Confessions of a Diet Coke Addict

It's a Sweet Trip to the Candy Shop

Over the past month I've been fortunate enough to enjoy some traveling.  First, in April I went on a work trip that took me to Orlando.  I was able to enjoy both Disney World and Universal Studios while there.  Next, it was a family wedding in Duluth.  And then last weekend, it was up to Grand Rapids to visit my hubby as well as Great Grandma.  

It seems that many people collect different things while they travel:  snowglobes, Christmas ornaments, spoons, shot glasses, t-shirts etc etc.  Me?  I don't so much collect much - but I do like to visit candy stores.   As we all know, I have a certain fondness for chocolate specifically.

While in Florida, I didn't get much of a chance to go anywhere outside of the conference - other than to Disney and Universal (and we'll just mention that I forgot to pack my camera . . .doh!).  And while at those place, I didn't really check out the souveniours too much.  However, I did buy Ali some Pooh-Bear lollipops, my coworkers some Mickey lollipops, and I bought myself some tins of mints.  The mints were in a multi pak and they had cinnamon mints . . .which are hard to find and I absolutely love!

 The Winnie the Pooh lollys were exactly like the Mickey ones pictured about, except in the shape of Pooh's head and with his respective face on the wrapper.

On the next trip, we went to Great Lakes Candy in Knife River MN.  I've been to this place before, but it's always worth a return trip.  They are well known for thier sponge candy, which they dip in chocolate.  It's very much a speciality and hard to find anymore.  I think they call it Air Crunch though, not sponge candy.  Once inside, it was hard to decide what to get.  It was Ali and I;  Matt and KEP stayed in the car because one of them was napping.  M enjoys lightly salted black licorice - so I made sure to find that right away.  Ali had to take it all in and walk around the entire store (which isn't very big) at least 10 times.  I don't blame her.  It's full of tough choices.  And I've been trying to teach her that when at a real candy store, the kind of place that specializes in home made goods, to pick the home made goods.  Novelty candies are a blast, but can usually be found a million other places.  Eventually, she narrowed it down to a few different things:  sour gummies in the shape of dots and fruity black licorice caramels.  Me?  I settled on a couple of mocha truffles from the showcase and a couple pieces of dark chocolate dipped sponge candy (thier specialty!).    The truffles were divine ..  .although oddly shaped this time.   And the sponge candy was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  I can't speak for any of A's candy because she devoured it before I could sample it.  As for the licorice - it was absolutely perfect.

This picture below shows them breaking up the sponge candy/air crunch before dipping it.

And once it's dipped . . . 

We've been to Grand Rapids what seems like a million times.  And of all those times, we never went to the local candy store, Three Bears Candy.   And I was going to make we didn't miss it this time.  So, on Saturday morning we headed into town just to hit this candy store.  It's a small, cute store and the attendant was actually changing lightbulbs when Ali, Grandma and I entered.  It was an older gentleman who was very friendly.  The store was very nicely organized, which I always appreciate.  It makes it much easier to shop.  Clutter makes me confused.  Ali decided on a huge jaw breaker and salt water taffy.  I, once again, chose truffles from the showcase:  key lime, raspberry showgirl, salted caramel and a painted chocolate truffle.  The painted chocolate truffle is still in the fridge . . it's a big truffle and has a flower painted on top.  I promised Ali we could split it.  Just haven't done it yet.  Oh, I also picked up some chocolate covered potato chips.   All of shared the chips in the car - and everyone LOVED them.  We also shared some taffy, which was not too sweet and very nice, soft and chewy.  I didn't have any of the truffles until after we returned home.  I had the salted caramel one first . . .and it was very sweet and salty.  Good, but almost a little overbearing with the sweet caramel/chocolate.  The key lime was really good, but I'm not a huge white chocolate fan.  The raspberry showgirl though . . .oh my, my.  That was a little piece of Heaven.  

I would definately buy one of those again.  It doesn't seem that Three Bears makes thier own truffles . . .but of their other candies are home made.  I definately wouldn't let that stop me from going back!!!  

