Making It Home Monday - Homemade Love

Through the years and seasons of life, I've been a 'Suzy Homemaker", "Fitness Fanny", embraced and loved the home-school, natural mama life and an outside the home working woman.  The underling theme to each of those passion was family, health and seeking the best for those I love.

In this current season of life, the children are almost grown. The days of preparing a huge meal for supper are rare. Evenings spent at the ball field are past, even the laundry load is lighter and I'm enjoying a slower pace of life. It is a change of pace we like but run the risk of leaning toward laziness!  

This weekend was rainy and dreary and I was perfectly content to stay at home. The thought occurred since I had time, to make a homemade cake that I found a recipe for. It just never happened and then when sweet hubby had to run an errand, he called me to see if I wanted him to pick up a pie for dessert. This has rarely happened in our 25+ years since most of our desserts are homemade. The chocolate pie sounded wonderful and when he brought it home, it was good, but it was nothing like homemade.

There is just something about homemade that spells love. The smell of something baking, the sight of it on the counter and watching the eyes of family light up as 'lovin from the oven' is served all create something beautiful in the contentment of homemaking. 

So, I'm challenging myself this week to make something homemade and thought I would challenge you as well!  The plan to share it is for accountability as well!  Mondays are a great time for launching new ideas and plans before the routines of life snatch away inspiration. So here is the recipe I'm trying this week:

Lazy Day Cake

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup milk

TOPPING:

1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

2. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Meanwhile, combine topping ingredients. Spread over warm cake. Broil 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 9 servings.

Great things begin with great plans. Will you join me this week in planning something special for your loved ones?