The Extra Mile

Happy Birthday, Matéa Mae - and my mom's favorite frosting recipe

My baby girl turns 8 today.

Yes, it is cliche, but I find it hard to believe that it has been 8 years since I held Matéa in my arms for the first time.

She still warms my heart.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

 

It isn't a big secret that my mom wasn't big into baking and cooking, but there are a few recipes of hers that I cherish. Here is my favorite frosting recipe - it isn't super thick and sweet, which makes it perfect to me. :)

Mom's Mock Whipped Cream Frosting

4 TBS flour

1 cup milk

- cook over low/med heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps (I used a whisk); cool thoroughly, but don't put in the fridge -  stir well after cooled

1 cup butter softened or 1/2 cup butter + 1/2 cup shortening (I like the taste with all butter - my mom made it with 1/2 + 1/2)

1 Cup sugar

- beat on high speed until creamy

ADD 1 tsp vanilla and beat

ADD cooled flour/milk mixture and beat until fluffy on high speed

Matéa's Love of All Things Broccoli

My girl LOVES broccoli.

She asks for it every night.

Her favorite dinner is broccoli pasta.... better known as Katie's Favorite Pasta created by our good friend Dana.

Katie's Favorite Pasta

12-16 oz bowtie pasta
1-2 heads broccoli crowns, steamed or cooked until still firm (we skip the stalks or branches as the kids call them)
2 tbs unsalted butter (optional)
1/2 - 3/4 cup olive oil
2-4 garlic cloves, minced (depending on taste - I usually go with 3 large cloves)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
shredded parmesan cheese
dried or fresh parsley (optional)

- cook pasta according to package directions - for al dente
- steam broccoli
- combine olive oil, minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes

Combine pasta, butter and broccoli in LARGE bowl.
Pour olive oil mixture in bowl and mix thoroughly.
Add parmesan and parsley to taste and mix thoroughly.

Serve warm or cold.
Can add additional parmesan when serving.