Jam Cake

This is my Granny Kitty's recipe. As I made it (for Mom's birthday...a long standing tradition) the other day, I tasted the batter (as every good cook does!) and had to stop and thank the Lord for the wonder of his creation. Yes, the batter is that good. And the cake doesn't disappoint either! I also asked him to give a special hug to Granny for ever introducing us to this wonder!

The original recipe called for a frosting of some sort, but our family just uses more jam and pecans as the frosting. Also, I believe the recipe is written based off of my Granny's oral directions. So, they're a bit rough, but you get the idea!

Jam Cake
1 tsp soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup jam (I recommend blackberry!)
1 cup butter, softened
2 cup sugar
3 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 well beaten eggs
pinch of salt
1 cup nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Grease, line with parchment paper, and grease again 3 8 inch round cake pans.
Put soda in buttermilk.
Mix wet ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients together. Add dry to wet, alternating with buttermilk mixture. Fold in nuts.
Pour into prepared cake pans.
Bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Let cakes cool before transferring onto cake stand.
Use additional jam in between cake layers and on top. If desired (which it always is) add additional nuts on top.

Alice Springs Chicken

This is a recipe from Outback Steakhouse. I first had it (homemade) my junior year of college, spring break, DC. Oh, good memories! Anyhow, it's delicious and beautiful- great for guests, but also for a special treat for the family on a regular old night! This is definitely family approved!

Alice Springs Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts
Honey Mustard sauce (recipe below)
Bacon- crisp
Sliced mushrooms (optional, always optional!)
Colby jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Place hot-off-of-the-grill chicken in a 13x9 dish. Coat with honey mustard sauce. Top with mushrooms, slices of bacon, and cheese. Heat in oven until cheese is melted. Use extra honey mustard sauce for dipping.
*Can top with chives.

Honey Mustard sauce
1/2 cup honey mustard dressing
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light karo
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Mix together and enjoy!