Believe it or not, there are lots of things I like about the season too. I know that much of the reasons I have become so frustrated with the hussle-and-bussle aspect of it all are the limitations that the fibro monster has put on me. Even more, though, I hate the excessive commercialism. But, as I said, there's still much to enjoy about Christmas, if I just keep it in perspective.
10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT CHRISTMAS
1. Christmas Eve Communion Service.
2. Decorating the Tree.
3. Hot spiced cider.
4. Gathering with family and friends.
5. Soup night at The Yellow House.
6. Watching "A Christmas Story."
7. Giving.
8. Memories of Christmases past.
9. Christmas dinner.
10. Thanking God for sending his son Jesus.
And there are more, mostly the little things and the things that don't require spending too much money, waiting in line, or disrespecting Jesus. But I'll stop with 10. Just didn't want everyone to think I am a total Scrooge. But I still don't like egg nog. Eeeeeewww!
I just found a wonderful site with the most charming FREE quilt block designs. I want to share it with all you quilters. The patterns make me even more determined to clear out my UFO stash so I can make some of these. Just click on the link to see what I'm talking about.
Now don't forget this is PINK SATURDAY. You'll really want to visit Beverly this week as the theme is Favorite Recipes. See what all everone is sharing. Of course, I'm just going to have to share my hummingbird cake recipe again (another of my favorite things about Christmas). I know lots of you already have it, but I bet a lot of the Pink Saturday folks don't. So here 'tis.
The recipe I use came from a Southern Living cookbook. This is, btw, the most requested recipe in Southern Living magazine history.
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups chopped bananas
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preparation
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.
Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. Store in refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
(Which you probably had rather not know)
- Calories: 642
- Fat: 34.2g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 312mg
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 12/04/2010, Tonya said ...
The quilt block link didn't work :(
What is it called and I can go look. That dog is cute!
I have never even heard of hummingbird cake! Looks yummy!
On 12/04/2010, Cindy Adkins said ...
Oh wow, what a beautiful, meaningful post. Thank you for reminding us of the true reason for this special--no, most special season!!! And the cake looks gorgeous and scrumptious too!!!
XO
On 12/04/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
The pattern site is Fat Cat Patterns, but the link should work now. It had a glitch in it. Thanks for letting me know, Tonya.
On 12/04/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Love your positive side of Christmas list! Amen!
Oh, I've copied the recipe and bookmarked the pattern site. Thank you! Am off to check out the other recipes. Yum!
Holiday hugs!
On 12/04/2010, Gracious Cottage said ...
Yum, I already printed your recipe to make. I love anything with bananas. Nice site.
Please visit me. I have a chocolate cookie recipe; and follow back.
monah
On 12/04/2010, Gracious Cottage said ...
Hi,
I love banana cake hope to make it soon.
Please visit me and follow back.
monah
On 12/04/2010, Marydon said ...
Oh,yes, this recipe of SL is the best ever! I've made it several times ... SL has the best recipes ever.
Have a beautiful winter day ~
TTFN ~ Marydon
On 12/04/2010, Gael Tino said ...
Good list today also Susan! Pink Saturday? Ok, heres the link to my sassy blog. Remember now, I was in quite the mood last nite...lol
http://gaelt.blogspot.com/
I'm not a great blogger, still don't know how that much. I see that I come up as gaelt, I'll see if I can change that?
Have a good rest of the day..Gael from Pink-a-Palooza
On 12/04/2010, Jan Hennings said ...
love your favorite things, the recipe and the quilt blocks are adorable :)
On 12/04/2010, Marge Davies said ...
Now you are sounding more like Susan. Christmas is what you make it. I always like to reflect on the birth of Christ as Christmas and try to stay away from the commercial side. I love homemade gifts, cookies, dinners and family, family, and family.
Marge
On 12/04/2010, Donnie said ...
I love your list and your recipe. Happy Pink Saturday.
On 12/04/2010, Kerrie said ...
Great Post and I love that Schnauzer Dog face! The link did not work to get the pattern on the site. I would really like the pattern. Hugs, Kerrie
On 12/04/2010, Debby Messner said ...
Like your happy list. I hope you feel better. Pain is a pain....no wonder it dampened your spirits.
On 12/05/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Kerrie, the link should be working now. It had a glitch in it, but I fixed it. Let me know if you still can't get there. --Susan
On 12/05/2010, Mama Pea said ...
I am so with you on the egg nog! :-) Merry merry.
On 12/05/2010, Nancy said ...
Just a lovely list. Thank you for the recipe since I've always wanted to make one.
I'm still visiting around for Pink Saturday. Have a wonderful week.
On 12/06/2010, Teresa said ...
Our pastor said something in his sermon yesterday that has stuck with me and is my goal for this Christmas season. He said we should enjoy the season, not just endure it. So I am looking for ways to find enjoyment in the hustle and bustle and trying my best to eliminate the ones that make it an endurance contest.
On 12/06/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Good plan, Teresa. I think we should all do that.
On 12/07/2010, Lori in South Dakota said ...
#2 and #4. Chuckling at riding a goat to china!
On 12/07/2010, Beverly said ...
Happy Belated Pink Saturday, dear Susan. Your list is fantastic. I tell my grandson that this is the time of year for creating more special memories.
I wish I could come for soup night at The Yellow House. It must be fun - and yummy.
My mother loves Hummingbird Cake, but we haven't had one in years. Maybe we need to form a plan of action.
On 12/07/2010, Kay Ellen said ...
Happy Belated Pink Saturday:)
A wonderful Pink entry and I agree with all your reasons for the holiday seasons:))
I got sick this weekend and didn't get visit in blogland~~~
Have a good week~~~and your puppies are so cute together!
xo
K
On 12/16/2010, Judy C in NC said ...
One thing is for sure and two is for certain - Hummingbird Cake is one of the best I have ever eaten. Judy C and www.shadetreequilting.com
On 12/16/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Thanks for visiting, Judy. Please come back soon.
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