I made a King Cake!

Last year I had the chance to speak in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  After the conference, the precious pastor's wife took me to the grocery store at my request. The reason is I LOVE to visit grocery stores in a new city.  They always have great regional specialties.

I was only looking for some Creole or Cajun treats, but discovered something amazing.  That day I saw something I'd never known about, being an Arizona gal and all.  It was a wall of King Cakes for sale!   These beautiful cakes were covered in purple, green and yellow frosting and filled with different fruits and flavors. 

Just the day before I'd eaten my first King Cake made by the ladies of the church.  I had no idea you could buy them in the stores.

I bought one to carry home on the plane, and wished I bought more.  For a year I checked the Internet to find somewhere to buy them in Phoenix.  No success. Finally, I told my new friend Amy Bayliss about my desire for a King Cake and she sent me her personal recipe - actually her grandmother's recipe!

Sunday, I made my first King Cake and it tasted amazing.  It took all afternoon, and we had it for dessert. 

This isn't exactly what it's supposed to look like.  Normally, it is in an oval circle, sometimes with braided dough.  I don't work with yeast dough often, and it rose more than I thought it would.  But it tasted great.  And the colored sugar hides the flaws ... kind of.

If you are interested in the history of the King Cake, here's some info.   The recipe on this page is the same one Amy sent me.  The only difference I made was adding a filling.  I blended 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup flour and 4 Tablespoons melted butter.  NOTE:  I should have doubled it. 

To add the filling, simply roll it out after the first rising.  Spread the filling and then form it into a big circle (unless you want it round like mine). 

I also didn't make the lemon frosting. 

If you like making unique items, and learning about regional customs, I can recommend this.  And say "thank you" to Amy for sharing her personal family recipe.  That was just as much a treat as the King Cake.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Wash on Mondays, Iron on Tuesdays

Have you ever seen those adorable vintage towels, embroidered with a daily homemaking task?  More than adding vintage charm to someone's kitchens, those towels represent a simple, ordered life. 

You see, our grandmothers (or great grandmothers) didn't have the convenience of throwing a load in the washer before heading out the door for Starbucks.  Laundry was an undertaking, best tackled after a day of rest.  There was logic in creating a homemaking schedule.

Can something like that work in our busy lives?

Today I've got a post on this subject running on At the Well.   Click on the link, and pop over there to read it.  But then come back, because I've got a giveaway.

In honor of a simple life, I'm giving away the book, "Amish Peace" by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I've read it, so technically it's a used book. But I really want to share it with someone - and I promise it looks like new.  It's filled with Amish proverbs like this one:  Beware of the man who knows the answer before he understands the question.

That's good stuff! 

So, to enter into the drawing, simply leave a comment with your thoughts on creating a homemaking schedule like generations of women before us.  Should we be more scheduled?  Or take advantage of the flexibility?  Please make sure I have a way to contact you.  I'll announce a winner on Thursday.   

In His Love,

Glynnis