Another One Bites the Dust

It is not rare that while we are at Grandma's that we see wildlife.  She lives on a lake in norther MN.   Throughout our years of traveling to and fro, we've encounterd racoons, deer, eagles, porcupines, owls, skunks / pole cats  and even fischers.  However this past weekend, we may have seen the ugliest yet.  As we were tooling around the wide open road on Saturday afternoon there was one of these enjoying it's feast of dead deer along the roadside:

Yep.  It's a turkey vulture.  And it's scarey looking.  And disgusting . . .all at the same time.  Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!  I understand that everything has a purpose in the food chain.  I get that.  I just don't want to always see it.  The sight of it is still haunting me, hence this post.  Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

If you would like to educate yourself, you can read more about this creepy bird here.

Got More Cars than a Beach Got Sand

Holy smokes . . .remind me to NEVER EVER take I35 North ever again on a holiday weekend heading north.  It was InSanEEEEEEE!  On Friday we departed Roseville Center and promptly got lost leaving.  Dang road construction.  However, due to my keep sense of direction . . .we eventually did hit 35.  Although, I kind of wish we didn't.  It started out okay .. . and KEP was sleeping, which was nice.  Just me, Ali and radio.  Steadily moving along in heavy, heavy traffic . . .but it was moving. And then we hit the road construction.  Yikes.  It was bad.  I've never ever been in worse traffic, honestly.  At one time, a sign told me it would take 69 minutes to reach the next exit - which only a few miles away!  And then it started.  KEP woke up.  And he was FURIOUS.   The car wasn't moving and he was STARVING.   What was I to do?  There was no room for Ali to quick hop in back because Oscar was also in the back seat with his kennel.  And so he cried.  At one point, we were able to reach his bottle and fill it with water . . .but he didn't want it.  He wanted FOOD or MILK .  He was making that definately loud and clear.  Nor did he want to listen to Duran Duran, The Voice of the Beehive or The Gear Daddies.  Somehow, Ali managed to fall asleep during it all.  That left me with 60+ minutes of a screaming child.  Who was so tired, he slept AND screamed at the same time.  Eventually, we were able to exit . . .and buy some milk and a banana.  KEP was much happier then.  Uffda . . .and we were only 1/2 way there (to Grandma's).  At least the remainder of the trip I was able to drive in peace .. .with Duran Duran.  And the Gear Daddies.  And The Power Loon radio station.  What should have been a 4 hour trip . . .was over 5 hours.  Let's hope that NEVER happens again.

Once at Grandma's, we were all STARVING and very excited to see each other for the weekend.  So, unloaded the car, unpacked, let Bo-Bo the dog kiss KEP and then we were off to the Bitch'n Kitchen (that's Country Kitchen to most).  We enjoyed a nice peaceful dinner and had an awesome and very attentive waitor.  He made sure KEP had his milk and some crackers right away so that he would remain happy while waiting for his food.

Saturday the weather was pretty nice  . . .so M decided to drive us up Voyageur's National Park and show us around a bit. KEP and I had previously been there over Easter - but Ali and Grandma had not been there before.  And, as luck would have it . . .my camera died!!!!!!   UG!  So, no pictures :(   Poop.  I'm very disappointed in that.   Note to self:  go to Batteries Plus and buy the special battery you need . . .soon.

After sleeping in a bit on Sunday, M and I headed to town to the laundromat.  Grandma had some comforters she wanted washed  - so we thought we would oblige.  Out of three laundromats, none of them had free internet access.  You would think they would, but they don't.  However, it did give me an opportunity to do some mending.  Later that afternoon, we all went back into town for an afternoon treat (slushies and coffee) and a little shopping at teh implement.  While M looked for some work clothes, KEP and I went and looked at the baby chicks and ducklings.  They were pretty dang cute!!  KEP kept giggling looking at them .. .but there is no touching, so he only got to watch them.

That night we hung low and stayed inside at Grandma's and visited.  KEP took a bath in Grandma's fancy whirlpool tub . . .but I think we traumatized him.  He did not like the jets.  I repeat, he did not like the jets!!  After a soothing bottle, he went right to sleep .. .poor little pumpkin.  Maybe he'll be big enough for the jets at bath time next summer.   After he was down for the night, M and I snuck back into town and left Grandma and Ali to watch over KEP.  While in town, we went grocery shopping at the Cub and stocked up M with food for the week.  Once back at Grandma's, Ali and M made sandwiches and I prepped lots of fresh fruit and veggies for him.  Good thing he had a cooler to fill up and transport all this good stuff!

