Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Matt A.!

We had a nice (but quick) birthday for him Wednesday night. We had Luke, Jake, and Dad and Mom over for supper and cake.

I was going to make scalloped poatoes and ham...until I found out it took 3 hours (and it was 5 o'clock already). Ha! So, we ended up with Turkey Pot Pie/ Shepherd's Pie instead. And the cake. Don't forget the cake. I made chocolate cake, and a new frosting I hadn't tried yet. The frosting was really good. So good I will share the recipe with you (aren't you happy!).

If you are health conscious...please close your eyes and ignore the following... *ahem*

Creamy White Frosting (from Betty Crocker)

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon, orange, or almond extract (Almond is what Made the Frosting!)
• 4 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar (about 1 pound)
• 3 to 4 Tablespoons milk

In a medium mixing bowl beat shortening, vanilla, and extract with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Slowly add half of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 Tablesppons of the milk. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar and enough remaing milk to reach spreading consistency. This frost the tops and sides of two 8 or 9 inch cake layers. (Halve the recipe to frost a 13x9 inch cake)

Yum!