Esther's Orange Marmalade Cake
For the Cake~
1 C. butter, softened, more for greasing the pans
3 1/4 C. cake flour, more for dusting the pans
1 T. baking powder
1 t. salt
2 2/3 C. sugar
5 large eggs, at room temperature
4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
2/3 C. vegetable oil
1 T. grated orange zest
2 t. vanilla extract
1 C. buttermilk
For the Orange Syrup
1 C. freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 C. sugar
For the filling
1 (12 oz.) jar orange marmalade
For the Frosting
1 C. heavy cream, chilled
4 T. sugar
1 C. sour cream
For the Cake~
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter three 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchement paper, then lightly butter and flour the parchment, shaking out any excess.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into large bowl. Sift a second time into another bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until light in color, about 4 minutes. Add the 2 2/3 C sugar in a steady stream with mixer running. Beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to stop at least once to scrape down the sides of mixing bowl. After all eggs have been added, continue to beat for 1 minute. In small bowl combine the orange zest, vanilla and buttermilk. Add 1/2 the dry ingredients to the egg and butter mixture along with half of the buttermilk mixture. Fold to incorporate. Add remaining dry ingredients and remaining buttermilk mixture. Fold to incorporate, scraping down sides of mixing bowl.
Pour cake batter evenly into the three prepared cake pans, smooth surface, rap pan on countertype to remove air bubbles. Place in oven. bake 30-35 minutes until cakes test done. Let cakes cool in pans for 20 minutes on a wire rack.
For the Orange Syrup~
In small bowl stir together the orange juice and 1/4 C sugar until the sugar is dissolved. While cakes are still in the pans, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes in tops of cakes. Spoon syrup over each cake top, allowing syrup to be completely absorbed before adding the remaining syrup. Let cakes cool completely in pans before frosting.
For the Frosting~
In chilled mixing bowl using a wire whisk, whip the heavy cream with 4 T. sugar until stiff peaks form. Add the sour cream, a little at a time and whisk until the mixture is of spreadable consistency.
To Assemble the Cake~
Invert one of the cake layer to a cake plate and careful peel off parchment. Spread 1/3 marmalade mixture over top smoothing into and even layer. Repeat with second layer. On third layer spread marmalade mixture to within 1 1/4 inch from side, leaving a border of plain cake. Frost sides with cream frosting, frost the top border with cream frosting. Chill cake two hours before serving.
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Chili Pie
to any homemade or canned chili....
In prepared casserole dish spread chili, top with (thawed)frozen hashbrown potatoes dot with 2 T. butter, cover potatoes with 1C. shredded cheddar. Bake35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
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Confetti Crab Salad
1/2 C. mayonnaise
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 t. mustard
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 T. fresh chopped dill
1 T. fresh chopped tarragon
1 T. fresh chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound lump crab meat
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, peeled, diced
8-12 lettuce leaves for presentation and serving
*Mix together first 8 ingredients in medium large bowl. Gently fold in crab, and vegetables. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce.
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Asian Peanut Noodle Salad
*Dressing
1/2 C. smooth peanut butter
1/4 C. soy sauce
1/3 C. water
2 T. rice vinegar
2 T. toasted sesame oil
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. minced, peeled, fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced fine
1/2 to 1 1/2 T. red pepper flakes
Puree all ingredients in food processor. Set aside.
*For Salad
2 pounds , boneless, skinless chicken breast halves cooked, and shredded
12. oz. thin spaghetti, cooked, drained, slightly warm
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
1 C. red grapes, halved
1/2 C. fresh cilantro, for garnish if desired.
Toss all ingredients together in bowl. Garnish with cilantro. Serve.
and this... 
I am thankful that piano lessons are almost over for summer break. We are trying to go see Alison and the girls tomorrow afternoon. 
)
you! I appreciate you. I thank God for you. I pray this year brings many blessings your way.
