This and That - May/June

National Bundt Day - Pistachio cake {again}

I got a head start on National Bundt Day which is November 15 every year. 

For my August birthday, mom always made me a pistachio cake. Everyone in my family enjoys the cake...fond childhood memories...when I asked my sister Cheryl (on the left in the photo above) what cake she would like for her November 4th birthday, I was never thinking she would say pistachio but she did :-) It is also a nice cake for Christmas and you can decorate the plate it sits on. My sister Diane (on the right) also has a November birthday, and she will probably end up having pie with the entire family. Her birthday is on Thanksgiving this year, and I am hosting. 

 Out of all the cakes that I bake in this Heritage Bundt Pan, this cake comes out perfect and doesn't stick. And I don't do anything different. 

Each year I look back on my National Bundt Day posts. I'm grateful for this little blog because without it, I would forget half the cakes I have made. LOL

Recipe for pistachio cake:

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)

2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix

1 cup water

4 eggs

3/4 cup vegetable oil

FROSTING:
1/2 pint heavy cream
1 box instant pistachio pudding
9 oz. whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Directions In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mixes, water, eggs and oil; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. In bowl, combine the heavy cream and pistachio pudding, and fold in the whipped topping.  

The recipe is also on the Taste of Home website. http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pistachio-bundt-cake#ixzz3GvI5d5Ux

My grandmother Lana (who lived to be 100) also made pistachio cake. I've included her recipe which is very similar to the one I make. Love finding these old recipes that have been in the family for over 80 years.

Thanks for stopping by! 
xoxo
Debbie

I'M A LITTLE TEAPOT ♥♥....

You've probably heard the song "I'm a little teapot, short and stout, here is my handle and here is my spout". I think my grandmother (pictured below) must have told the story about my mother singing that song on stage as a child about 100 TIMES. Not kidding! She was so proud of her, especially when my mom stopped singing, and blurted out -------- HI MOMMY to my grandmother!!!  My grandmother truly adored my mom.

The mosaic below includes some of my favorite dishes, plants, doodads and photos from my grandmother's life.  Lana, a very sweet lady, loved anything pink. She has been gone for two years and we have the fondest of memories. Lana was full of life, and enjoyed her 100th birthday celebration. She was as sharp as a tack until the very end. 

This Mother's Day, Joe and I will be honoring our wonderful moms on their special day. My mom Joyce (the teapot gal), and Joe's mom Sally. My mom lives six miles from us and Sally lives in New York City. I am truly blessed with a wonderful mother, my sweet grandmothers and the best mother-in-law ever.

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  
           -Washington Irving

Joe has offered mom and me a Mother's Day meal at home with our family. In preparation of a relaxing day at home, I've set the table the way it will look on Mother's Day. I "love" these mugs from Anthropologie, and filled them with blooms from the garden, and added a photo of my mom and dad.

The ink has faded on my grandmother's recipes, but I treasure her recipe notes. Some of the recipes are like reading chicken scratch ;o) The recipe for pistachio cake has been in our family for at least 40 years, and it was always my birthday cake for as many years as I can remember. I was born in August, and mom  associated the color of this cake with my birthstone (peridot). I'm thinking of making the cake for my mom for Mother's Day since she doesn't bake any longer.

I found the porcelain teapot napkin rings from Pier One at a consignment shop a few years ago. The table runner is from Pier One also, and the teapot is from the Christmas Tree Shoppe.

I'll add a few more place settings to the table on Mother's Day. The plates are Vietri, and I combined a placemat with a rattan charger. Blue goblets from the Dollar Store. Blue cutlery from Big Lots several years ago. 

Getting ready to make a gift basket for my mom. She loves anything chocolate.

Just in time for Mother's Day...mint for the water glasses. Just for the blog. No way would my family tolerate that mint in their water! 

Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, I'll show you what makes my heart beat :-)  I am very blessed to have three wonderful sons. 

Son Bryon and his beautiful girlfriend Alissa

 

Stepson Nick (L), hubby Joe (C) and stepson Cory (R) going on a backpacking trip for the weekend

I'm joining Let's Dish and the Cozy Home Party this week. Thank you for stopping by! If you leave me a comment letting me know you were here, I will be able to visit you too!

Debbie