Recipes from Friends: Lynn's Crusty Pound Cake Recipe (perfect for strawberry season!)

Our lovely friend Lynn WMy friend Lynn W from Birmingham is a wonderful cook and loves cooking for a crowd. Lynn is always entertaining and her brother always raves about her cooking when they have a family event. I think Lynn's cooking is his favorite part. Lynn's a wife, mom, grandmom, music lover, and also a very talented photographer... an all around amazing woman I am proud to call a friend.

Since it is almost strawberry and peach season down South, I asked Lynn to share one of her favorite classic recipes with us. This one is perfect warm right out of the oven or with fresh berries. Let me tell you, you are going to love this recipe! Her Crusty Pound Cake is very simple to make, so you can whip one up this weekend and you won't have to spend hours in the kitchen. Substitute this pound cake for those spongy cakes you usually get for Strawberry Shortcake. You can even grill it! Butter both sides and pop it on the grill to toast. Add fresh berries, some whipped cream and you've gone to heaven on a plate!

LYNN'S CRUSTY POUND CAKE RECIPE

1 ½ C butter, softened

3 C sugar

6 eggs

1 Tbls.  vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract

3 C all-purpose flour

½ tsp. Salt

Cream butter in a large mixing bowl.  Add sugar gradually.  Add eggs, one at a time.  Add flavors.  Combine flour and salt.  Slowly stir dry mixture into batter.  DO NOT OVERBEAT.

Pour into greased and floured 10 inch tube pan.  Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 1 hour and 25 minutes (toothpick will come out clean).  Cool in pan 15-20 mins.  Remove from pan, and cool on cooling rack.

Now, Lynn suggests if you want a lot of crust, to make the recipe in a 13 x 9 inch pan instead of the tube pan. Use the old-school toothpick method to check doneness if you use a different pan. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, IDEAS, AND CONTESTS!

Eco-Friendly Party Idea: Plant Some Fun by Hosting a Garden-ing Party!

Need a great party plan for SPRING? This one can be used for so many different occasions. A GARDEN-ing Party or Planting Party is one of my very favorite party ideas. It is not only fun- my number one criteria for a party- but it's also a great way to get kids and adults in touch with growing vegetables and eating healthier. No matter if you want to plant veggies, flowers, or trees; hosting a planting party is fun for all ages. And the benefits will grow and grow!

When my nephew turned seven, I wanted to do something "educational" for his birthday. I was completely shocked at his response from the garden tools and vegetable plants and seeds that were his present. He started screaming at the top of his little lungs. "Okra! I got okra! And tomatoes! I got tomatoes!" He jumped up and down and squealed with delight. After he planted them, he would call me almost daily with a progress report. As the years went by, that kid would always plant a garden and grow tomatoes, peppers, and of course, okra. I've never forgotten that birthday:))

When the weather starts to get warm, most of us are ready to dig in the dirt, plant something, or freshen up outdoor space after a long winter. Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (the last week of April in most states) are coming up. And don't forget Mother's Day is May 8th. Wouldn't it be wonderful to make-over your mom's patio or yard with some colorful new plants or a few vegetable plants?

Many schools, youth organizations, and neighborhoods are growing community gardens. But if you don't have that movement happening in your area, start one! You don't need a lot of people at first. You can start small. Ask a couple of neighbors to participate and split the cost and the responsibilities of maintenance. There are some great sites with information on community gardens including tips on everything from getting started to funding.

• American Community Garden Association
• Urban Harvest
• ABC News Article

Any occasion is right for a planting party: a best friend's birthday, wedding, bridal shower or wedding party at your house, your kid's birthday, neighborhood party, family reunion, or community garden day. You really don't need a reason to host a planting party. It's one of those do-good, feel good types of parties that I love! Here's the how-to:

INVITATIONS & GUESTS

Think old-timey barn raising-- remember when neighbors would help a family build a barn? Friends would show up with tools and the barn would go up. This is the same premise. Invite friends to come build a garden. If it is a community garden, you'll need to form a committee and divvy up the planting and chores. For the party above, the host provided lunch and the guests provided the plants for her birthday presents. After a few hours of planting, guests had a lovely lunch on the patio, completely freshened up and ready for spring!

THE MENU

Salad in a Jar: Make these ahead for an easy and healthy lunch for party guestsIf you are hosting the party at your house, you'll provide the food and drinks. If you are surprising someone with a garden or yard make-over, then you'll also provide the food... my salad in a jar is perfect for a quick lunch on work day. You can prep in advance and store in the fridge or a cooler until it's time to eat.

A big dispenser with chilled water, lemonade, and/or Sweet Tea (I'm from the South where Sweet Tea is essential) will keep everyone hydrated and happy. Plus, the serve-yourself option always makes bartending and hostessing duties easier. Or, if you don't have a large dispenser, fill up a tub, wheelbarrow, or large planter with ice and chill your favorite beverages. I personally like the wheelbarrow because you can move it around easier--- important if you are in the sun. As the sun shifts, you can move the drinks into the shade so the ice won't melt:)Planting party survival kit with Advil, band-aids, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, etc

SUPPLIES

I always have a "survival kit" made up for any outdoor party. It includes everything we might need: bandaids, wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, bandanas, hats, visors, tools, etc. You get the idea. Keep it where guests can find it so they can stay cool, comfortable, and prepared to be out in the elements.

