pastel pastel...como me encanta...how I love cake...

There is a single cake slide left from the cake I made last Sunday. Cakes have an especial place in my heart. At home with Mom and Dad we always have had cake to celebrate birthdays... ALWAYS... Cakes for me are an token for Happiness. I remember one winter, it was just around Christmas that we as a family gave (as present, we bought the cake, it was a 3 milks cake) a cake to our piano teacher. She was going through some hard situationss at the time, and when she saw us with a pink cake (I suppose it was pink, I do not exactly remember) we smiled, she told us that that day she wanted to eat cake but could not find some time to make one, we al felt happier that evening. So cakes makes life bright, because a cake was given hearts were touched. This is one of my favorite memories also.

Ok the recipe of the cake I made last Sunday is here, from the same book Seasons of my Heart by Susana Trilling. It's delicious!! This time I followed the recipe completly, however I made little mistake which I realized too late...the cake was fine though... my mistake was that I used baking powder instead of baking soda... I wonder what makes those two different...and I did not use rum, for obvious reasons.

PASTEL DE COCO
Coconut Pecan Cake
MAKES 10 TO 12 SERVINGS

For the cake
5 eggs at room temperature for at least 1 hour
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sunflower  or vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated fresh coconut, toasted
1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
For the frosting
1cup (2sticks) plus 1 tablespoon buttle, at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 cups confetioner's sugar
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
Rum to taste

FOR THE CAKE
Preheat the oven to 325⁰F. Oil a Bunt pan or two 8-inch square pans.
Separate the egg yolks and the whites into bowls.
In a large bowl, mix the butter, oil, and sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.
Mix the baking soda and milk.
Add the flour to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Add the vainilla, coconut, and nuts. Mix well. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then fold into the batter.
pour the batter into the greased cake pans and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake separates from the edge of the pan. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes, then remove from pans. Cool on a rack.

FOR THE FROSTING
Cream the butter and cream cheese with a hand or electric mixer. Add the vanilla, confectioner's sugar, nuts and rum. Mix well.
Brush off the excess crumbs. If using a Bundt pan, frost the cake on all sides and around the center hole. Decorate with fresh flowers. If using the square pans, invert  a layer onto a plate and cover the top pf the cake with frosting. Place the second layer (inverted) on top of the first and frost the sides of the cake. Finally, frost the top and decorate with fresh flowers.

Quilt of this season!!!

The other day I put myself down. Routine seems boring, winter has been long, cold, and cloudy...but I'm larger than those "circumstances" so with a liberating attitude I revisited some ideas and my patriachal blessing, What a comfort!!!

Ok, so making a quilt every year around summer time is becoming a tradition to me. The first quilt was made on summer 2008, when Max and I started dating, he helped me to find a really cool store in Sugar House, Salt Lake -cool store, but I was out of its league, too advance for my skills- in such situation I bought a magazine in WalMart, and there I was and there I started. Hi there!!! hahaha!!!.

The magazine is Quilts and more-Summer 2008 Issue, and the project is called SQUARE OFF. "What's the secret for making this cozy quilt? A quick stich-and-flip method of adding corners to 8" squares." Here, the picture of that quilt, I learned so much from it. It has flaws all over, but it has an especial meaning to me. Max helped me in the cutting stage, it was FUN!That block by  the way has a story: it was the last piece of its kind and Max cut it in half by accident according to his testimonial, however I knew he dispises flowery fabrics...jk, to save it from being disposed with the rest of the straps we made use of our unknown surgical skills...and there it is a living proof!

You can see my feet and green pijama pants, and that I really like flowery patterns.

Last year's quilt wasn't that succesful, still in my craft-box I'm just gave it a rest.

This year, my sister is visiting Mormie and Pa, and I'd like to send them this new quilt as a gift. Here a picture of all the blocks ready to be sewn together.

cocinando!!!...cooking!!!

Last Sunday I decided to cook como Dios manda and it was great. The menu was italian chicken, savory fava bean soup and coconut cake for dessert. Fava bean soup is one of my favorite  dishes, my mom uses to make it frequently at home.

I got a good recipe from this marvelous recipe book entitled "Seasons of My Heart" by Susana Trilling, which has all sort of original and "from scratch" Mexican food recipes. The recipe is ... if you ever wonder...

SOPA DE HABA (Savory Fava Bean Soup)

MAKES 6 SERVINGS AS A FIRST COURSE, 4 AS A MAIN COURSE

1 pound fresh fava beans (see Hint)

1 medium white onion, finely chopped, and 1/2 medium onion chunked

12 garlic cloves, 7 finely chopped and 5 left whole

2 springs hierbabuena (see Note)

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 pound tomatoes (2 medium-large round or 8-10 plum), boiled , peeled, and finely chopped (reserve one cup cooking water)

2 teaspoons sunflower oil

1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped.

