February Already!?

It feels like January just flew on by.  Looking back on my calendar, I was busy but not so much that an entire month is gone already.  I guess so though.

I had a nice Groundhog Day.  I made a cake on Sunday to take with me to the class at the Culinary Business Academy.  This was a small class but since we teach the cooking portion of the class at The Cook's Warehouse in Decatur, I knew the staff there might like cake too.  For whatever the occasion might be.  I don't bake much even though I enjoy baked goods and sometimes a simple cake is the best.  I've had this recipe for a long time and have no idea where it came from.  It is good though.

Caramel Pecan Pound Cake source unknown

• 1 cup butter
• 1 pound brown sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar at medium speed.  Gradually add sugar and contine creaming.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
3. In medium bowl, combine baking powder, salt and flour.
4. Add flour alternately with milk to creamed mixture beginning and ending with flour.  Mix just until well blended after each addition.  Stir in vanilla and pecans.
5. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10 inch tube or bundt pan.  Bale 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Cool cake for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Monday was a good class day and with only 4 students we can get to know each other and they get almost individual attention.  There are 3 men and 1 woman and all have had interesting life experiences such as the military in intel, been in the Gulf War, one is a licensed pipe fitter and welder, one does computer work, one is an aspiring singer/songwriter who is singing in Nashville, one lied about his age to be able to work at 14 at Burger King and has been cooking ever since.  Very interesting how many different paths lead to the personal chef choice.

Tuesday I cooked for clients a little sooner than normal in order to make sure they were covered for the company that arrives this weekend.  They have many meals that will make entertaining and clean up easy for all.  I made a beautiful and delicious cake that will be ready for snacking.  My customer said she will not say that she made the food, I told her she could.  She said expect to get a call asking when I can cook  for their company but I have to travel to Idaho.  It's a nice compliment that my clients feel at ease using the meals for entertaining.  I also got dog hugs and kisses before and after cooking. 

Today is quilt class, 3 of 6.  I have my homework done and wonder what we will learn this week.  I have not counted my squares to see how many more are needed.  Maybe today.  The teacher said we had the most to do last week so maybe we are on the way down the hill.  I know this is supposed to be fun and enjoyable and it is, but I do have to remind myself to breathe while in class.  The sewing still intimidates me.  Also the cutting since that's pretty final.  At least stitches can be ripped out.  And have been.

Tomorrow I'll be teaching again at CBA.  We cook in the morning, have lecture at lunch followed by the ever popular "tour of the car", and then I teach marketing in the afternoon. 

I love that my life is so varied!