Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a good week. Summer vacation has finally begun in Oregon with beautiful weather making its debut after a few days of rain.
We celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend and I made our favorite chocolate cake. I love that cake, but it’s delicate. It’s so moist and delicious and requires a gentle hand. I was so careful with it this time. However, as I was frosting the last edge, my hand hit the edge of the cake stand and I flipped it onto the cutting board, breaking it into a bunch of frosted crumbles.
I just stood there, quickly deciding we would be having mug cake instead. It actually turned out fine and no one would have known this wasn’t my intention. It was a good save and could have been a lot worse. And yes, a few obscenities did leave my mouth. Those could have been a lot worse too.
Look at these cute cookies. A friend is getting married and these were at her bridal shower this past week. I wish I had this kind of talent.
My oldest son finished middle school last week and he’s off to high school in the Fall. Where has the time gone?
We’re very proud of him, he’s received straight A’s all the way through! Way to go Ben. What an accomplishment.
Last Saturday our winery participated in a town-wide celebration known as Porklandia. I want to thank everyone (and there were many of you) who came out and made it so successful. It turns out everyone loves to get a little a porky.
Our tasting room had a Sausage and Mustard Tasting Bar with lots of side dishes and it included a flight of wine. We were packed around the bar like sardines, but everyone had a really great time!!! Rumor has it, it’s going to be an annual event, we hope to see you next year.
Here are the books I just ordered for my summer vacations, What Alice Forgot, The Light Between Oceans, The Kitchen House, The Vacationers, Divergent and The Fault In Our Stars.
Have you read any of them? What will you be reading by the pool?
I am giving away three copies of this beautiful cook book, Beach House Baking. Have you entered?
Things I’ve seen around the web this week::
Love this take on salsa.
Just yes.
Salad love.
Making for the next kid who has a birthday.
Summertime dessert love.
More pretty salad.
I must make this.
Love this cake.
10 ways to reuse bread tags.
I love a good cookie bar.
Cocktail time.
Good grief, dessert I must have.
Perfect summer picnic cookie.
I want to make these!
This dessert makes me happy.
Ice cream that is going to happen soon.
No-Bake energy!
4th of July cuteness.
Burger twist I’d be happy with.
Summertime bliss.
Yes to this dessert.
I want to devour this.
More crazy burger love.
That is all friends, until next time. See other editions of Bites of Life.
One Year Ago: Crispy Cinnamon-Chili Chickpeas
Two Years Ago: Hoisin Burger with Sriracha Relish
Six Years Ago: Roasted Asparagus with Honey-Citrus Dressing
Jodi @garlic girl says
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 9:54 pmOh my goodness, your story about the cake made me laugh because stuff like that always happens to me! Congrats on a high schooler now, and thanks for giving my little salad a shout out!
Jodi
Cassie says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 5:16 amThanks for including me, Cathy! I hope you enjoy that summer reading list!
Kristin says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 5:55 amVisiting Oregon and your tasting room are on my bucket list! Your events always look so nice and fun too! You’ll know me if I ever make it out there…I’ll be the one acting like a kid at Disneyworld! Lol. Have a great weekend!
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 7:09 amI’m glad you were able to save your cake! I hate when I accidentally bump stuff like that! And I so wish I could come to your wine tasting. Sounds super fun! I love that sign 🙂 Aaaand Divergent – obsessed. Make sure you get the next 2 books too.
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 11:10 amNice save with the mug cake! I had a bridal shower tasting for a carrot cake, I opened the freezer and the cake slide right out onto the floor. Luckily it was a good friend and she didn’t mind the tupperwear of mush I gave her. Thanks for sharing my milkshake!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 11:37 amHahah what a great idea it was to turn that cake accident into mug cakes!! too neat!
Beverly says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 1:49 pmI’ve read 4 of the 6 you have pictured (What Alice Forgot, The Light Between Oceans, Divergent and The Fault In Our Stars). If you need any other recommendations, read ANYTHING you can get your hands on by Jojo Moyes. I absolutely adore her books!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 7:43 pmLove the save on the chocolate cake! And looks so delicious! Congrats to your son on the promotion! Thank you for linking up my bars, Cathy! Have a beautiful weekend!
Tanya Schroeder says
Friday, June 20, 2014 at 8:13 pmPart of baking is learning how to be resourceful, I’d say you accomplished that with the mug cake!! Ah your boy is going to high school!! Everyone ready?? Thanks for the link love, and all the other yummy recipes! And I just so happened to need book ideas!
Sheila Clissold says
Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 3:14 pmI love, love, love ‘The Light Between Oceans’! This book is so beautifully written and really makes you think about making the right choices. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
[email protected] says
Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 6:51 pmmug cakes are perfect! way to turn lemons into lemonade 😉
PassTheKnife says
Monday, June 23, 2014 at 10:18 amThese mishaps happen to the best of us! Love your idea to save the cake in little mugs! I bet it would be pretty to use mason jars too!