Oak Tree Musings

Warm Caramel Apple Cake

Here is the scrumptious cake I baked last night.  It is wonderful!  When it comes out of the oven, it is very juicy, when you invert the cake onto your serving platter it soakes up the juice.  I baked it in a bundt pan.  Very moist and simply delicious!  I did not add the icing or the caramel topping, and it was great without it...I'm trying to save on calories. Warm Caramel Apple Cake
1/2	cup butter or margarine
1/4	cup whipping cream
1	cup packed brown sugar
1/2	cup chopped pecans
2	large cooking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 1/3 cups)
1	box yellow cake mix
1 1/4	cups water
1/3	cup vegetable oil
3	eggs
1/4	teaspoon apple pie spice
Topping
2/3	cup Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting (from 12-oz container)
1/2	cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
	Caramel topping, if desired

Enjoy!

Blessings to you~ Laura

Potatoe Soup

Yesterday was such a wonderful day.  I drove the kids to school then came home and took Belle for a walk.  Belle is a beautiful black lab that we adopted 3 years ago.  Originally she was a house dog, we had hopes that she would alert us to Luke's seizures during the night time.  She would lick on him and sit beside him during seizures, but she never alerted us...she is now an outdoor doggie.  Belle is very protective of both Abby & Luke.  She follows them anywhere they go.  Last fall during harvest, she never followed the grain trucks or tractors.  Then as soon as the kids climbed in the truck she followed the truck all the way to the field!  She never came back till they did. I love our Belle Belle! 

I made a couple pomengrante balls yesterday.  It was much easier than I anticipated.  I poked holes with a large needle before I inserted the cloves.  They are now drying in the closet and smell wonderful.  I can't wait till they are dry so I can add the finishing ribbon!  Luke loved them, I have a feeling he will be making his own soon!

I also taught my mother how to make folded fabric ornaments.  They are such fun to make!  I will take pictures soon and let you see how cute these are!  Next I would like to make a lavender and purple ornament for epilepsy awarness. 

I have many more projects to complete in a very short amount of time.  My niece will be 16 next month and I want to make her a raggie quilt.  I wanted to give her something that she would always have to remember her special day.  She is crazy about purple, so the color choice was easy.  I am going shopping this weekend to purchase the fabric.  I will have to work quickly to have it done in time, only three weeks till her special day.

Other projects I am working on are braided rag rugs, pot holders, and some adorable felt ornaments.  I also have a couple suprises for Abby & Luke for Christmas.

After I picked up the kids, we came home and made a big pot of Potato Soup.  This recipe came from my aunt in Texas.  It is delicious as is or sometimes I cut back on the potatos and add broccoli, cauliflower & mushrooms for a cheesy veggie soup.

Potato Soup

1 rib celery, thinly sliced

1 small onion, chopped

1 green onion, thinly sliced

2 TBLS butter

2 envelopes of chicken gravy mix

1/4 tsp each:  celery salt, ground cumin, cajun seasoning, pepper

4 cups milk

5 medium potatoes, peeled, cubed and cooked

2 carrots, peeled, diced and cooked

1 cup cubed Velveeta

In a large saucepan, saute the celery and onions in butter till tender.  Stir in gravy mix and seasonings.  Gradually add the milk.  bring to a boil; cook adn stir for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat and stir in potatoes, carrots and cheese.  Cook and stir until cheese is melted.  I then use my emulsion blender to break up the chunks of potatoes. 

I always make a double batch.  It will not last long!

Blessings to you~ Laura