Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Carpe Diem


Sometimes Sir Knight and I get so busy accomplishing everything on our extensive to-do lists that we forget to savor the moment.  In our quest to prepare for the future we have a tendency to sacrifice the present.  I want our children to be equipped with the necessary tools to survive whatever the world throws their way but I also want them to have a happy childhood tucked under their jacket.  And every once in a while, I have to remind myself that these very busy, very hectic, very taxing days are our family's good ol' days.  These are the days that will form and mold my children, my grandchildren and their children after them.  This is our chance to shape our future.  Challenge accepted.

Master Calvin watching Sir Knight add supports to the fence corner

Keeping a close eye on things


A finished, very sturdy corner

Uprights ready to be turned into Buck & Rail fence

And the fence is stretching into the sunset
(Notice the old hive boxes repurposed as flower beds)


Newly bottled Rose Hip wine

Vanilla Custard Cake
4 eggs, separated
1 T water
1/2 + 2 T sugar
1/2 C butter, melted
3/4 C flour
2 C milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Butter an 8 inch round cake pan or line with waxed paper and butter paper. 

Beat the egg whites until stiff.

In clean bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the sugar, water and vanilla until light.  Beat in the melted butter and beat for 1 minute.  Beat in the flour.  Add the milk and beat until well incorporated.  Gently fold in egg whites to combine. 

Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in the pan for at least 3 hours before putting on a serving plate.

This cake is amazing - it forms a cake like crust filled with a custard center.  I like to serve this chilled with fresh or frozen berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.  A perfect summer dessert!


The ingredients before adding the egg whites

The stiff egg whites

After the whites have been folded into the batter

It fills the cake pan to the tippy top (don't worry, it won't overflow)


Fresh from the oven

Dessert is served

My beautiful old fashioned yellow roses, brought by a friends grandmother over the Oregon Trail!

And overflowing pink roses

Our yard, dressed for summer, with a lovely spot to contemplate life

Yellow Foxglove, one of my favorites


Freesias intermingled with Irises
Remember - these are your good ol' days too.

Carpe Diem

Until next time,

Enola

7 comments:

  1. I wish I had a helper like Master Calvin! He is going to grow up and be a REAL man like Sir Knight. Yes there is Hope.
    Montana Guy

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  2. Thanks for the reminder. I, too, tend to get so tied up in preparing for what may come that I forget to savor the sweet moments. Life is still beautiful even though ugliness abounds around us.

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  3. A question if I may? Why the buck and rail type fence? The benefits?

    The time with our children is so short always make the most of it, there will always b work

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  4. Great photos. Thanks for sharing. Master Calvin is one cool Cowboy. I wish I had a helper like him. He is going to grow up to be a REAL man, just like his Dad.
    Montana Guy

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  5. Dear Enola:
    I received both your books yesterday from Amazon. I read the one on diseases last night, but am still reading the cookbook. I can't wait to get a woodstove! I haven't cooked on one for years and years and years! I am sure I will make many mistakes, but your advice will certainly cut that number down.
    I wish I had the book on diseases in Afghanistan. I have a friend there, an American married to an Afghan who runs an NGO. Unfortunately, mail in Afghanistan is nonexistent, or I would send her several copies. It will be priceless when the time comes.
    V

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  6. Love these photos! I gasped when I read that those yellow roses came over the Oregon Trail--what a treasure! But even more so are your children. :)

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  7. Is that 1/2 *CUP + 2 Tbsp sugar? I really want to taste that cake!

    You live in a beautiful place with beautiful people. You're right -- we need to take the time to admire and enjoy what God has given us!

    Autumn

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