Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Saturday, July 9, 2016

A New Twist on The Mile-High Lemon Coconut Cake..... CUPCAKES!!!!

YES! YES IT IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Fist I want to perfidiously apologize on my serious lacking of non posting of deliciousness. Over the last year we have had quite a stir up with near death experiences and more recently my awesmazing older sister Keeley Saint James has been suffering with a major head injury so we as a family have been rallying to help her rehabilitate and get her back to what is her and our new "normal".

What hasn't changed is her LOVE for this recipe. It was her idea that I turn it into cupcakes as it meant that there would be more for her  everyone else to go around. 

For the original recipe look Here  

Not much changes from the original the only difference is you will need at least 


  • 2  muffin tins that make 12 muffins lined with what ever fancy cupcake papers you have (Or the .79 cent ones from Wal-mart it rally doesn't matter) 
  • 1 Box of white cake mix
  • 1 can of lite coconut milk, divided
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 tbsp. lemon zest
  • 1 can lemon pie filling
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups icing sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • Wilton Filling piping tip
  • Piping bag (Or Large Freezer bag)


How to make:

 
Prepare cake mix according to the directions on the box; EXCEPT replace water with coconut milk. Reserve the remaining milk.

Line Muffin tines with papers

Fill each cup about half way full and bake as directed *I personally start with the least amount of time and go from there*

While cake is baking in the oven get a small fry pan and put 1 cup flaked coconut on medium-low heat. Stirring continuously, toasting until lightly golden.

When cupcake's are finished baking take them out of the oven and let them fully cool on cooling racks.

When fully cooled remove from pans. **TIP Before filling your cupcakes you should put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. A cold cake is easier to work with then a warm crumbly cake**

Filling:
 
Grate lemon zest into medium bowl

Add and Mix in pie filling with lemon zest; set aside

Icing:
 
Beat butter in a large bowl until pale and creamy

On low speed with your electric mixer gradually add 2 cups of icing sugar; mix till well blended

Add 3/4 cup of coconut milk

Add remaining 2 cups of Icing sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla; blend well

Cover icing with a damp towel and set aside * Damp towel prevents the icing from going hard*

 Putting it all together:

With you piping bag place the filling tip in the bag (Tip # 230) If you do not have this tip you can always cut out small circles in the tops I have included this video for you to see ways to help you fill your cupcakes!

Once cupcakes are filled you now can pipe you piping onto your cupcakes. If you are not into all the fancy piping By all means spoon in on then sprinkle with your toasted coconut. 

The Finished Product!







Saturday, January 3, 2015

One Year Later

First I apologize for being so quiet it has been very hard having Teen #2 being away. 

Today I find it especially hard. Today one year ago my beautiful determined spirited Teen #2 took what should have been a lethal dose of medication. 13 hours later I found her paralyzed in her bed barel responsive. Today is the day I fought for her care as some of the staff at the hospital though my then 13 year old was an 18-20 year old junkie and should be treated as such. 

I never left her side. Not even when she was in a locked psychiatric room unaware of her surroundings or of her self. It took a week for the Doctors to say she was "Medically Clear" to be moved to the adolescent psychiatric unit. There we were forced to separate & myself to go home. 

Another 4 days of fighting with staff & outside agencies till we had an acceptable discharge plan. 

A year later & it still hurts like it was yesterday. 

Today she's on the very slow path to treatment. The treatment center she is at is actually a working farm. They are having a snow day today. Which includes treats games and a hole wack of movies in the "homestead building". 

Though I can not hold her close today I've spoken with her on the phone. (Thank heavens for all inclusive long distance plans let me tell you!) 

So this one year later and a new year I am thankful for this wonderful chance of still having my Pixie with us.