This Cake..... Texas Sheeeet Cake

This Cake.

So Simple.

So Good.

I am not even a Texan.

I am an Ohioan.

But, if this is what cake tastes like in Texas.

I wanna live there.

This is actually an old recipe of my grandmother.

She was not from Texas either.

But, this cake was always my favorite.

Except when she made it for my cousin who shall remain nameless.

She would eat the whole pan herself. 

And I would cry.

Moral of the story- share!

Trust me- there is plenty to share.  

I have made this cake countless times.

There are many variations out there.

They all involve baking the cake in a jelly roll pan. 

And buttermilk is key.

Some recipes have nuts mixed in the icing.

I like mine with just chocolate.

And the cake must be moist.  Moist.  I cringed a little as I said it the second time.  

See that bite.

Perfect ratio of cake to icing.  

So- instead of starting a diet you are going to quit in 30 days...

Make some cake.

Enjoy a piece and bring the rest into work.

Or to your sister in law's...... I thinks she hates me now.  :)

Smiles,

Marci

Texas Sheet Cake

1 cup butter

1 cup water

1/3 cup cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup buttermilk

2 slightly beaten eggs

1 ½ tsp vanilla

1 recipe chocolate and buttermilk frosting

In medium saucepan combine butter, water and cocoa.  Cook and stir until mixture comes to boil.   Removed from heat and set aside.    In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, soda and salt.  Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla.   Beat until smooth.  Stir batter into cocoa mixture and pour into floured and greased pan with side (15x10x1inch).   Bake for 20 minutes (or less) at 400 degrees.

Frosting:

4 Tbs butter

¼ cup cocoa powder

¼ cup buttermilk

Bring butter, cocoa and buttermilk to a boil.  Stir in 1 Tbs vanilla and 2 ¼ cup sifted powdered sugar.  Immediately pour over cake.  

** I double the frosting recipe, but I do it because  I like a thick layer of frosting on my cake.  

2014.....

 The past few months have been a blur.

I have been so busy at times...

and so not busy at times.

I decided to take an unofficial "break" from blogging.

I was still baking some.

But, my heart just wasn't in the right place.

It felt good to take this break.

So good, in fact, I wonder if I should even continue this blog....

I still love this little space of mine...

But, I am conflicted. 

So, I plan on taking it day by day.

Who know what I will do.

Maybe I will blog three times a month...

and maybe I won't blog at all for a month.  

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.  

I will keep you all posted on what happens with Suzy Social Worker.

Hugs,

Marci

Spicy Snack Crackers to Kick Off Beat Michigan Week!!

I have a quick and simple snack to start off the biggest week of the year...

Beat Michigan Week...

Or for those who don't live in Ohio or Michigan

or live under a rock..

or is my mother...

It is the week leading up to the big Ohio State Michigan Game.

Which we will win...

So, to kick off this week I made these spicy crackers.

Perfect to snack on while watching the big game. 

These crackers would also be an easy snack to serve on Thanksgiving 

before the Turkey makes its appearance.  

So who is going to be watching the game?

Invite me over and I just may bring these yummies to share!

Enjoy!!!

Go Bucks!!

O-H....

Marci

Spicy Snack Crackers:

1 box of Cheese-its
1 box of Mini club crackers
1 packet of ranch dressing mix- powder
1 packet of zesty Italian dressing mix- powder
3/4 to scant full cup of vegetable oil
2-3 teaspoons of red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients- mixing well with hands or spoon to ensure all sides of the crackers are well coated with oil and spices.  I added about 2.5 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to my mix, but if you do not like heat you may want to start with one teaspoon.  I started with 3/4 cup of oil but added a bit more to make sure all the crackers were coated well.

Spread the coated crackers in a rimmed baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the crackers halfway through.   

Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.  

Random Things

I am writing this as a storm is passing through.  

A very bad storm.

The kind that makes you say things like...

There is no place like home...

There is no place like home...

There is no place like home....

Only minus the sparkly shoes and plus one sock with a hole in it...

I thought about hiding in the basement..

Sirens tend to do that..

But, when I saw the giant spider web collecting in the corner of the laundry room.

I changed my mind.

I realized a few things these past few weeks.

I have been a little bit stressed...

No, a lot stressed.

So stressed... that I have stopped baking..

Wait!  That's right.

There is a baking- stress threshold.

Usually, baking is a stress reliever....

Unless..

You are so stressed that all you can do is come home..

wash your face, brush your teeth.

and fall into bed...

and even with ten hours of sleep..

you wake up feeling like you had three...

But, I hope the end is in sight..

If not..

I am going to need cookie reinforcements...

Pronto..

So instead of lovely baked goods...

I am bringing you smiles.

Cause everyone needs smiles.

Cat logic is so true... 

I have most definitely not been keeping up on my veggies...

