Cranberry Coconut Almond Cake

Yesterday amid my declining health I wanted to bake something.  So I looked to my cupboard for inspiration. I found a leftover can of cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. I don't know about you, but I find that I always buy that one extra can that I don't use and then it stays in the cupboard until the following Thanksgiving. The next thing I found was some coconut flakes from my last batch of Rock Buns and then I wanted my second favorite flavoring Almond. I didn't have any slivered almonds, but that did not break the recipe. Enjoy this very delicious recipe.

Cranberry Coconut Almond Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 cup butter (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs (beaten)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup coconut flakes


Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350F, grease and flour pan. 
• Sift the flour and baking powder, into a large bowl and add the butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extract.
• Beat well until the mixture is smooth.
• Stir in the cranberry sauce and coconut flakes.
• Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. 
• Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until risen, set and golden brown.
• Let cool and then turn upside down. 
• Enjoy. 

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Day

As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King day, most of us reflect on all the great things he has done. I'm breaking convention and not talk about his favorite dessert Pecan Pie and instead share a poem that my son wrote for this special day. I hope you enjoy it.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

By Sheldon Smith

Martin Luther King changed my life                                                    

I could have been killed by a knife  

Martin Luther King Changed My Life                 

We would have been treated with no respect,

Black people sighed and wept

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

We wouldn’t be able to ride the bus,

They looked at us with disgust.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life                                                          

Blacks didn’t get any love,

So they looked up above.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

Blacks showed kindness and peace,

But there wasn’t in the east.

Martin Luther King Change My Life

The war went on and on,

Until many Blacks were gone.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

There was blood on the floors,

But now there is no more.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

Blacks marched all day,

So we could have a say and get our own way.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

His speech “I Have a Dream”,

Change everyone’s self esteem.

Martin Luther King Changed My Life

I’m glad he came and made a difference in our lives.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

MEMBA WHEN is now available on AMAZON

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news with you. My second cookbook, "MEMBA WHEN" is now available on Amazon.com. I have been asked questions on where my book can be purchased and now I am happy to say besides my website : ) you can go to AMAZON.COM

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=memba+when+

I am hoping that all who stop by this blog every now and again will get a copy of my cookbook. Help make this the next bestseller.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Happy New Year

Last year I did all the talking and I never heard from you guys, not that I mind talking : )  This year I've decided I want this a little more interactive. If you have a question feel free to respond or comment on the blog. I would love to hear from you.

I'm thinking of all the recipes that I haven't tried and I am going work my way thru them, come along for the ride. I've also decided to walk more so I can eat more LOL.

Remember my new years mantra do more of the things I love. I encourage you to do the same.

Until the baking begins.....


Always remember to live one day at a time.

Happy New Year, Much Prosperity for 2013

As we embark on a New Year I want to say thank you to all my followers first and foremost for taking that brave step and signing up. It has been great having you aboard. Secondly I would like to say thank you to everyone that visits my blog and takes a read every now and again. It has been my pleasure entertaining you with my food talk. It has truly been a wonderful time spent with you.

As 2012 closes and 2013 begins I pray that we will all make the best use of whatever time we have, as time is so limited and so precious. I encourage you to try that recipe that you have always wanted to try. Sample that dessert you always wanted to, what are you waiting for ....just remember everything in moderation.

For me, in the new year I plan to do more writing, more reading, more sleeping, more eating, more of everything that I love. My goal is to live a fuller and less complicated life. Again everything in moderation.

A sweet treat for 2013

 

Wishing you all the very best for 2013. May God continue to bless you all.

 

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

 

Jamaican Plain Cake

Now this has to be one of my favorite cakes of all time, because just as the name suggest it is a plain cake. It is very easy to put together and it is a nice end to any meal.

I remember when I was a child growing up, my mom used to bake all the time. The rule of thumb was whenever the oven was on she would "throw" something else in there. For the most part the oven would be used on a Sunday when my dad would make bake chicken or some other meat kind for Sunday dinner, so of course you can expect my mom to bake plain cake or cornmeal pudding or good ole toto. (If you check a previous blog you will see the recipe for Jamaican Toto).

Earlier this week I was thinking of baking ..... when am I not thinking of baking : ) and I was thinking of baking some Rock Buns for the kids as a snack when they come home from school. My son says, "Mom can we have a cake or something?". So I decided to bake a Plain Cake. Lets just say its all gone now. It makes a great afternoon snack for the kids and it is very easy to make with ingredients you already have in your cupboard.

Even if you are a novice baker this is a simple recipe to make. It is also great if you half it.

