Please Don't See A Shadow

(Published on surfKY News on February 2, 2012)

I remember a time in my life when I did not care one way or the other if the sun was shining or if it was raining or if it was snowing outside. The weather was not on my list of priorities. Funny how, when we get older, our priorities change.

If I get up to a dreary, cloudy day, my mood feels like that. But if I see that the sun is shining and everything it bright, I feel so much better. There are many days that I still feel like I have the blahs, but at least when the sun is shining, it is a little more bearable.


The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back to 1887 and it is said to have originated from ancient European weather lore, in which, rather than a groundhog, a sacred bear or a badger would predict the weather. Today, the most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil, who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Each year on February 2, Phil comes out to see if he can see his shadow or not. If he sees his shadow, folklore says we will have six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, we will have an early spring.

So far, this winter season has been extremely mild with spring-like days and temperatures as much as 30 and 40 degrees above normal. With weather like this, I start having flash backs to several years ago when the mild weather ushered in the Ice Storm of the Century.

I am sure there are many kiddos out there that keep looking for falling snowflakes so they can have a few snow days off from school, but as for me, I say bring on Spring. I do not like the dreary, cloudy days but for February 2, I hope it is cloudy so Phil cannot see his shadow.
 

Check out these shadowy recipes.



CHOCOLATE SHADOW CAKE

•1 pkg dark chocolate cake mix
•1/4 c finely chopped almonds
•1/4 t cinnamon
•1/4 t cloves
•1 1/4 c water
•1/3 c oil
•3 eggs

TOPPING
•2 c whipping cream
•1 c powdered sugar
•1/2 c cocoa
•1/4 t almond extract
•1/4 c slivered almonds

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans. In large bowl, combine all cake ingredients at low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes at highest speed. Pour evenly into prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling rack 15 minutes; then remove. Cool completely.

In chilled bowl, combine all topping ingredients except almonds; beat at highest speed until topping forms stiff peaks. Slice cooled cake into 4 layers; spread 1/4 of topping between each layer and on top. Sprinkle with slivered almonds. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Store in refrigerator.
 

SHADOW BARS

•1 c butter or margarine
•3/4 c granulated sugar
•3/4 c brown sugar
•3 lg egg yolks
•1 T water
•1 t pure vanilla extract
•2 c all-purpose flour
•1 t baking powder
•1/2 t baking soda
•1/2 c chopped walnuts

Cream butter, sugars, egg yolks, water, vanilla together. Then add flour, baking powder, & soda mixture. Blend well. Spread in a greased 9x13 pan. Press down even, then press in 1 package (12 ounce) of chocolate chips. Top with: 3 egg whites beaten until stiff. Add 1/2 cups brown sugar, gradually & 1/2 cups white sugar. Spread over chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
 

SHADOWY MOON MARSHMALLOW TREATS
(This is a popular Halloween recipe but you can substitute spring colored candies or Easter candies for decoration)

•6 c crispy cereal
•16 Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, finely chopped (about 2 cup)
•1/3 c margarine
•1 package miniature marshmallows
•1/3 c miniature chocolate chips
•1 c canned white frosting
•Assorted colored gels (orange, yellow, red)
•Yellow colored sugar
•Assorted candies

In large bowl, combine cereal and cookie crumbs; set aside.

In large saucepan, over medium-low heat, heat margarine and marshmallows until melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Pour over cereal mixture, tossing to coat well. Press mixture into greased 14-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips, pressing gently into cereal mixture; set aside.

Frost top off prepared mixture with frosting to within 1-inch of edge. Decorate with assorted gels. Sprinkle with yellow colored sugar. Decorate with assorted candies.
 

NEXT WEEK— A Rose By Any Other Name  

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