Yesterday was the 13th anniversary of the day my son changed his name to Hyperion. I decided to make his favorite birthday cake, a recipe I got from a friend, Leona, years ago at our Oregon City church. This cake became a family favorite, the designated choice of both boys on their birthdays. One year in Canada I bought all the ingredients and sent them to Landon in law school in Atlanta. And at the price of Canadian postage, that was probably his whole present that year.

Leona's Fabulous Butterskotch Cake

1 yellow cake mix (plain, not with pudding)
1 small butterskotch cooked pudding
2 cups milk (you won't even notice if you use skim)
6 oz butterskotch morsels (see why the milk won't make a difference?)
pecans (or peanuts if pecans too expensive)

Cook the pudding with the 2 cups milk as directed on the box. Whisk in the cake mix, stirring thoroughly. Pour into a greased 9 by 13" pan. Sprinkle morsels and pecans on top. Bake the cake for around 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

My oven is weird, so I baked mine closer to 45. You can take it out when the middle is still a bit gooey...that's one of the charms of this dessert. If you eat it warm with cool whip or vanilla ice cream, the gooey-ness is fantastic. Hype doesn't like cake, but loves this one. You know how food evokes memories? This butterskotch cake has come to mean "celebration" in our family, synonymous with family good times and laughter. We all needed it last night.

There is another variation: use a german chocolate cake mix, a chocolate cooked pudding, chocolate chips and walnuts. We've never gotten past the butterskotch to try the chocolate, but it sure sounds good. And don't wait till a birthday to try this! The Lord may come back before you have a chance!

(If you would like to know why my son changed his name from Thomas to Hyperion, write him at hyperioninstitute@gmail.com.)

Labels: Hypie's birthday, Recipe

This picture has nothing to do with mashed potatoes; she's just so cute I decided to use her again! She's Carly Mix, granddaughter of my friendinCanada Virginia.

Anyway, I made fantastic mashed potatoes last night and decided to tell y'all exactly how to do it without making them fattening. It's possible! I discovered this years ago while trying to do a very-low-fat diet. They are so good I never quit making them this way.

Here in the South we like to leave the skins on. Adds fiber and vitamins. So I use red potatoes with thinner skins. Scrub them really well and cut into quarters. Boil just till tender and drain immediately, leaving some cooking water in the pan. (Maybe 2/3 cup for 8-10 red potatoes. You'll get better at eyeballing this as you try it several times. You can't go wrong; if they are too dry you can always add some skim milk.)

Now here's the secret ingredient: powdered milk! You just sprinkle some in and start beating with your electric beaters. Once you get the powdered milk and cooking water mixed in, add salt and fresh ground black pepper, maybe a TINY bit of margarine for flavor (or butter). Start tasting and adjust the seasoning. We add garlic powder and sometimes chives. The beauty is that you don't have to heat milk; the cooking water is boiling hot and the powdered milk adds flavor and NO FAT! And they are delicious! It's so fun to have mashed potatoes without guilt. My son and I decided last night they are in the top five comfort foods.

Labels: Recipe

Perhaps this is for you today. Hope it helps you through the day!

THERE IS A GOD (from Psalm 91)

There is a God and He's aware;
He knows your fear; He knows your care.
He's not aloof or far away;
He'll stand beside you all the way.

You're in His hands, held like a child,
When storms are fierce and winds are wild.
His mighty wings will shelter you
and keep you safe the whole night through.

He tells his angels to stand by
and when it rains to keep you dry.
They'll bear you up and o'er the stone;
So be encouraged; you're not alone

Sometimes my faith seems weak and thin;
I fight the doubts, without, within.
And then I glimpse His leading hand.
I know He's here to help me stand.

And when my back's against the wall;
I'm on a ledge, about to fall.
Then brand-new hope in me is poured.
That wall behind me is the Lord!

And when I fall into the well,
This pit is dark and cold as hell.
I reach my trembling hands in fear,
And touch the Master; He is here.

He shines His light, dispels the gloom.
I'm not alone, here in this tomb.
He wraps me 'round with warmth and love;
I feel His power from above.

I'm going to make it! I hear Him say.
He's been here first to pave the way.
The goal's in sight, 'tis Heaven's door.
We'll be together evermore!

THE SCORE

Name:Marg Marshall

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"Fight discouragement like the very devil himself." ~ Morton Dorsey

(The wisest thing my dad ever told me.)

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