Monday, Memorial Day, was time to pack up and leave.  Our goal was to leave Grandma's in better condition than when we arrived.  So, Ali swept and cleaned the microwave for her.  M and did took care of the trash and kitchen.  He also cleaned her "guest" bathroom.  As well, we recycled a bunch of magazines for her too.  And then we were off.  And the ride home was much less eventful than the ride up there.  And for that alone, we are thankful.

Three .. .It's the Magic Number

How's that old wive's tale go . . . .all things good and bad go in three's?  

Well, I'm hoping I hit my three.

1.  Air conditioner is on the fritz.  And it's hot out.  Oh, and did I mention my hubby is an HVAC man?  Of course, he's on the road right now.  Doh!!!!

2.  Camera died.  It keeps reading change the batteries.  So I change the batteries.  Still reads "change the batteries" - so I change them again.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Darn thing still isn't working.  Gr.  

3.  Dashboard light in car comes on "Service Air Bag."  What the ?!?!?  Just what I need . . . .to spend cash on the car.  

In other news:  it's hot.  And so is my house.  And now it's raining. . .maybe it will help cool this joint down.

Here's hoping to better karma tomorrow!!!

American Woman

My shoes twenty years ago:

The shoes I want NOW . . .see how grown up they are . . .

Insane in the Membrane

Knute and I have been hanging out this weekend sans Dad and Ali. They departed the homestead on Friday morning and headed up nort' to Dulut' for a hockey tournament; thus leaving the rest of us at home.

So, what have we occupied ourselves with? Well, Friday afterwork I stopped by the grocery store to get a few items for the weekend. Thought I would do a quick supermarket-sweep while KEP was still at daycare. You know, the basics: diapers for KEP, green onions and ice cream. I have a wierd thing that I always have to have green onions in the house. I don't know why, I just find them absolutely versatile and indespensible when cooking.

After picking KEP up from daycare, we spent the remainder of the evening doing the usual. . . .pretty much nothing but playing on the floor and trying to stay out of the wiener dog's way. KEP wasn't too tired - so I let him stay up an extra hour past bedtime. Once finally down for the night, I managed to make some dinner: sloppy joe's, parmesan potato wedges along with some pickles on the side.

There is just something about sloppy joe's that makes them a comfort food for me. I don't actually remember eating them a whole lot growing up, but occassionally we would have them. Matt tells me that I don't make sloppy joe's - I make bbq's. Whatever . . .you say potato, I say po'tah-toe. They were delicious and heavy on the onion, just they way I love 'em. And the potato wedges turned out perfect: tender on the inside and wonderfully crispy on the outside. After a fSatuday ull tummy, I was quite tired and went to bed.

Saturday was shaping up to be a big day. KEP slept in until after 7am (yay!!!) and then it wasn't long until we had to get ready for his photo-shoot. Don't get too excited - it was just a standard photo shoot at Penny's for his 1-year pics. A few weeks ago M & I picked out a new outfit for the photos: a red sweater with snowflakes, white turtleneck and black cords. But, knowing how these things usually go - I figured I better pack a second outfit just in case. So, I brought his suit . . it's black (or really, really dark gray - I'm not really sure) with purple pinstrips, a purple shirt, matching vest and a tie. I wasn't sure if it would fit him hit or not - we haven't had an occassion to even think about wearing it (until now with the pics). Turns out, the pants were a little long, but the rest fit fine. Not too surprising - it was 18mos size and that's mostly what he's wearing now (such a long and skinny little bugger). The photo shoot went fine - he was more intrested in crawling around and checking everything out rather than actually having his picture taken. So many things to check out and explore!

I was very excited to learn that they can now print the pictures on site . . .so hello, immediate gratification!! While we waited for them to print (a mere 15 mintues) we walked around the store. KEP is going to need some new shoes soon . . .seems he is outgrowing his robeez pretty quickly. They really didn't have much at Penny's .. .the few pairs I found, I couldn't even fit his foot into them. His feet are still too thick for a lot of shoes. I guess I'll have to continue my search (no huge hurry though).

