If you like Pina Coladas....

With the weather getting warmer, it's put me in a tropical mood. This cake was a perfect summery treat.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs 1/3 cup milk 1/3 cup shortening 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond or rum extract 1/4 cup pineapple preserves 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 cup flaked coconut

Preparation:

For cake, in a mixer bowl combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder,salt, and vanilla. Add eggs,milk, and shortening. Beat at low speed of electric mixer till mixed; beat at medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Spread batter in an 8 X 1 1/2 inch waxed-paper-lined round cake dish. Microwave,uncovered, on medium for 6 minutes. Increase power to high and microwave 1 1/2 to 5 minutes or until done. Cool 5 to 10 minutes and remove from pan. Slice cooled cake horizontally to make two thin layers. Set aside.

For topping, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and almond or rum extract until stiff peaks form. In a 1 cup measure combine preserves and lemon juice. Spread on bottom cake layer. Top with 1/3 of whipped cream mixture. Spread remainder of whipped cream on sides. Sprinkle with coconut. Refrigerate until served.

Veg The Healthy Way

Some people who choose to forego meat tend to lean more towards potatoes and lettuce and miss out on some essential nutrients. Since I'm an advocate of adapting traditional recipes to vegetarian tastes, here's a story with some insights on how to get those nutrients. Veggie Hive posted it to Twitter and it has some really good ideas!

http://www.naturalnews.com/028457_protein_vegetarian.html

Microwave Made Easy

For those of you who are new to the world of microwave cooking, here are some tips and tricks that make things go a little more smoothly:

http://www.microwaverecipescookbook.com/microwave-recipes/microwaving-techniques.

Egg-ceptional!

When I start to feel a little under the weather, I always crave breakfast food to make my self feel more sunny-side-up. (Cheesy egg jokes? yes please!). Since I've been ill for the past couple of weeks, I've been looking for easier ways to make my favorites. This recipe was super simple and very delicious, especially with a healthy glass of OJ.

Ingredients:

• 1 slice bread, cubed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• dash pepper

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a 6-inch microwave-safe serving bowl. Blend well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then poke a few small perforations in the top to vent. Cook on MEDIUM HIGH for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 minutes. Halfway through cooking time, turn dish a half-turn. Let stand, covered, for 30 seconds to finish cooking.