Ingredients

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups butter (softened)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract (makes it extra special)
6 eggs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans or 2 9"baking pans.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Add butter, milk, vanilla and almond extract.
4. Mix on low speed for a minute then on high speed for 2 minutes. Stop and scrape the bowl. (Batter will be thick)
5. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans. 
7. Bake for 1hr 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely and then enjoy.

***Note - Use grated lemon rind or lemon flavour to make lemon cake

For other Jamaican Recipes like this, you can find them in my cookbook - Jamaica's Forgotten Treats available for purchase at www.renaeescakes.com

If you like what you see, sign up and become a follower. I would love to hear from you. 

Always remember to take life one day at a time

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin season is upon us, and I was thinking of another recipe to make with pumpkin. You have pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffin, pumpkin bread, but have you had pumpkin cookies. That's what I said interesting. So I decided to make some. It is soft, pumpkiny and oh so delicious.

You have to try this recipe. It is very easy to assembly and the kids will just eat them up. It makes about 36 and right now I have about 24. My kids gobbled them up : )

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
 1/2 cup raisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.


2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and raisins in medium bowl. 


3. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. 


4. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. 


5. Gradually beat in flour mixture. 


6. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.


7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. 


8. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 


9. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

For Glaze:

1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

3  tbsp milk

1 tbsp melted butter 

1 tsp vanilla 

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. 

If you like what you see, sign up and become a follower. I would love to hear from you.

Always remember to take life one day at a time

Scones

So today I am watching the television, my kids are home from school for the day. I'm thinking I should bake something. I decided on making some scones. Well I have a tried and tested recipe, but I decided to try another scone recipe to see how it bakes up.

I found that it was very sticky so I would say reduce the milk quantity from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup or add the milk a little at a time just in case you don't need as much.

Outside of that change the recipe was ok. But I forgot to add the raisins. You know scones are not sweet, so not having the raisins means you need to add jam or jelly to give it that extra something.
I did however, sprinkle a little sugar on the tops. That did help quite a bit.

Here is a pic below and I will share the recipe as well with my changes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Raisins

 

 Directions

 

• Heat oven to 400 F.
• Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
• Using pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Combine milk, egg and vanilla.
• Add to flour mixture slowly; stir until dry ingredients are moistened.
• Stir in raisins.
• Turn dough out onto a floured surface, sprinkle with a little flour and lightly knead.
• Flatten inot round circle and cut dough into 8-inch round
• Plcae on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired.
• Bake at 400F for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Serve warm and enjoy

 I have some pumpkin that is about to make a debut in some dessert I'm about to make. Stay tuned.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

I'm Back - Long Time

Hi everyone, it has been such a long time since I have been on my blog. With writing a new book and trying to promote it and just life in general, I had to take a break. I am hoping that I can make more posts going forward and that you will let me know what you are thinking. 

Do you like what you read? Do you want more? Do you have any burning questions? Let me know. Let's get this conversation started. 

I was able to visit with my parents in Jamaica this summer during the celebrations. It was very exciting. I could not have picked a better time to visit, with the Olympics and Jamaica's 50th Celebration. There was so much to see and enjoy. 

Just want to share a few pictures with you of the town into Montego Bay decorated. I hope you enjoy them. 

 Sam Sharpe's Square

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Jamaica's 50th Anniversary

 It has been so long that we have connected. I hope you have forgotten about me or given up on me. I have been so getting my book written for Jamaica's 50th Anniversary. I didn't want to miss this opportunity to take that trip down memory lane. I am proud to be presenting my new cookbook - MEMBA WHEN. More details to follow

I am making sure that I am in the mix for the celebrations. I can't wait, you know there is no party like a Jamaican party. We know how to make it happen. 

Jamaica Land We Love. 

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Happy Easter - Enjoying the Bun without the Cheese

Easter is a very special time of year for us in Jamaica. We celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection. It is also a time when we eat alot of Bun and Cheese. You know as a food blogger I had to share. Growing up I always liked HTB Bun and Tastee Cheddar Cheese, but now that I am grown (still debating) I make my own.

There is something to be said about making you own treats and desserts. It is fresh and minus all the extra additives. Not saying they are not delicious, I just have a thing for hot and warm cakes. I have to taste it as soon as it comes out of the oven. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I need to take pictures. With a busy schedule, taking care of the kids, writing a cookbook I almost didn't get my own order in. But I was not to be deterred. I'm so glad I persevered. This bun is DELICIOUS. I don't even need cheese to eat with it.