After we picked up the pictures, we headed up L&M's for an afternoon of visiting. KEP slept the whole way there (yay! just as I had hoped). Once there, the girls showered him with many of their stuffed animals and played with him. So cute to see Knute flirt with girls and play with them. The afternoon seemed to pass by quickly and before I knew it, Knute was pulling at his ear, rubbing his eyes and fussing. Yep, nap time. He wore himself out exploring the S's house and playing . .. it was time to pack up and head home. And once again, just as I suspected, he fell asleep in the car and slept the whole way home.

Last night we didn't do much. Knute was still pretty tired (he also has a cold) and went to bed early. Me, I was tired too. I played a game of online Scrabble and then hit the hay early. I tried to stay awake to watch a movie on tv, but just couldn't keep my peepers open. But before we both expired, we did talk to M. Turns out A's team lost their game on Friday night but won their game on Saturday and will play again this morning, Sunday.

And now it's Sunday. We've had breakfast, played in the kitchen . . .played in the living room too. Knute is beginning to pull himself up on everything (which coincidentally isn't much at our house). I did figure out that if I flip over an empty laundry basket - he can use it as a small table to play on as well as pull himself up to play on knees or try to stand. He's been having fun with that :)

Oh - I can't beleive I haven't even mentioned this yet. I thought I would bake some cupcakes this weekend in preperation for KEPs upcoming 1st birthday (it's not for another week and a half - but thought I would get a head start and freeze them). I figured I would take the easy way out and pick up cakemix at the store on Friday night. NO WAY - I couldn't believe it - it was almost $2 for a box of cakemix?!?!?! What the h-e-double-hockey-sticks?? No way was I going to pay that price. I refuse to pay more than $1 for a box of cakemix. So, instead - I made from-scratch cupcakes (which I like better anyways . . .cakemix cakes are really squishy/fluffy in texture, I prefer more dense texture). I really wanted to make chocolate cupcakes, but I didn't realize I was nearly out of cocoa powder. So, I had to make white ones instead. They turned out just fine as always - and they are now safely tucked into the freezer for when we decide to celebrate KEPs birthday. But, I still cannot believe it . . . almost $2!!!! That's just down right insane. Or maybe I'm the insane one. I'll let you decide that (insert maniacal laugh here).

a

Noel, Noel

Christmas morning it was apparent that Santa visited our house.  Knute must have been a good baby because Santa filled his stocking plump full!  Knute wasn't so sure yet about how to unwrap things . . .so we helped him out a little.  He really loved the new ball that Santa gave him!

Later that morning, we headed down to Matt's parents house in Hastings.  They had invited us over for Christmas dinner:  ham, cheesy potatoes, scalloped corn and warm rolls.  His mom always goes overboard with the details - check out these fancy place settings she made for each of us!  She even included Ali, even thought Al was at her mom's house.

After dinner, it was time to open gifts.  I walked Knute into where the tree was and his face completely lit up!  He had never seen such a thing!  He just smiled ear to ear at seeing the Christmas tree.  I put him on the floor and he went straight for the tree and gifts.  Unfortunately, there is not a lot of floor space for Knute at Grandpa and Grandma's house for him to crawl around.  So, after he made a brief attack of the gifts - we moved into the room with a little more space.  And then it was time to actually open the gifts.

Knute still needed a little help opening his presents . . .but he definately caught on quickly and proceeded to help me open mine as well.

All done and said, he was one very tired and over stimulated little boy.  A delicious meal and a great day indeed.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Last year at Christmas, we dialed it back a bit and kept it pretty lowkey.  I was 8 months pregnant with Knute and pretty much had absolutely no steam.  Our house was a disaster in preparation for his arrival.  As well, we decided it would be easiest to celebrate the holiday on Dec. 23^rd with Matt’s parents and Ali.  You see, Ali goes to her mom’s house for Christmas break.  Technically, we have the rights to Christmas Day – but her mom gets her Christmas Break, which included the 24^th.  The past few years, school break has started on the 23^rd.  So, in lieu of a extra driving and convenience – I took the 23^rd off from work and we celebrated that day (instead of doing the big day on the 25^th).  Then, A went to her mom’s house that night and stayed there for the remainder of the break.   We followed that fashion again this year.  Except that ended up not-being our only celebration. 

