Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you’re having a wonderful Valentine’s day!  I am busy double-childproofing the house, so that when the kids come home hopped up on sugar from their parties, they won’t be able to destroy anything important.

And speaking of sugar, here’s a recipe I have modified enough times that I think I can actually call it mine.  I made it last night for my PEO sisters, and it was a hit!  My husband loves coconut, so we’re constantly looking for ways to work it into desserts.  And, no, I did not spend hours in the kitchen.  Here’s my two biggest secrets:  fancy bundt pan (from my wonderful mom), and boxed cake mix.

Toasted Coconut Cake

• 1 package white cake mix
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 1/2 c. water
• 3/4 c. vegetable oil
• 3/4 c. cream of coconut (available in the mixed drink aisle at the supermarket)
• 1 tsp. coconut extract
• 4 eggs
• 2 c. toasted coconut

1. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, and sugar in large bowl.
2. Add sour cream, oil, water, cream of coconut and coconut extract.  Mix well
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
4. Fold in toasted coconut.
5. Pour into greased and floured 12 cup bundt pan.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then completely on wire rack.
8. Frosting:  combine (I winged it on these ingredients, looking for a consistency about like tacky glue) 2 c. powdered sugar, 1/2 cup cream of coconut, 1/2 tsp. coconut extract.  For the cake above, I spread the frosting in the grooves of the cake.  Top with more toasted coconut.  Enjoy!

Along more quilty lines, I have been devouring a wonderful book, The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos.  Hopefully all the wonderful tips will start becoming apparent on blog photos!  I also entered two designs in the Inklingo Love the Lines contest.  I think that may be the first New Year’s goal I have EVER met in the same year it was made!

And finally, check out this darling Valentine’s project from Keep it Thimble:

http://keepitthimble.com/2012/02/10/tutorial-pretty-patchwork-heart-pocket/

These remind me of woven heart baskets we once made in Girl Scouts.  I can’t wait to try out her clever piecing technique.  Now I’m off to enjoy handwork on the couch while snuggling with the girls.  I hope your day is full of quiet moments with the people you love most!