I think I need another piece. It is so moist, not too sweet except when you meet up on a mixed peel. I have to say, I have a new appreciation for the mixed peel. Growing up I didn't really like it, but I think my pallet has matured. I am enjoying this very much.

There are so many other food traditions from around the world, what are some of your Easter traditions. Let us know.

Always remember to take life one day at a time

Watch Your Sugar Intake

I was reading an article that spoke about being on a diet and trying to watch your sugar intake. This can get to be a chore if you eat out a lot or even a little bit. I thought to myself that is an interesting point, seeing that so many things these days have sugar in them. Even things that you wouldn't think would have a high sugar content.

Although I am not one of those people that really watch labels or count calories I do watch the labels for words that have multiple syllables or for words that end in "ose" like dextrose, fructose, lactose you get the picture. These are all sugars that can be found in foods that we eat. Things like sauce, ketchup, dressings. Always get these extras on the side so you can control how much you take in.

Just so you know the body does not distinguish between the sugars, whether it is found naturally in the food or it is added. We should still be conscious of the amount of naturally occurring sugar that you take in because the sugar content adds up.

Now you can't eliminate sugars from your diet because the body needs it to produce energy for us to keep moving. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), say that sugars do have a role in a healthy diet. However, if you are overweight or you are not an active person then you should consider reducing your caloric intake. My best advice to you is to be very vigilant.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Your Invited - My Book Signing - Jamaica's Forgotten Treats - March 29

I'm not sure if you are aware, but I wrote a cookbook which I am very excited about. I am a self published author, and just trying to make my rounds in the publishing world.

I am busy promoting my cookbook and I will be having a Book Signing for my cookbook - Jamaica's Forgotten Treats. I will have treats for sampling.

Location : Roselle Park Public Library
Date : March 29, 2012
Time : 6:30 - 7:30pm

My cookbook is available at www.renaeescakes.com. Please support by purchasing a copy. The recipes are simple and easy to follow with ingredients you probably have in your pantry. I look forward to hearing from you.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Chocolate Cake

I had an order to bake some cupcakes for a little boy's birthday and they wanted chocolate. They ordered my Death by Chocolate Chocolate Cupcakes. One teacher said "They were to die for" LOL. It got rave reviews.

I would give you the recipe, but then it wouldn't be my special recipe anymore would it.  : ) I like to experiment with different flavors, but when I find a recipe that works I don't mess with it. This is one of those recipes.

Do you have a family recipe that is just perfect? Tell me about it.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Hello my fellow readers, I hope all is well with you. My husband asked me to bake some cookies for him, oatmeal raisin to be exact and I thought to myself. I haven't made them in a while. I used to make these alot when I was in college for my dorm mates.

Can you imagine baking 3 dz cookies in a toaster oven, which can only hold 4 cookies at a time? Crazy I know, but I really enjoyed it. There would always be a line at my door when I make them. One other favorite was my Brownie Pudding, but I will tell you about that another time ; )

I have to say though that Oatmeal Raisin is my favorite cookie. What is your favorite cookie? Let me know.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Remembering Whitney Houston

I know this is a food blog, but I just want to take some time to remember a fallen sister - Whitney Houston. I was deeply saddened by the news and cried for yet another fallen soul. I can only imagine how much pain her family is going through right now, but Renaee's Cakes send their prayers and their love.  I am also saying a special prayer for her daughter Bobbi Kristina.

I remember when I went to see the movie Bodyguard I was in my first year of University. It was beautiful. I cried. I can tell you that she has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.

It just brings to mind that we are not promised tomorrow and that we must always enjoy life and live it to the fullest.  Tell the ones you love that you love them. I thank God for yet another opportunity to write and share my thoughts. May her soul rest in peace.

Just some food trivia I found out about Whitney. Her favorite food was Chicken Wings and her favorite dessert was Strawberry Shortcake.

Take care of yourself and lots of love.

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

How to frost a cake?

I was thinking of giving you some tips on how to frost a cake. When I started to frost cakes it took alot, I knew nothing about leveling or anything like that. I didn't want to waste any of my cake. Now my kids call it "cake scaps" best part of the cake : )

These days I don't mind frosting the cake, but cake design still ties my stomach in knots. Anyhoo working on it. Some essentials before you start frosting.

1. A cake decorating stand or a Lazy Susan
2. A Icing spatula
3. Frosting (whether bought or homemade)
4. Knife for leveling cake
5. Cake stand or cake board

First thing to do before frosting a cake is to have the cake cool completely. If you are in a hurry you can put in the fridge or freezer for a fast cool. Make sure you remove any loose crumbs from the cake. You can brush it off with your hands or with a pastry brush. Dab a small amount of frosting on the bottom of the cake plate to hold the cake in place. Then place the first layer on the cake plate. You can level the cake if you need to by cutting off the top of the cake. Frost this layer with 1/2 cup to 1 cup of frosting (depending on how much you like).

