From Allegheny General Hospital parking garage yesterday.
Northside Rooftops
Month: September 2010
What Makes Bookclub Enjoyable
The people, of course but you have to check out this spread! You read a book. Or two. Discuss. Some people just hate the books chosen, and others love them. Tonight it was James Joyce Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. You read things you might not have picked. We didn’t meet all summer. Tonight it was at Joan’s- everything from her garden. Heirloom tomatoes on homemade focaccia crust and a spinach golden raisin pine nut one. Oatmeal Crispies and a flavorful small watermelon. Oh yes, the books. Sergio by Samantha Power and everyone had thumbs down for Little Bee by Chris Cleave.
Why Movies Are Filmed in Pittsburgh
Happy Day Cake Recipe
For Birthdays it was the 1-2-3-4 Cake recipe or the Happy Day Cake recipe on the back of the Swan’s Down Cake Flour box, frosted with Penuche icing. My mother would put the saucepan into a sink of cold water and then beat it by hand once it cooled. I can hear the ring of the metal loop at the end of the pan’s handle. And as I remember it she added a dash of vanilla extract. My dad would pour milk over a slice and eat it with a spoon. Cake and frosting recipes below photo.
Happy Day Cake
2½ cups sifted cake flour
1½ cups sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
Sift flour with sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir shortening to soften. Add flour mixture, ¾ cup of the milk and vanilla. Mix until all flour is dampened, then beat two minutes at medium speed. Add eggs and remaining ¼ cup milk. Beat one minute longer. Pour into two 9-inch layer pans that have been lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans; remove from pans and cool thoroughly on racks.
This cake also may be baked in three 8-inch layer pans for 25 to 35 minutes, or in a 13- by 9-inch pan for 30 to 35 minutes. Batter may be spooned into 36 medium paper baking cups in muffin pans, filling half full. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Penuche Frosting Butter is Key
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar, more or less
- hot water, optional
Preparation:
In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium low and continue to boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cool to lukewarm. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar. Beat until thick enough to spread. If too thick, add a little hot water. Frosts top and sides of a 2-layer cake or a 13×9-inch cake.
Train Along the Mon
Steve drove over Rankin Bridge and you know how I love red lights? Easier to shoot as a passenger. This is narrow cause I cut out the bridge rails. I love to hear the train’s whistle along the Allegheny River at night. This train was at a standstill. I wondered what was in the cars.
Mazeroski Statue Unveiled
99 year old photographer James Klingensmith pictured, shot the photo the statue is based upon – sculptor Susan Wagner
Fireworks Shot from Roberto Clemente Bridge & River (2 views)
Pirates game Saturday night, perfect weather, a Luke Bryan Concert after (had never heard of him but apparently I am the only one who has not) Fireworks by Zambelli. Won’t go into the details on the outcome of the game (OUCH) but a stunning display of color and sparkling light over the city.
Gershwin & Jazz at Bakery Square
Left the gym to get coffee at Coffee Roasters and found live music. With the weather change it was chilly but I drank coffee and ate oatmeal to warm up. Tania Grubbs, Jeff Grubbs, Daniel May on keyboard (in from CA). Tania will be performing at the new 5 star hotel @ Market Square Wed Sept 8th 5:30-8:30 in Andy’s Winebar. Jeff is a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
1953 Chevy Bel Air
Monarch Drinks Pentas Nectar
Mary told me about Monarch migration this summer. I photographed (shot didn’t sound correct) this Monarch in a planter at OSU stadium. Tonight I emailed several pleas for plant identification and Master Gardener Liz R was the first to respond, THANKS Liz. Today is Marlene’s(Mark’s MIL) birthday(having cake at Aunt Linda’s tonight). September 3rd, 1912 was my mother’s birthday, born in Durand Illinois, now passed a decade ago. My mother loved butterflies and always planted a beautiful garden, including buddleia to attract the butterflies. The pentas seem to be doing just that. Hummingbirds love them according to what I read. Lots of parentheses in this post.