Quarantine Activities

What are you doing while homebound?  I've baked two birthday cakes this week.  My son-in-law's birthday is today and his favorite cake is Carrot with Cream Cheese frosting. They just picked it up a few minutes ago.  I read that a box cake can taste like a scratch cake if milk is used instead of water, butter instead of cooking oil and 2 egg yolks, in addition to the number of eggs called for in the instructions.  I tried it, so I hope it's good.  In my opinion, Duncan Hines is the best box mix and the only one that I use.

I received a phone call from a friend asking if I'd be willing to make a Chocolate Mound cake for a former staff member at the church were I used to work.  That particular cake was a favorite of his.  The cake was picked up earlier today also. 

My great-granddaughter, Evelyn Rose, turns three next Saturday, and we'll be participating in a drive-by birthday party parade.  Another cake might be in my future.  My daughter said she bought Evie a child's watering can, seed packets, and gardening gloves, so I'm thinking a dirt cake [crushed oreo cookies as dirt and vanilla pudding as filling] would be perfect and very kid friendly.

I recently told a friend I haven't found the lockdown terribly difficult.  As much as I love my job, there's not many places to spend a paycheck right with all the stores closed.  She replied, "Shop on the Internet."  So I have been doing just that - mostly E-bay and Etsy. 

This is my newest teacup - blue and white, of course!  It's made in Bavaria, Germany and backstamped Moschendorf.  I bought it because at some point I hope I'm able to do a Teas Around the World series at The Whitney, and this cup and saucer will be perfect to represent Germany.  The pattern is called Strawflower.  

The porcelain factory dates back to 1878.

Below is a beautiful teapot to match the teacup currently on E-bay, but I'm not willing to pay $150 so I'm just admiring it.

As mentioned previously, my granddaughter, Brooke, is a 2020 High School graduate. I saw this T-shirt for her online and ordered it.  It even came in her school colors of red and white. I'm doing my part to help get the economy moving again!  ;-)

The pictures below were taken when teacher's from her school delivered a yard sign.

I was recently contacted by Adagio Teas about sampling some of their new Masters-teas. Five teas arrived by mail a couple of days ago.  Two are green teas from Japan [Genmaicha and Sencha]; Rohini First Flush from Darjeeling, India; and two from China [Bai Hao Yin Zhen white tea and Shi Feng Long Jing a green tea.]  I'll be reviewing them on my blog soon.

Be safe and stay well!