cake mold:

http://www.landolakes.com/mealIdeas/ViewRecipe.cfm?RecipeID=13299B

I will substitute the butter with Earth Balance, and the milk with plain soy milk. Most people balk at those, but usually can't tell the difference when eating them in baked goods. Even my mom, who is the fussiest person I know, said she will try the cake if it comes out well. She's even willing to give me a hand in purchasing the ingredients. This from the woman who criticizes everything. Maybe my prayers for her reconversion are working :)

Now for Easter dinner: my mom is the one who decided to do all the cooking this year. With the exception of last year, I have done all the cooking for the past nine years. One year, when Amanda was still very small, I made a fresh ham. The first words out of her mouth when it came out of the oven were "look mommy, it's elephant"! From the mouths of babes.

I will post pictures (if I can figure it out) when the cake is done!