Level the second layer of the cake by cutting off the top and then place the cut side down on top of the already frosted layer. This way you will have a smooth surface to frost the top layer. Again frost the top of the cake with 1/2 cup to 1 cup if frosting. Then frost the sides with 1/2 cups to 3/4 cups of frosting.

Tip : - You can dirty ice the cake (putting on a crumb coat). This means you put on a thin layer of frosting on the cake and place in the fridge to set, so that you don't get crumbs in your final coat. 

After the frosting has set then you can put the remaining frosting on the cake. Decorate as you like.

Don't worry if you don't get it right the first time. It gets better each time you decorate.

Hope you found this interesting?

Always take life one day at a time.

Mango Cake

Hello Beautiful People, its been a while, but I am still here. The heart was willing, but the body was weak. Well to get myself back in the game, what better way to do it than to bake one of my husband's new faves....Mango Cake.

Can I just say that my test kitchen smells AMAZING.

I love mangoes and what a wonderful way to use excess mangoes or just enjoying the mango in a new way. I first came up with the idea to make this cake from a friend of mine. She loves mangoes. Mango smoothie, mango on its own, mango drink she loves anything mango. So she challenged me to come up with a mango cake. I was up for the challenge. I actually enjoyed the process or I should say she did, as she benefited from all the cakes from my test kitchen.

I have to say though that my husband is the most surprising champion for Mango Cake as he has a slight  allergic reaction to mangoes. Go Figure. Anyhoo, he loves this cake. That's all I have to say.

Is there any fruit that you like that you would turn into a cake if you could? Let me know I may just surprise you with a recipe.

Always remember to take life one day at a time

What do you eat when you are sick?

I have been out for a few days because I wasn't feeling 100%. Of course you know there are a million home remedies for whatever ails you. But my question to you is this what do you eat when you are sick.

Chicken Noodle Soup inevitably makes the top of the list. The brothy kind (just made up that word). Not the traditional Jamaican Chicken Noodle Soup that has lots of "food", yam, coco, dumpling, corn and much more but I digress.

Then you have toast, crackers all the "bland" foods that will not irritate the stomach wall. I must say though that toast and crackers are my go to foods. LOL. I used to eat almost one loaf of bread each day when I was in university. I do love bread. I still love bread, but I can't eat it like I used to. Again I digress.

Then you have the "teas", peppermint, ginger, cerassie (supposed to clean you out but it is so bitter). An endless amount can be found in Jamaica. I personally like peppermint. There is just something about it that is very comforting and soothing.

Anyways, make sure you take care of yourself. But if on the off chance you do get sick, what are some of the foods you eat when you're sick?

Always remember to take life one day at a time.

Coconut Drops, Cut cake, Chip Chip

Someone ordered some Coconut drops for the weekend. I'm not sure if you know what that is, but it is coconut cooked with sugar and ginger. It is one of those nostalgic treats I had as a child growing up in Jamaica. My mom used to always make a batch for our relatives here in the US when we came to visit. 

My dad would cut the banana leaf to put the drops on the leaf to cool. Nowadays you will probably have to use non stick aluminium foil. Those were fun times. My mom makes some of the best drops around. I don't think she has made any in a while. I will have to ask her.

Below is a recipe from my cookbook - Jamaica's Forgotten Treats on how to make coconut drops. Enjoy!



Ingredients
1 tbsp ginger
2 cups brown sugar
2 medium-sized dried coconuts chopped to yield 3 cups of coconut
3 cups water
Non-Stick aluminum foil

Directions
1.Break open the coconuts (taste to ensure coconut is fresh).
2.Remove the coconut from the shell.
3.Cut the coconut into small pieces (approx. ⅛of inch)
4.In a large uncovered pot mix ginger, sugar, coconuts and water.
5.Bring to a rapid boil and reduce the flame to medium high.
6.Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens. Reduce the flame to low. Use a large spoon to continuously stir the mixture to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot.
7.Cook the mixture until the sugar caramelizes. When the sugar begins to solidify at the bottom of the cooking pot and it is difficult to turn the mixture with the spoon, reduce the flame to the lowest setting.
8.Use a tablespoon to scoop clumps of the mixture onto the Non-Stick aluminum foil.
9.Allow to cool.
10.Yields about 12 coconut drops.
Always remember to take life one day at a time.