DECORATIONS

Look at the pretty decorations from our own Garden-ing Party! I used lots of garden supplies for the decorations that everyone was able to take home after the party including these colorful ceramic toadstools from JJ Potts. Find more more cute garden accessories and supplies from the great folks at Plow and Hearth and Gardener's Supply. I also found some adorable watch and grow planting pots at Oriental Trading Company. I think they make perfect party decorations and they are functional!

Burlap table overlay, paper and melamine plates, and plastic margarita glasses are cheap chic!Too cute toadstools made in the USA from JJPotts

ENTERTAINMENT

Everyone loves to work to music! Make a party playlist of your own favs; whether your gang likes old-school or pop, make a playlist of tunes to run the length of the party. Or skip the music and let the gossip and girl talk take center stage!

If you need more information or ideas for your own planting party, I've got tons! Just message me from my website and I'll respond!

Happy planting.... happy SPRING!

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE GREAT PARTY IDEAS, RECIPES, COCKTAILS, CONTESTS, AND FUN!

Rustic Apple Crostata Recipe

EASY RUSTIC APPLE CROSTATA

Most people are so afraid of pie crust. I grew up with a mom who was a pie-making machine. It is in my DNA. For those of you who love a homemade pie but don't think you can make a crust, try this one. I promise it is no fail and so easy! This crust works for any number of fruits but apples and peaches work best. A couple of tips: make sure to keep the dough chilled and use fruit that is not too juicy. If you use peaches or berries, you will need to increase the amount of flour in the filling to help it from having too much liquid.

Makes 1 crostata that serves 5-6 depending on how large you cut the slices

FOR THE CRUST

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated or superfine sugar plus 1 teaspoon, reserved

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 pound (1 stick) very cold unsalted butter, diced into cubes

2-3 tablespoons ice water (plus a few drops more if the dough seems dry )

FOR THE FILLING

3 large semi-tart apples 

1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced into small pieces

TO FINISH

1 egg and 1 teaspoon water, beaten well

2 tablespoons Apricot presesrves, warmed-reserve for later

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

For the pastry: Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse a few times to combine the dry ingredients. Add the butter, a little at a time, pulsing between additions until the butter is like little bb's or peas. Next, with the motor running, add the ice water all at once through the feed tube but stop the machine just before the dough becomes a solid mass. Turn the dough onto a well-floured piece of plastic wrap and gently form into a round. Don’t over handle or over mix because your dough will be tough. Wrap the round with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

For the filling: Peel, core and slice apples into 8-12 slices. Put the apple into a bowl and toss with the lemon juice and the lemon zest. Next, add the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Add the cold butter. Mix all of the ingredients together until the apples are well coated. Set aside.

Assembly: When you are ready to make the crostata, flour a rolling pin. Flour your work surface. Open up the plastic wrap and roll the pastry into an 11-inch circle. Wrap the dough over your rolling pin and transfer it to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Work quickly so the crust stays chilled. 

Turn the apples out onto the crust, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border all the way around.  Gently fold the border over the apples to enclose the dough, pleating it to make a circle.

Use a pastry brush to gently brush the dough with the egg wash. Sprinkle the reserved 1 teaspoon sugar over the dough. 

Bake the crostata for 22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove and brush on the warmed preserves. Put back in the oven for 5 minutes more or until crust is a deep golden brown. Allow to cool at least 7 minutes before cutting. Just before serving, you can dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm caramel sauce that you make it or purchase, or top with a scoop of ice cream.

Caramel Sauce is so easy to make and there are several ways to make it. I typically put a cup of sugar into a skillet or saucepan that is not dark like cast iron or non-stick. You need to be able to determine the color of the caramel because it will burn quickly. Over medium high heat, let the sugar heat and start to melt. Swirl the pan frequently once the melting process begins to help the melting process.  Don't stir it. Just keep the pan moving and continue to swirl it. Once most of the sugar has melted, lower the heat. Using a fork, whisk in a tablespoon of room temperature butter. Add a few tablespoons of heavy cream, a little at a time until you get the consistency you like. Make sure to whisk constantly. The mixture will bubble up so be very careful as the caramel will burn easily and is very, very hot.

You can also make this with peaches but if they are really ripe and juicy, use a little more flour in the filling!

FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS AND FUN, JOIN MARTIE ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER!

Wishing for Wimbledon? Host a Lawn Party, British Style

I just got back from visiting friends in the UK and I got a good dose of polo, British pub food and culture while I was there. Everyone was gearing up for Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world which started yesterday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The Wimbledon buzz inspired me to plan a Lawn Party.... British style!