In a 4-quart saucepan, bring 1 1/2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the fava beans, chopped onion, chopped garlic, and hierbabuenaand cover the pan. Lower the heat and cook until the beans are soft, about 45 minutes. Add the salt.

In a blender, combine the tomatoes, chunked onion, whole garlic with one cup of the reserved tomato water. Blend until smooth. Heat the oil in a medium frying pan and fry the tomato mixture for 5 minutes. Add the fava beans and stir in. Add the cilantro, adjust the seasoning, and serve.

Hint: You can substitute fresh peas for  the fava beans.

Note: Hierbabuena (MENTHA SPICATA): Spearmint, used as a flavoring in tea or a variety of dishes and for upset stomach.

I used canola oil instead of sunflower oil, I also used the pression cooker, olla presto,and I asked mom for how long should I cook the fava beans, her answer was "about 40 to 45 min, they have to be very soft so the soup gets thick." I did not have spearmint, so I did not add it... It tastes great anyway.... mmmm!!! hahaha!!!

...inspired...

Two days ago I was looking for a tote bag pattern on-line and I found this awesome blog ... -mmmcrafts.blogspot.com- and I'm enjoying it. I followed her instructions for a messenger bag...and I made it...here are few pictures of it... now I'm having a bunch of ideas for bag-projects for example make bags for my siblings and parents with our family crest on the flap...or collect all sort of pins an put them on the flap...or sew our names... or this or that...hahahaha!!!

here some pictures!!!!

Example-of-the-Believers

Example-of-the-Believers
I love it!

entry_3

Today was ward conference. It was great. the main point of the conference was to have a good relation with our Heavenly Father and our Savior, the Lord JesusChrist. I love the scripture in Luke 10: 38-42

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

"..But one thing is needful..." Mary chose to be closer to the Savior and that "shall not be taken away from her." Thus is how my priorities should be, I have things to do every day, and probably no one else is going to do it for me, however, they are not needful, I suppose that means that there are things that can wait, like, sleeping in so I read my scriptures, sleeping in so I can be on time at church, write in my journal, talk more with my brother and little brother, share special time with my only sister, talk with my that, write letters, read recipes, and so on... because I know that that will not be taken away from me.
I am a daughter of God and he loves me and I love Him.
LPS

entry_2

The other day I bought fabric from IKEA, the main reason was that it was cheap. I do not have a project for it yet, but something will come. I also bought a knitting kit for beginners and I can't stop it I just want to finish the scarf before Max's birthday. In the other hand I haven't done great in my scripture study although I started reading the Pearl of Great Price this week. It never stops to amaze me how wonderful the Creation was and still is. I constantly think in my patriachal blessing and the promises it contains. To be honest I don't understand most of its content but it has always inspired me. I wish I had a piano to practice at home.
LPS

entry 1

I got my Gospel Principles manual last sunday and I have Been reading it since then, The lessons are small and substantious, It makes me happy to know that the gospel is true and that the true is simple and precious, easy to understand andfollow.One of the chapters I have already read is about "Praying to Our Heavenly Father." I recognize that I have to improve my praying habits. It was easy at home to pray, family prayers are great, for me at least was a way to know how my parents feel about me, it also let me know my siblings testimony and to share mine too. I made me think of what was going on in the day for everyone in the famly, it could be a test, a trip, sickness, encouragement and so on. Prayer unites. "All of our thoughts, our words, and our actions are influenced by our prayers."
"...We should tell Him what we really feel in our hearts, confide in Him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with Him, thank Him, express our love for Him." (Gospel Principles Manual)
Pd.- I'm getting an Ensign suscription.
LPS

#3 Physical challenge.

Few more challenges and I will be ready to go... Physical challenge, let see. This challenge is about health and fitness.

Sleep enough (7 to 8 hours)
It would be nice to have a racing bike, they are light and ergonomic, to train traithlon. Some day!
I'm going to start running again, liberty park is a nice place, my goal will be 3 rounds not stopping around the park.
If i know of any 3 mile event, I'll join.
My wardrobe needs an update, a read once that a consist in 70% basics and 30% accesories and trendy items. Maybe some tops and socks will help.
LPS

Next...#2 Intellectual challenge

I want to learn how to play the transverse flute. I have to research about their cost and learning methods available. I feel confident in my musical skills, I can read music, so I will learn quickly. I want to read some bibliographies, LDS biographies are cool but I will like to new other kind of people like Barbra Streisand or someone from loyalty, Like Prince Philip of Spain. This year I will go at least three times to the opera.
LPS