This year, we celebrated on the 23^rd once again.  We were really wanting a lowkey Christmas, much like last year.  It’s very hard to entertain and play host/hostess when you have a small house and a very active baby.  Matt’s family joined us for the day – his mom, stepdad, aunt and uncle.  In sticking to our lowkey intentions, M came up with the idea to have a “build your own sub sandwich” theme.   We didn’t go overboard, just the basics – French bread, mayo, Miracle Whip, mustard, black olives, pickles, banana peppers, red onion, lettuce, tomato, turkey, ham and roast beef. It worked out well because some of the stuff we always have on hand.  Other things, we were able to buy ahead of time and then only had to buy a few fresh items.  His mom and stepdad provided the cheese and dessert.  They go the creamery in Hastings for their cheese . . . and it’s fabulous.  They brought over cheddar, swiss and provolone.  YUM YUM YUM.  As for the pie:  candy cane pie from Bakers Square (definitely a favorite of mine).  Aunt and Uncle brought the chips!  We set it all up buffet style in the kitchen and everyone took their turn going through the line.  All very yummy. 

The day was mainly focused on Ali.  Which she didn’t mind J  Matt and I had decided that we wait with our gifts to each other until Christmas Day, and the same with Knute.  Otherwise, it just gets to be too much because Grandpa and Grandma tend to S-P-O-I-L the grandkids.   

Once the ripping and tearing of gifts began, Knute wasn’t so sure what to do.  Ali did receive her Christmas stocking from us as well as her gifts.  Did I mention that I made new Christmas Stocking for the kiddo’s?  They match.  And not only do they match . . . they match Knute’s new quilt.  Funny how that worked out :) 

Ali was very excited with her gifts from Grandpa and Grandma . . .mostly excited about her new DS game, Mario Cart.   She’s been wanting that for a while.  And from Great Grandma she got a wii-mote charging station.  It’s so much fun to watch her open gifts . . .all the smiles and anticipation of unwrapping and then finding what’s inside.   Even the smallest things, like Yam-Yam cookies seem to be so much more fun when wrapped up.  

As for Knute, he received a few gifts that day as well.  He wasn’t so sure about everything and didn’t quite figure out how to unwrap stuff.  And eventually, he got very tired because he only had a very short nap in morning.  So, him and I excused ourselves to the bedroom in hopes that he would calm down and take a late afternoon nap.  No such luck, but he did calm down eventually and we were able to rejoin the group.  

Oh, and before I forget – every year Grandma does this cool thing (and goes overboard with it). It’s some tradition . . .maybe a German or Norwegian thing.  She gives everybody a goodie bag that contains the following:  an apple, an orange, some chocolates, peppermint candy, spice gumdrops, raspberry or strawberry hard candy, apple cider and hot chocolate packettes, and nuts (in the shell).   She really over filled the bags this year.  And I mean REALLY.    In my online research, it appears that it was  a common-place tradition that churches would give out these goody bags to children a week or so before Christmas.  You can find more info here.  http://www.familychristmasonline.com/memories/candy_boxes/candy_boxes.htm

Overall, it was a long day that went by very quickly.   And before I forget, I must add that although we didn’t celebrate the day with my brother and his family, they were kind enough to drop off gifts long in advance for the kiddos.  We let them open those gifts earlier that morning before company arrived.  We didn’t want them to get lost in the shuffle.  Ali received a new lunch bag OVER STUFFED with goodies and she was tickled pink with it.  I promptly claimed dibbs on the butter rum lifesavers.  As for Knute, he received a new winter coat with a matching hat and mittens (which was very needed).  Such good stuff :)

 

 

Hurry Christmas, Don’t Be Late . . . .

I can hardly stand the wait!  Is there anything more wonderful than being a kid at Christmas time?  Even if you are a kid who is over-booked and busy all the time with hockey and Girls Scouts . . . you always find time for Christmas fun!  And let’s not forget M’s birthday too!  

Ali kicked off the Christmas season by participating in the Prairie Sun Girl Scout Craft Boutique.  It’s an annual service unit event . . .that our troop hasn’t ever participated in.  The girls have always been sooooooo busy.  This year, however, they were able to attend.  Everything for sale is made by the girls and only the girls get to shop.  Everything is priced modestly and as you can imagine – there is a huge variety of items for purchase.  Our troop decided to make “Reindeer Food” to sell and had previously gotten together to make it and package it.  Ali sure did a lot of shopping at the boutique .  She made her list of names of who to buy-for and we gave her some cash and she supplied some of her own cash too.  Very thrifty she was and considered everything carefully.  As for the “Reindeer Food” – it sold out very quickly.

