I Like Thursdays 3-30-23

I love this spot in my sewing room above my desk. The painting, done by Helen at Word Weaver Art, is my childhood backyard. The Lord's Prayer cross stitch was stitched by a good friend of my Mom for Mom's birthday. On the shelf - some trinkets that have special meaning. I view these things nearly every day and they give me joy.

It's time for another opportunity to list my "Likes" for the week! I'm linking up today with other bloggers over at LeeAnna's blog - Not Afraid of Color. 

I like our closet window! This is a view from the doorway to our bathroom. When we first looked at this house, we had no idea there was a window in the closet, because every square inch was covered with boxes and clothing. It was only when I looked at the outside photos of the house that I saw that window and realized it was a closet window. I love the light and the view it provides. The kitties love watching the birdies at the bird bath and bird feeders. They sit on the bench and "chatter". And yes that is a kitty water fountain in the floor. Our bathroom is the only area in the house where the kitties can have privacy while they eat, since we have dogs that want summa that cat food!

A peek into our pantry . . .my husband's Peeps and my M&Ms!

LeeAnna's suggested prompt for today is this:

Do you make a special baked good for Easter? For example, Rugalach or hot cross buns?  Have a story about this or a recipe to share?

We really don't do anything special for Easter, other than ham and deviled eggs. When I was growing up, Mom always made a feast at Easter. She was the Queen of Jello salads, and her Easter offering was Orange Buttermilk Salad, which was delicious with salty ham! You can find a similar recipe for it here.

An older photo from 2012!

We often enjoy strawberry shortcake at Easter, so this year I think I will make this pound cake, since it provides such a delicious vehicle for fresh strawberries and whipped cream. My husband loves it, especially when I make the pecan-crusted version from Allrecipes. I think my sugar-crusted version made with low-fat Greek yogurt is just as good. You can find my post about it (from one of my old blogs) right here, along with the link to the original, and I also included my recipe here as well.

Sugar-Crusted Greek Yogurt Pound Cake

adapted from Allrecipes.com

1-1/2 cups flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup salted butter

1-1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

White sugar for cake pan

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 8 or 9 inch Bundt pan. Sprinkle generous amount of sugar into pan and shake to evenly distribute throughout greased area; discard excess and set pan aside. Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside. In measuring cup, whisk together Greek yogurt and vanilla; set aside.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add flour mixture alternately with Greek yogurt mixture. Scrape batter into prepared pan.

Bake 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 20 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.

Do you have special baking traditions at Easter?