Surely string cheese and pretzels count as a healthy dinner somewhere....

Butter... enough said.

I need this chair.

Because my couch told me it needs a break.

I hope it doesn't want to break up with me...

I might cry..

and then buy this chair....

And lastly, I need this....

Not sure why since I just admitted eating string cheese and pretzels for dinner..

But, surely if I had this all would be better....

Smiles and have a great week everyone!

Marci

Walking not running....

I bet you all have been wondering where I have been..

I have not been on vacation.

I have not been baking tons of yumminess....

I have not been cleaning my house.. ahem...

I have not been working on world peace....

unless you count my job..

which feels like I am trying to achieve world peace... at times...

But, a couple of weeks ago..

I did complete a goal of mine.  

Just a tiny one.

I completed a half marathon.

Walking not running.. of course.

It was a pretty amazing experience.

But, I can't say I felt that immediately after the race.

I just felt like not moving.

another step. ever.

I am so very glad I did do it.

And I am glad I did it with an amazing couple of gals.

We finished. together.  

We all participated in the Columbus Half Marathon.  

Which benefits Nationwide Children's Hospital.

At each mile marker in the race- a child and their family cheered the racers along.

But, truly they were the champions as all were facing or had faced a tough medical journey.  

It was my first time going to a marathon expo...

I couldn't believe the shopping.

shoes, shirts, gel stuff (fuel) and amazing things that can help you run (or walk) better.

We all were thinking this at one point...

A few of the goodies I picked up that day.  

And yes- that is King's Hawaiian bread.

They had a booth there and I hit the jackpot in free coupons.

Bread = Carbs... right?

Race map.

Carb Loading....

Very cool pants I need to own..

They have sneaky pockets in the back of the legs where you hide snacks...

like cookies..

or little debbies...

Me... pre-race

And we are off....

And the finish line!!!

We did it!!

The proof is in the medal...or is it pudding....?

I think my next step..

Which probably should have been my first step...

Is to complete a 5k... running...

not walking....

ok...

not running...

jogging...

HappY MondaY everyone!!!

Marci

German Chocolate Brownies

I'm sorry.

I have been missing from the blogging world.

I wish I claim something wonderful was happening.

But no, just life was happening. 

But, to make up for it. 

I made you treats.

Specifically, these German Chocolate Brownies.  

They are fudgey and moist.

And the homemade frosting.

To.Die.For.

So, the lesson of today's story is...

Don't be a bad blogger and disappear for weeks on end.

Don't let yourself get hooked in a tv show like Homeland

-for example-

Because you may find yourself losing sleep.

Getting suck into the lives of Carrie, Brody and Saul.  

Just hypothetically speaking.....

But, if that were to happen.  

These brownies could go a long way towards forgiveness.

Maybe we should send some of these to Congress.

Just saying....

Smiles, Marci

These brownies were made following the recipe by Crazy For Crust.  Here is the link to the recipe.

Ricart Blogging Event

Last week I was invited to a Columbus Blogging Event hosted by Ricart.  

I was at first skeptical.

I mean who really reads my blog?

But, I decided to give it a whirl.

Because I was excited to meet fellow bloggers.  

Especially fellow bloggers from Columbus.

Ricart was kind enough to host this event as they are looking to increase their social media presence.  

So, I gave it a whirl. And had a lot of fun.

Lisa from Organize 365 presented to all of us on how to organize our cars.

We got a chance to meet our fellow bloggers and

we  got to meet Rick Ricart!

Rick spent some time talking to us about the Ricart Company.
A company that I have been familiar with for years growing up in Columbus.  

Rick is the 3rd generation of Ricarts to lead the company.  

It is always amazing to learn more about a company from someone who has experienced it...

and worked in it since he was young.

Rick Ricart- along with his siblings- worked their way on up in the company from the bottom.  

They gave us a tour of the facilities.

And we were even able to see the original Ford that started it all.  

Ricart has been working on some changes within their company.

And I think that you will see it when you meet their employees....

and visit their facility.  

It was a fun afternoon.   I was able to connect with some fellow bloggers 

and learned something new about a local company.

And I got to decorate and eat cupcakes.  

Ricart was kind enough to provide us with some goodie bags and I wanted to share it with you.
So Columbus folks- get ready.

I have a coupon for a free oil change.

A $20 gift card for service

and a Ricart Computer Mouse.  

So, leave me a message if you would like to be entered in this giveaway.  

And, if you want an extra entry- 

Like my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuzySocialWorker

If you already like it- just leave me a message and say so.  

I will plan on picking a winner October 28th.  

Ricart is a local Columbus, Ohio company.  

So, I will work on a fun giveaway for those who don't live locally.
So hang in there.  

Lastly, check out http://www.ricart.com if you are thinking of buying a new or used car.  

They have some great deals.

And some genuinely great employees.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Marci