Happy Father's Day and Angel Food Cake

I'm especially missing my dad today. He would've celebrated his birthday a few days ago. We always had a big Birthday/Father's Day celebration, because they always fell so close together. My mom would've celebrated with an angel food cake and fresh strawberries, that was among his favorites. He was a wonderful man with a huge heart. He never met a stranger and everyone who ever met him instantly loved his enthusiasm and his witty sense of humor. He is quite possibly the greatest man I've ever known and I've missed him every day for the last 18 and a half years.

My stepdad is also a wonderful man who loves my mom and has been very good to her for many years. Very hardworking and loves all things family. Things would not have been the same all of this time if he hadn't been part of our family. For him I'm thankful.

And of course, our family wouldn't be complete without Scott, who is an outstanding father. Not only to his boys, but also to the girls. Even though they aren't bound by blood, there is no difference in the love he shows to any of them. I'm thankful for his kind heart and quiet spirit. He offers his words of wisdom, time, and affection to each of them. I'm so blessed for the children to have such a father to look up to.

I took Scott out for Sushi...his favorite, of course.
And I'm thinking Angel Food Cake as a light dessert, just because of my dad.

Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful Dad's out there!!

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

1 1/2 cups egg whites (from carton)
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar


Place egg whites in a mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, sift confectioners' sugar and flour together three times; set aside. Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on high speed. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely before removing cake from pan.

Angel food cake is perfect with strawberries and whipped cream or another favorite is with a Pineapple Cream Topping.

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, in juice, undrained
1 pkg. (4 serving size) Vanilla Pudding & Pie Filling (sugar free)
1 cup thawed whipped topping (lite or sugar free)

In a bowl, mix together pineapple and pudding mix. Gently fold in whipped cream. Serve on slices of angel food cake.

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Apples ain't only for the teacher!!! When I worked in the mall (many years ago) in Savannah, our store was located directly across from the Savannah Candy Company. I was mesmerized by the beautiful assortment of candy and caramel apples! Through the glass windows, you could watch their employees hard at work in the kitchen, the scent of sugar wafting through the air was irresistible. Their pralines were sinful, confections lined up in candy jars along the window in beautiful bright colors. Fudge in every kind of flavor imaginable. But my favorite part was watching the girls give these gargantuan apples a royal treatment, dipping apples into creamy caramel, then given a jacket of nuts, crushed oreos, milk or white chocolate or crushed butterfingers.

Apples are so versatile! From making a savory apple stuffing paired with chicken or turkey, or you can turn them into a decadent dessert.

I make this fabulous Caramel apple Cake that is simple and delicious! It's a fall favorite and I think you'll love it.

Here's what you do....

Start with a buttered cake pan or glass dish.

Next use a basic caramel sundae syrup. I like the Smucker's squeezeable :)

Now for the apples, you need apple pie filling (you can easily substitute your own apple filling here if you have time)... canned Apple pie filling is a quick alternative, which is what I used here. top the apples with drizzled caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Next, mix together a basic yellow boxed cake mix (for ease), and pour evenly over the apple filling. Here, if you like a from scratch recipe, you can use your favorite basic mix.Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes, then invert the cake onto a cake board, while the cake is still warm, allowing the apples and caramel to melt into the cake.

Serve warm. And enjoy!!

4 Ingredients To Chocolate Heaven

Fudge Boy Chocolate Cake:

1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
3 cups cold milk
1 pkg. chocolate fudge cake mix
1 pkg. thawed whipped topping

Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.

In medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk. Pour into slow cooker.

In same bowl, prepare cake batter per package directions. Pour batter over pudding, careful not to stir. Cover.

Cook on HIGH 2-1/2 hours or until toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean. Turn slow cooker off, but keep it covered for at least 20 min. or until pudding becomes thick. Serve topped with whipped topping.