Ok! Here is the plan... #1 Spiritual challenge

Pursuit of Excellence consists of 5 sorts of challenges SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, PHYSICAL, SERVICE AND CHARACTER.
For Spiritual Challenges I was thinking in follow the Sunday School lessons for every sunday and make of this year something meaningful. I will get the guide (Old Testament) and study before every. I am excited of studyig the Old testament, I have never had a compleate course of it; this upcoming year is my change.
I am also excited for having Gospel Principles as the main lessons for Relief Society. When I learned that the lessons were going to be from that manual I felt grateful for many reasons. First, the Church has grown and reach many people for its simplicity and truthfulness, and second, the Gospel is still the same. I see it as a recall of what we are here to do; which is the Lord's work, no more, no less. All around me sometimes turns sophisticated, complicated, too much of everything. Simple things, basic things, true principles always lead the way, they are essential to build my life.
So, I will focus on those two sources, Old testament and Gospel Priciples, for my Spiritual Challenge 2010.
LPS

Obedience

Obedience is the first law of heaven, It is an act of faith. You may be required to do things you do not comppletely uderstand. As you abey, You  increase in faith, knowledge, wisdom, testimony, protection, and freedom.Strive to be obedient to the Lord, and the living prophet.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Mathew 7:24-27)

Obedience, something that nobody likes to talk about in these days because it is thought to be restrictive, old fashioned, and boring. My father once sahred a great scripture in Doctrine and Covenants that touched my heart and enlightened my young mind (I was 17.)

And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law andperfected and sanctified by the same.(D&C 88:34)

LPS

Humility

Humility is the willingness so submit to the will of the Lord  and to give the Lord the honor for what is accomplished. Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of spiritual strength. Humility will help you as you strive to be obedient , to work hard, and serve selflesly. The opposite of humility is pride.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Mathew 26: 39)
The Savior JesusChrist is my greatest example. I'm so thankful for all He has done for me and taught me.
LPS

Patience

Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord's work.The Lord expects you to work diligently  -persistently and with great effort and care.
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;(D&C 58: 27)
Do many things of your own free will. Don't wait for your leaders to tell you what to do. Focus in the most important things and avoid waisting time.
Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end. (D&C 10: 4)
Time is the only thing I have, I need to be wiser in the ways I use it. I like agency, and I like more that I have agency. Most of the gifts and talentes at this age have to be earned by diligence, constant hours of practice and courage to try new things and let prejudices aside.
LPS

Patience

Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffereing without  becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious.
Life is full of diffiulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instanteous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.

Pres. Thomas S. Monson.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:10-11

I admire patient people. I want to be more patient.

LPS

Knowledge

D&C 88:118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. 
D&C 131:6 It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. 
As  you study diligently, prayerfully, and with pure intent, the Holy Ghost will enlighten your mind, teach you, and help you understanf the meaning of the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets.
You can also gain knowledge by watching and listening to others, especially church leaders.

Education makes a people wady to lead, but dificult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.Lord Brougham.
I am so grateful for education and knowledge! My mother used to tell me that if I knew how to do things I would not depend on others to do those things for me, and now I add that I can pass on that knowledge to others.

LPS

Create

Create
I just love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

Virtue

Virtue

What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.

Proverbs31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
LPS

My favorite...

I have to catch up a little bit. 
Charity and Love
When youa re filled with charity, you obey God's commandments and soa ll you can to serve others and help them receive the restored gospel.
"Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love." (Moroni 7:48)
You will come to feel a sincere concern for the eternal welfare and happiness of the other people. You will see them as children of God with potential of becoming like our Heavenly Father, and you will labor in their behalf.
You will:
...avoid negative feelings such as anger, envy, lust, or covetousness.
...avoid judging others, criticizing them, or saying negative things about them.
...try to understand them and their points of view.
...be patient with them and try to help them when they are struggling or discouraged.
Charity, like faith, leadas to action.
Moroni 7: 45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— 
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. 
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

Blaise Pascal said: 

THINGS HUMAN MUST BE KNOWN TO BE LOVED; THINGS DIVINE MUST BE LOVED TO BE KNOWN.

George McDonald said:

MAY YOU GROW TO BE AS BEAUTIFUL AS GOD MEANT YOU TO BE WHEN HE THOUGHT OF YOU FIRST.

I wish I could feel charity unceasingly.

LPS

Hope

Todays seems to be a great day! Christmas is closer!
Today is about "Hope"
It is believing and expecting that something will occur
Hope helps you conquer discouragement
"The unfailing source of our hope is that we are sons and daughters of God and that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved us from death" ("Hope, and Anchor of the Soul," Ensign,Nov. 1999, 59-60)
One of my favorite scriptures is about Hope:
Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. 
Hope is essential to go on in life and to reach (and receive) the highest blessings, so, I will not give up Hope.
LPS