Sunday, March 29, 2009

Red Velvet


Life is ever so full, bursting with color and sound and texture, with love, and life, and loss.  Valentine's Day expresses much of it.  

My family and I celebrate the holiday a trifle differently than how it is commonly celebrated.  We have the traditional valentines, cards with "heart-y" themes, 


... jam packed with messages of how much a person means to the lives they touch. 


 The hearts may be the same, but making valentines has turned into somewhat of an art in our house, each card made special for its recipient.






The evening begins with a special meal,



with sparkling grape juice,


with homemade rolls, warm from the oven,


with herbed brown rice, and Chicken Cordon Bleu.



Then we retire to the living room to pass out the Valentines.  They bring tears, and laughter, and smiles all around.  We linger so long, that times passes much too quickly.  It took us nearly two hours this year, each person reading their valentine one at a time, while the rest of us, sat, listening with quivering hearts.


Then before the evening is over, comes one last celebration.
 

We gather again around the table, and dessert is served...

Waldorf Astoria Red Cake

Cream together...

1/2 cup  shortening
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs

Make paste of 2 oz. (or 1/4 cup) red food coloring and 
2 tablespoons cocoa.  Add to above mixture. 

Add alternately:
1 cup buttermilk.
2 1/2 cups cake flour and 
1 teaspoon salt.

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla
Blend in 1 teaspoon soda with 
1 tablespoon vinegar

Put batter in two paper-lined 9 in. cake pans.  
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Ice with cream cheese frosting.

May you be full of joy,

Emma

Note:  Photos #1. and #9 - #16 were taken by Sam Ramsey

8 comments:

Clare said...

It looks like it was such a beautiful day... what a lovely tradition!

Laura said...

I absolutely adored reading about your Valentines Day traditions. :D

Have I mentioned how much I love your blog??! I do indeed.

Jolie said...

Girls~ Oh, it all looks so beautiful, so picture-perfect. =)
That cake looks...wow, it looks superb! I think I may have to try that recipe...=)
I love those cards, too! So pretty. =D
I'm glad you had such a great Valentine's day! =)

Love and miss y'all,
Jolie

Joanna Kristina said...

Oh how lovely! It makes me want to copy you and post pictures of our valentines! ;) Beautiful cake as well, it looks simply scrumptious!!!

Blessings in Him,
Joanna

Mrs. E said...

Awww....
it looks and sounds like
you had a fabulous Valentine's Day!!!
Thank you SO much for sharing the red velvet cake recipe!!! I look forward to trying it soon. ;) Many blessings!!!!

Love in Christ,
Miss Jen

Family said...

Lovely post as always ladies!! Your cards are amazing and I believe I'm going to have to try out that cake! Looks divine!

Oh... we had the SAME meal as you did on Valentines Day!

hannah queen | honey & jam said...

This is so lovely!

Stephanie said...

How wonderful! That sounds like a wonderful tradition! Very sweet. The cake looks so lovely! I have a question, where do you find all of your vintage patterns? I have been looking for a pattern of a 1920's dress. If you have any ideas I would really appreciate it. Have a lovey day! :)