The People's Princess

(Published on iSurf News on June 23, 2011)

Do you remember where you were on August 31, 1997? More specifically, do you remember what you were doing when you heard the news that Princess Diana had been killed in a vehicle accident? I was on vacation, sitting in a restaurant in Florida when I heard the news. I could not believe the images I was seeing on that television hanging on the wall. How could someone so beautiful, so giving, so caring, be taken away from the people?

She was called “The People's Princess” because she because she could sympathize with the people and she insisted to be treated just like them, even telling people not to call her 'princess'.

Diana helped with many causes and charities and helped bring awareness to many issues in society. Her most notable work was with land mines and her work on behalf of AIDS patients. Diana was one of the first celebrities to be photographed touching AIDS patients and she is credited for helping remove the stigma associated with AIDS.

It is so hard to believe that nearly 14 years have passed since that incredible lady left this world. I know her memory will live on forever. Rest in peace My Princess.

 

Diana Spencer was born on July 1, 1961 and married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981 in a fairy tale wedding that unfortunately did not last for a lifetime. Their divorce was finalized in 1996.
Here are some of Diana's favorite recipes.

PRINCESS DIANA'S MAC & CHEESE

•1 lb elbow macaroni
•1 (16 ounce) Velveeta cheese
•1 (8 ounce) shredded package cheese (I prefer Colby-Jack.)
•2 tablespoons butter
•2/3 cup milk (or more)
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 11X13 pan. Cook macaroni in salted water until "al dente" according to the box. Layer cooked macaroni, then sliced Velveeta (about 6) on top and some shredded cheese. Season each layer with salt (kosher or seasoned) and pepper. (It is not necessary to use a whole teaspoon because it all depends on your personal tastes.). Keep repeating layers until all macaroni is used with cheese on top. Top with small pieces of butter and pour milk over the top. Bake for 30 minutes with foil that has been sprayed with a non-stick. Take the foil off and continue baking for 10 minutes.

 
THE PRINCESS OF WALES' FUDGE

•1/4 cup butter
•2 cups sugar
•3 tablespoons water
•1 (10 ounce) can condensed milk

Put sugar, butter and water into a large non-stick saucepan. Stir gently until sugar is dissolved. Add milk and bring to boil. Simmer on very low heat until mixture thickens and browns; this could take 45 minutes. Stir occasionally during simmering. Remove from heat; cool slightly and beat well. Pour into a 9x9x2 inch greased tray. Wait until it is set and cut into squares.
 

PRINCESS DIANA'S BIRTHDAY CAKE

For the cake-
•6 large eggs
•1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
•1/3 cup water
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, mixed with
•1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling-
•3 cups whipping cream
•1 tablespoon vanilla
•1/2 cup granulated sugar
•3 pints strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced (about 12 ounces each, reserve some for garnish)

Preheat oven to 350F. To make cake: Grease bottom and sides of two 8- or 9-inch round layer-cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment or waxed paper; grease paper. Add granulated sugar to each pan, tilt to coat bottom and sides; shake out excess. Beat eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until pale, about minute. Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating about 2 minutes (or more, as needed) until mixture is thick, tripled in volume and forms a slowly dissolving ribbon when beaters are lifted. Working quickly, stir in water and vanilla. Fold in flour mixture just until completely blended. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until tops are lightly browned and toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pans on rack 10 minutes.

Run thin-bladed knife between sides of pans and cakes to loosen. Invert pans on rack; peel off paper and cool completely. To make filling: Beat cream and vanilla in a large bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form when beaters are lifted. Gradually beat in sugar until cream is of spreading consistency.

To assemble: Slice each layer in half horizontally, using a long serrated knife. Place one layer on serving plate, spread with 1 cup whipped cream, top with one-third of the sliced berries. Repeat with two more layers. Place remaining layer on top; spread remaining cream over sides and top. Garnish with reserved berries.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.


NEXT WEEK— I'm Bored!

Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!