About Wimbledon

Some of the traditions of Wimbledon have been in place for 100+ years! Wimbledon is played on grass, so even if you don't have access to a tennis court, if you have a patch of grass, you can host this great summer get-together. The women's final is on July 3rd and the men's final is on July 4th. What could be more appropriate than an all-American win on British soil on the date we celebrate our country's Independence?

The Invitation

Since a strict all-white dress code is in place for players at Wimbledon, it's always fun to stick to an all-white theme for the party. Ask guests to wear white attire and mention that lawn games will be involved. I always like to start this party late in the afternoon or early evening, after the temperatures have dropped slightly. A 6pm start time will give you several hours of daylight for games during the summer. White linen paper or card stock is just right for your party invite. A casual, handwritten note (very old school) is perfectly acceptable for this casual gathering.

The Party Menu

Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream

There are a couple of traditions at Wimbledon that you are a must for your party menu. Strawberries and Cream are a Wimbledon staple so dessert is going to be easy! In England, cream is always single or double cream and it is difficult to find the English version in the US. If you want to make it easy on yourself, just get some really good vanilla ice cream, let it melt until it pours. Pour some cream in the bottom of each dish and fill the bowl with strawberries. Serve with a pitcher of the cream for those who want extra. Make sure to get extra fresh and really delicious berries....  Try Driscoll's Berries. Always fresh, always reliable!

CHECK OUT 7 WAYS WITH STRAWBERRIES FROM MY FRIENDS AT MYRECIPES.COM FOR MORE GREAT STRAWBERRY RECIPES!

Pimm's Spritzer

Another staple at Wimbledon is a Pimm's Spritzer. Pimm's is to Wimbledon is what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. I love a good Pimm's Cup. Pimm's is a gin based liquor and it's so refreshing on a summer day. The Pimm's Spritzer. Use my Pimm's recipe for this or add ginger ale in place of the lemon-lime soda. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh fruit with chopped celery and cucumbers if you want the traditional garnish.

Another great British beverage is the Shandy. A Shandy is half lager (shown below) and half lemon-lime soda. Believe me, I was a skeptic but it's delicious and refreshing on a summer day!

British Pub Food

Your menu can include traditional British Fish and Chips, and mushy peas. Or, something simple like sandwiches and crisps (chips). or Cornish pasties... easy to make ahead and serve room temp at party time. Mushy peas are just green peas that are slightly mushed up with a hint of olive oil, mint, and a little lemon juice. Maybe an acquired taste--- but very British. I really like them:)

The Decor

Since the mood for this part is elegant, you can use simple decorations like candles in glass containers. I put sand in the bottom of the glass and then add one pillar candle to each and place these around the space. If you want a DIY project, you can get small mason jars, add a little sand to the bottom 1/4 of the jar and add a votive or tea light. You can hang these anywhere you need a little ambience. They won't offer much light but are very pretty! A dozen mason jars at Wal-Mart is under $10. 

I like to set up a viewing area close to the games so guests can watch the competition. Set up lawn furniture in clusters and include a tray or a container of drinks close by. Fill large pitchers with ice water and float lemons or cucumbers in them so that guests can serve themselves. If you don't have enough lawn furniture, you can ask guests to bring a lawn chair or you can buy large 10 or 20 gallon plastic buckets for about a dollar at Lowe's or Wal-Mart. Turn them upside down and viola, you have seating! Granted, it's not the most comfortable seating, but it really works.

The Entertainment

This party starts with the lawn games so if you don't have access to a tennis court, set up a badminton net instead. Since croquet is also played at Wimbledon, you can also set up a croquet course in the backyard or at the park. Other fun lawn games include horseshoes, bocce ball. or lawn bowling. The game I came to know in Chicago as "baggo" is also fun for a lawn party. I always find lots of great lawn games at Target during the summer. Set up your game course in whatever green space you have. If the party is in the late afternoon, I like to string little while lights all around my game course.

This is a great summer evening party theme... try it for a rehearsal dinner or engagement party, a girls night out or guys night out  party, a neighborhood party, family get-together, or anyone's birthday party! You can make it kid friendly or invite the adults only, but no matter who attends, my Summer Lawn Party is perfect for any occasion!

Martie's Backyard Camping Party on MyRecipes.com

So, are you looking for a fun, affordable, and EASY-PEASY party idea? My backyard camping party is it! It's a great entertaining solution for almost any occasion. I've had friends host this for adults, kids, neighborhood get-togethers... almost anything. We have put together everything for you: a sing-a-long playlist, a super easy menu, and the best thing about a campout... the s'mores. We built a s'mores bar with plenty of options for everyone! See all of the fun and get ideas for your own party on the Martie Knows Parties hub on MyRecipes.com! Thanks to Arden Photographyfor the great party pics!

WATCH THE VIDEO

GET THE PLAYLIST

BUILD A SMOKEY BEAR FIRE

Visit Martie Knows Parties on MyRecipes.com and see all of our how-to party videos!