Love the Decor

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Memorial Day Madness

OVER 100 OF YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS FROM THE FORMER

AT HOME AMERICA

WILL BE PRICED TO SELL.

Huge sale starting at MIDNIGHT tonight PACIFIC, 3:00 am for those of you on the east coast.

ITEMS WILL SELL OUT FAST SO ORDER EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION

SALE GOES THROUGH MONDAY UNLESS SOLD OUT FIRST

YOU CAN SEE ITEMS HERE AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Recently I donated a dessert a month for a year for an auction. It was mainly to be cheesecakes but the winning bidder wanted something different this time.
I decided to make a Hummingbird Cake. I have had Hummingbird Cupcakes and loved them so I decided to make the cake. What is it you ask? It is a wonderful layer cake made with banana, pineapple and pecans.
It has been said that the cake got it's name because it is so good that when you taste it, it makes you hum. mmmm mmmm.
I am not a cake decorator at all but decided to give it a try and garnish it with dried pineapple, pecans and dried banana. Here is how it turned out

Here is the recipe:

FOR THE CAKE

Nonstick vegetable spray

All-purpose flour, for pans

3 cups self-rising flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

2 very ripe large bananas, mashed

1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 large eggs, beaten

FOR THE FROSTING

2 pound confectioners' sugar

16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

3/4 Cup butter, softened

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp almond Extract

1/2 cup finely chopped pecansTopping: dried banana chips, dried pineapple, whole pecans,more chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray and flour three 8-by-2-inch round cake pans, tapping out excess flour; set aside.

STEP 2Prepare the cake; in a large bowl, stir to combine self-rising flour, sugar, oil, pecans, bananas, pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon, and eggs.

STEP 3Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing with an offset spatula. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until the tops spring back when gently pressed with your fingertips, 26 to 28 minutes.

STEP 4Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto wire rack. Re-invert cakes and let them cool completely, top sides up.

STEP 5Prepare the frosting; in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and almond on medium speed until frosting is smooth. If needed, add a bit of milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to achieve the proper spreading consistency.

STEP 6Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place the first layer on the cake plate. Spread the top of the first layer with 1/4 of the frosting. Place the second layer on top and repeat process with another 1/4 of the frosting. Place the remaining layer on top of the second layer bottom side up. Spread entire cake with remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with chopped pecans. Garnish with dried banana, dried pineapple and whole pecans if desired. Remove parchment paper strips; refrigerate until ready to serve. ENJOY!

Linking to: Tasty Tuesdays

Friday, May 3, 2013

Painting Project Prep

Did you know that Sherwin Williams now carries a line of paint for HGTV? Beautiful colors that coordinate together to take the guess work out of matching paint from room to room. Be sure and check it out before your next painting project.
Speaking of your next painting project, here are a few tips that will help you paint like a professional.
First make sure to patch and fill all hole, cracks, and flaws with your favorite spackle or joint compound. Fill the space and smooth it over to match the level of the wall. Let dry thoroughly before painting over it or you could end up with shrinking or dimples in the area patched. Next sand over the area gently to make extra sure it is smooth.
Wipe walls with a damp cloth to be sure you are painting over a smooth surface. Tape trim and cover floor and furniture. Primer is a nice addition at this point but I have found with all of the wonderful paint and primer combos out there, that it is not necessary. Start painting and have fun.