 

And then there was the Centennial hockey tournament.  Only dad and Ali went, Knute and I stayed home.  The tournament was Friday-Sunday, up in Blaine.   They won two games and lost a couple too.  But, she did end her scoring slump!  Meanwhile, Knute and I visited Santa with our friends The Rumrills.  Santa was making a special appearance at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Shakopee and having breakfast with everyone.  Knute had a blast!  He enjoyed  pancakes, crawling and rolling all over the floor, playing with “Grandma” Deb,  and then the big moment – meeting Santa!  He wasn’t so sure what to think about the jolly old guy.  But we were able to snap his picture before he started crying.  Good timing :)

And last, but most important - this was also Matt’s birthday weekend . . .so we had to celebrate!

 

As each week drew closer to Christmas, the countdowns continued.  Grandma had given Ali an advent calendar filled with holiday jokes and riddles and had given Knute a holiday ornament that tells the story of Christmas via audio when you turn the dial each day. 

 

And how could it be Christmas around here without the truffles?  Mmmmmmm ..  .Ali and I made five varieties this year:  Mocha Bean, Chocolate Mint, Gingersnap, Cherry Almond and Hazelnut.  Ali was promoted this year in regards to truffle production.  Her new title is Chief Decorator and Apprentice Roller. 

We didn’t pull out the big Christmas tree again this year.  As much as I wanted to, we thought it would be best to skip it.  Knute is hard enough to chase around all the time – with a Christmas tree in the mix, it may have put us over the top!  Instead, Ali found her small tree and decorated it and I had found a few other things to decorate the house with.  The homestead wouldn’t be completely barren of Christmas cheer! 

 

What could be sweet, but even sweeter during the season?  How about a hat trick for Ali?  Woot Woot!

 

And while in the spirit - you must remember to give, give, give.  Ali's hockey team collected Toys for Tots.  It was a chilly December Saturday night when we all went down to drop off the toys.  they weren't the featured guest, but they were certainly loud and could be seen on the 5:30pm and the 6pm news that night.

Ali and I also carried on our Gingerbread tradition.  We used the Wilton prepackaged Gingerbread kit this year and then sup’d it up with some additional items collected throughout the year.  Pretty cool, huh?

 

 And then, before you knew it . . .it was Christmas!!

Recipe of the Week: Gingerbread

For Christmas Day, my in-laws invited us down to their place in Hastings for Christmas dinner. They were going to serve ham, potatoes, scalloped corn and rolls and we were to bring the dessert. Seeing as we had just hosted M's' family on the 23rd, we had planned to keep dessert simple for Christmas day; we would bring some truffles as well as cornflake Christmas wreaths (which could easily be made on Christmas Eve). At least that was the plan. Well, then my mother-in-law called and asked us if we could run out and buy a gingerbread to bring instead. She called Christmas Eve day. Of course, we had no plans to go to the store . . .we didn't even know how late they were open. So, we told her no and that we had already planned for what we were going to bring. But as the afternoon carried on, I thought "what the heck . ..". I dragged out my old Betty Crocker cookbook (circa 1974) and sure enough, they had a gingerbread recipe and of course, we had all the ingredients at home. As much as I love, love, love gingerbread - I've never made it before. So, after Knute went to bed - I went to baking. Mmmmmmmmmmmm molasses. The gingerbread turned out wonderful. I actually split the batter into a few different baking pans. I put 1/2 into a pie tin (to bring to the in-laws on Christmas day). The other 1/2 I put into mini loaf pans (and left these loaves at home for us to enjoy throughout the week). Turns out, we never even touched the gingerbread on Christmas - we were all too stuffed from dinner. Not a shocker. But the gingerbread really did turn out wonderfully delicious. Here is the recipe according to Betty Crocker:

Gingerbread

Ingredients

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup dark molasses

3/4 cup hot water

1/2 cup shortening

1 egg

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a square, 9x9x2 inch baking pan. measure all the ingredients into a large mixer bowl. Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping the bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes on medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm and, if desired, with whipped cream or applesauce.

Lucy's note: or, just slice it and eat it like a muffin with a little butter or margarine. YUM!