Funny Cake

Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake

Fun to make and even more fun to eat! 

They say this delicious breakfast cake gets its name "Funny Cake" because the chocolate is added last and was meant to stay on top of the cake filling. But during the cooking process the chocolate and cake filling flipped positions. I guess it made the baker laugh! 

My best friend, Sandy, grew up in PA and gave me this unique and delicious recipe after she served it to us one morning with breakfast.  Let me tell you, chocolate for breakfast is pretty awesome! Haha!

Ingredients:

Syrup:
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. hot water
1/4 c. unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Creamed Mixture:
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. oil
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 (9") unbaked pie crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To make chocolate syrup:
Mix 1/2 cup sugar, hot water, cocoa and 1/2 tsp. vanilla; set aside.

For Creamed Mixture:

Cream together 1 cup sugar, egg and oil.

Add milk, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, flour, salt and baking powder.  Beat well.

Pour creamed mixture into on 9 inch unbaked pie shell, then pour the chocolate syrup over the top.

Bake at 375' for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top.

Serve with breakfast!

Be encouraged!

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...gentleness, self-control.  -Galatians 5:22-23

Orange-Glazed Ham Steaks

Orange-Glazed Ham Steaks

I made these delicious ham steaks for Easter a couple of years ago. I didn't feel like making a whole ham, so  I started my search on "Taste of Home" website and found a recipe for the most delicious ham steak ever! 

These tasty ham steaks combine orange marmalade and maple syrup for a terrific taste that goes beyond dinner. The chili powder adds a slightly smoky flavor that everyone loved...and it was easy clean-up. Always a plus! 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange marmalade
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
4 1/2 tsp. orange juice
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
*4 boneless fully cooked ham steaks (5 oz. each) 

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the marmalade, syrup, orange juice and chili powder.

Grill ham steaks, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from the heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until heated through, brushing occasionally with the marmalade glaze.


* I used three large, bone-in steaks for seven of us and had leftovers. 

Be encouraged!

"There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day."   -2 Timothy 4:8

Vanilla Butter Melt-away Cookies

They really do "melt in your mouth!"

These little gems showed up on my Facebook page, they're from The Taylor Houseblog.  Let's face it, anything that says "melts in your mouth" is begging to be baked, right?

They were a hit with everyone who tasted these wonderful, delicate and very yummy little cookies. 

My piano students gave them a "thumbs up" so I just had to share this recipe with you all.

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350' F.  Prepare baking sheets by lightly greasing with shortening or use cooking spray.

In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix until combined.

Add the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda and mix well.

Roll cookies into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared cookie sheet.

Using the bottom of a glass, flatten cookie balls (not too flat).
​​
Bake in 350' oven for 7-8 minutes depending on your oven. Take them out when they look almost cooked. They will continue baking after you take them out.

Yields: Approximately 2 dozen

Vanilla Butter Frosting
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
1 lb. confectioners' sugar (3 cups)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons milk

Cream together all ingredients until light and fluffy.  
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You're ready to frost these delicious cookies!

A Tip from Grammy: 
- Exchange the vanilla for other flavors, lemon, almond, peppermint.  They're all delicious!
-Add coloring to the frosting for different occasions 
-Add sprinkles onto the tops of the frosting.

Be encouraged!
"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way." -2 Thessalonians 3:16