Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Art Gallery

We have an art gallery in our home. And every single piece is priceless.

It’s in a wing of our house (OK, a stairway to the basement) and covers both sides of the wall. There are sculptures and wooden pieces too, lined up along the window sill.


Art Gallery | pictdure taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com



At the time that I made the gallery the boys were so proud. Their art through the years were valued, displayed.


Art Gallery | pictdure taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com



As the boys became teenagers, the gallery took on a whole new purpose. More and more my basement became a hang-out for the kids and their friends and suddenly their juvenile art work was more of an embarrassment. Often they would ask me to take it down but I held steadfast.


Art Gallery | pictdure taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com



The older the boys got, the more I loved that gallery. The days of art projects were over, increasing the value of the treasures from their younger days. But besides that I have to admit that every time those teenagers rolled their eyes at something I said, ignored a request,  “forgot” a chore, I’d think of their friends jabbing them about those juvenile art projects and suddenly, miraculously, a smirk would appear on this mom’s face.

I’m evil, I know.

Good thing I can bake.


Love of Mint Cake | recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #reicpe #dessert

Love of Mint Cake

Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics





Love of Mint Cake
                                                                               ©www.BakingInATornado.com
 
Printable Recipe
 
Ingredients, cake:
1 ½ stick butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cups milk
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 ounces of Andes Mint chips, melted
 
Ingredients, frosting:
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup Andes Mint chips, melted
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
Approximately ¼  cup milk
 
Directions:
*Grease a 9 X 13 baking pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
*Beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, milk, extract and food coloring.
*Mix in the flour, salt and baking powder just until incorporated, then beat for 2 minutes.
*Pour evenly into prepared pan.
*Drizzle the melted mint chips over the top and gently swirl into the top of the batter with a knife.
*Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the edges start to brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
*Cool completely.
*Beat the butter and second cup of melted mint chips. Mix in the powdered sugar, then beat in the milk, a little at a time until the frosting is of spreading consistency. Spread over the cooled cake.

30 comments:

  1. I love your art gallery. And I love mint. Cake sounds yummy!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, I'm sure it's not as extensive as your art gallery, but it makes me smile.

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  2. I never saw Andes mint cips but I will be looking for them.
    Omgoodness this looks good.
    I love your art gallery. One day when you have grandchildren they will love it too.
    Mine get the biggest kick out of seeing their parents art. They are obsessed with my collection of baby teeth and hair clippings too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can just buy the Andes mints too.

      Yes, I hadn't thought of it but I can just imagine how much fun little ones would have checking out their parents art.

      Delete
  3. Oh my goodness, that looks AMAZEBALLS!

    I love that idea of the art gallery. Maybe, when we get into a place, I can steal that idea from you.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, do it. Even now I look at those walls and smile.

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  4. I have a teenage-embarrassing art gallery too, and it's not coming down any time soon :) That cake looks amazing - I'm drooling right now.

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  5. I love the art gallery. I love how you are a little mischievous. The cake looks wonderful!!

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  6. That is very cool that you kept and displayed their artwork. A proud momma!

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  7. I'm full and for the 1st time I'm ignoring the recipe. Great art, though! ;-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, I love the art. I smile every time I walk through the gallery.

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  8. I love that you hung their art work up! And if they get a little red faced, oh well. They will get it one day. I still have all my boys art work and miss those days of art projects and messy hands. Memories, that's all I'm left with these days.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Dawn
    Spatulas On Parade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This little art gallery is definitely a fun trigger for those memories.

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  9. Now these are artworks that are truly priceless!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I'm thinking I may need to get it insured. . .

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  10. That is such a cute idea! I wish I had the room to do this. I have saved all of their artwork but it sits in totes in the garage where nobody sees them. The care sounds so good can't wait to try it1

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I think that's why I did it. I was afraid they'd all sit in totes in the basement. The hardest part was choosing which ones to frame and put into the gallery.

      Delete
  11. I enjoy seeing a glimpse into what may come for me someday! Your gallery wall is the sweetest thing and I am wishing that I had space and a basement to display all of the special things that the children make - I never even thought of it causing an embarrassment! As usual - your recipe looks amazing!

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    Replies
    1. I really did it out of pride, I never thought of it as being something they'd be embarrassed of one day either. That was just an added bonus.

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  12. I love your gallery. Love love love.

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  13. What a fantastic idea, Karen! Hmmmm....I think I have a couple of boxes of old school papers in the garage. Maybe it's not too late?? And what a pretty cake! That should take the sting of embarrassment away :)

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    Replies
    1. It's never too late to display valued art pieces. And wouldn't your kids be shocked to see their art hanging the next time they come home to visit.

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  14. G'day and how cute!
    Congrats for also being featured in this week's Olive and Grapevine newsletter!
    Cheers! Joanne

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  15. Hello....
    Your Art Gallery is fabulous and so cool. Its so amazing. I am thankful of you that you sharing this art gallery.

    Again thanks for sharing

    And last one your mint cake recipe is nice. I loved it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Stella. The art gallery really is a fun way to display my kids' masterpieces.

      Delete

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