Happy Spring EARLY!  I cannot believe how HOT it is already.  Talking about frying eggs on the sidewalk this summer – might just be a true statement based on today’s weather.

St. Patrick’s Day was on March the 17th and a very happy birthday for Phil, my husband! He will celebrate a Biggie this year and proud of it!  We got married 12 years ago on March 18th.  What a celebration! Time flies when you are happy and having fun! We are still asking each other, “Where have you been all of my life?” I can honestly say, we are the definition of a happily married couple! Mike, Phil’s brother, coined a phrase – IT IS FUN HAVIN’ FUN and that is our daily goal. I do not have to wear green just on March 17th to avoid the pinch because I pinch myself everyday to just make sure that I am living the most wonderful life ever!

It is Tuesday afternoon and soccer practice for Collins has just been cancelled!  I get a phone call from Collins and Parker to come get them quick! Love it when the girls and their friends want to come to my house.  I turn the stove off and away I go to get my girls.  I have made pound cakes for my neighbors and my daddy along with some southern yummy boiled custard.  Both of the girls dove into both delicacies before I could get in the house!  Obviously the look on my face let them know what I was thinking!  “OOPS! Bubbles were these going to someone?” they asked with forks in hand and custard dripping from their mouths. Needless to say, they could eat anything they wanted.  Bubbles gets goose bumps when they enjoy my goodies rather than a treat from a drive-thru!  What is even better is when their friends call later and want some for their house. Guess grandmothers are good for something.

“Can we cook something?” they asked. Watching them search through my cookbooks is a hoot!  They decided to make Lemon Squares.  Collins checked for the ingredients and off they went.  Amazingly enough they produced a beautiful pan of Lemon Squares by themselves. 

My oldest granddaughter, Ivy, drops in to show me the cutouts that she is making.  Ivy is not really my granddaughter, but I love her like my own! She is such a beautiful young lady that I have known for years and have watched grow into a mature adult. Ivy is teaching 2nd grade in Valdosta. We have been sharing school stories - God bless her!

She wanted a skill saw of all things for Christmas and is making the CUTEST seasonal decorations.  I love my shamrock that she hung on my front door.  The Easter bunnies will soon be hopping down the bunny trail!  I must say Ivy’s Mother, Vicki, and Bubbles are decorating freaks.  Look at these cute ones that she is doing!  Each one will be different.  Want one? Just let me know!  My email is bubblesg@mchsi.com. Ivy has asked Collins, Carson and Bubbles to help her paint and decorate.  I cannot wait!  Love these special times with my girls! Reach out and grab these special times with your children, grandchildren or friends.

It is pouring down rain and I just got a call from Carson.  She wants to come over with her friend to cook. Wonder what they want to make other than a mess!?  Just kidding, I make them clean up and wash the utensils while their goodies are baking. Phil loves for them to bring their friends over.  What a great fellow!  He raised boys and now he has DIVAS in his life!

Love and Hugs,
Bubbles

Pound Cake

2 sticks butter room temperature
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 cups cake flour
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of baking powder
½ pt of whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla

Sift the cake flour, salt and baking powder 2 times and set aside.  Beat the sugar and butter until creamy.  Add eggs, sifted flour mixture, whipping cream and mix well.  Stir in vanilla.  Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.  Put cake mixture in a cold oven and bake at 325 degrees for an hour.  Check and make sure the cake is set (not jiggly).  Remove from oven when done and cool before removing from the pan. 

Boiled Custard

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 quart ½ and ½ 
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla

Heat ½ and ½ until smoking in a double boiler.  Beat eggs and sugar and salt.  Add just a few scoops of the hot milk to the egg and sugar mixture.  Slowly add the egg and sugar mixture to the hot milk.  Stir until thickened.  This will scorch – do not leave it.  When it has thickened remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Serve warm or cold!!!

** This is a recipe from my Grandmother, Mama Harris!  Loved her and BOY was she a good cook!!!!!

Lemon Squares

1 cup sifted flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ cup melted butter

Mix together and pat into an 8x8 greased pan.  Bake 18-20 minutes at 350 degrees

2 egg, beaten 1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Combine all of the above ingredients.  Pour over hot baked crust.  Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cool. Cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar.