WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Coca-Cola Cake

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup Coca-Cola
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
1 square (1 ounce size) semi sweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups sugar
2 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

***Frosting***
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup Coca Cola (plus 2-3 Tbsp. additional if needed)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate syrup

PREPARATION:

Place in a sauce pan butter, cola, semi sweet baking square and bring to a boil remove from heat and add marshmallows and stir until all is blended and the marshmallows are disappear. Set aside to cool enough to tepid or room temperature. 

In mixing bowl blend the shortening, oil, vanilla and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and buttermilk and beat until smooth. Mix flour with baking soda, cocoa, baking powder and salt, add half of flour mixture to shortening, egg mixture, and beat. Scrape bowl time to time to clean the sides off so ingredients are blended in batter. Add cooled coca cola mixture and beat. Add remainder of flour and beat until completely smooth about 3 - 4 minutes. Batter will be thick. Place batter into a 13" x 9" x " 2 oiled and floured baking pan. Set pan on top shelf in a preheated 350* F oven for 35 - 40 minutes. Check for completed baking time with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean by sticking in the middle of the cake it is time to come out of the oven and cool. For Frosting: Cream butter, add cocoa, vanilla, Hershey's Syrup, and coca cola, beat until smooth. Add powder sugar a little at a time and beat constantly. Scrape the sides of bowl time to time to get all ingredients into the frosting. If the frosting seams a little dry add a little more coca cola and beat well. Frost warm cake. Serve with natural vanilla bean ice cream and enjoy.

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

 

Book Description:  Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

My Thoughts:  This is an interesting take on the story of Joseph and his older brother, Judah.

I've never read a story a biblical story with a take on the oldest and one of the younger siblings.  

Joseph seems to be the pampered and more loved son of Jacob but as we all know he also save a nation and saves his family from starvation. 

Judah was one of the brothers who sold Joseph into into slavery but as we read in this story Joseph and Judah must come to some sort of agreement for the good of the family.  Joseph has become wiser and older by the time Judah comes to seek food in Egypt so Judah does not recognize his little brother, Joseph.

The prince Joseph must for give the prodigal Judah. This story is more about family dynamics and forgiveness.  

The author did a marvelous job of providing biblical background with just enough imaginative fiction to make this wonderful story of Joseph and Judah pop!

*This book Was provided for review by Revell*

 

Sugarcreek Surprise, #2 By: Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

My Thoughts:  I am really enjoying this new series of Wanda Brunstetter's Creek Town Discoveries.

This is the second book in the series.  If you remember the first book you'll remember that this is set around an antique store with some unusual pieces and unusual folk.

Of course, it is about Amish folk.  Now that Orley Troyer and his wife own the local antique shop and are dedicated to the Lord.  So when they have a garage sale and Paul Herchberger who is a newcomer to their area arrives looking for antique milk bottles.  Orley and his wife talk with Paul and then offer to pray with him as he needs some guidance.

Also Lisa Miller is the new school teacher in their area.  She is helping her grandparents.  Lisa is afraid of loving and losing because it seems that all her life she loved someone and they left.  So when Paul wants to get to know her she backs way off but Paul doesn't let up.

A sweet and insightful story on the dealings of the human heart.

A grand story!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White

 

Book Description:  THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case. When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered—until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner. Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her—until Natalie makes him an offer he can’t refuse! If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company. And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition—or discover an entirely new arrangement? 

My Review:  Natalie Tubberville is determined to make it on her own without her dad's money.  After her dad buys an Memphis Detective Agency, Natalie is going to prove her investigative skills to all.

Matt Hogan hasn't had much luck with his clients lately.  His last client turned out to be a crook which hurt his pride and his pocketbook.  So, he feels that he has no other alternative than to accept Eddie Tubberville's offer to finance his detective Agency even with the stipulation that Eddie's naive, wanna be daughter is to be his partner.

When Natalie and Matt have their first case together it turns out o be anything but fun!  Their first case, Yasmine Patel, has decided to run her own life and choose the man she will marry and now Yasmine is running for her life! Her fiance wasn't the upstanding man she thought him to be so now she is running scared.  She has asked Natalie and Matt to help her get out of this mess. 

This turns out to be a mess of an escapade for all involved! 

This in a great, fast read!  I love the story line!  Toss in unusual relatives, Yasmine's disappearance and a romance of two unwilling.to.bend individuals. All the characters are well rounded and fun to read about!

Psalm 91 for Mothers (God's Shield of Protection for your Children) by Peggy Joyce Ruth & Angela Ruth Schum

 

Book Description:  A Place of Total Protection for Your Family 

                      

Did you know there is a place in God—a secret place—for those who want to seek refuge? It is a haven of physical safety and security that God tells us about in the Ninety-First Psalm—the one place in the Bible where all of the protection promises of God are brought together.

In Psalm 91 for Mothers Peggy Joyce Ruth guides you through a personal study of this psalm, explaining verse by verse God’s promises of protection, provision, and blessing for your children. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother and grandmother, she covers topics such as:

·          Accessing God’s shelter in times of danger

·          Protection from evils over which we have no control

·          Intervention of God’s angels on your child’s behalf

·          Teaching your child to call on God for protection

My Thoughts: I'm a mom and I long for total protection over my family. But how do I achieve this?  Through prayer and  God's care.  

Reading Psalm 91 is such an encouraging read for Mothers of all ages.

This read begins with the heart rending story of a too worn out mom who left a beautiful baby on top of her car with in an infant seat in the heat of the crazy Dallas traffic.  The author "just" happens to be behind this car and sees the infant carrier atop the car with the sweet little infant inside.  She is afraid for the child and out of urgency screams the name of Jesus four times just as the infant seat propels through the air towards traffic.  

This is quite an amazing story.  *true story*  And the rest of this book is chock full of life lessons and stories of God's amazing mercies and love to His people . . . based on Psalm 91,"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

I posted the whole of Psalm 91 because the reader must read this verse to understand the book. . . this book is all about 'I will not fear' based on this one Psalm from God's Word.

There's no need to live in terror or fear because when one believes God and His Word, He answers!
A wonderful encouraging read that makes a nice gift for that new mom, too!

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616387343
• ISBN-13: 978-1616387341
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Go HERE for recipe

The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson

 Book Description: This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great! 

 My Thoughts: Every December I begin to think of what journal/devotional I'll use for the new year. This year I chose The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson. I was so excited when I received it. It's a pearl pink color...not a tan color like the picture indicates. It's beautiful! I know this devotional is geared for girls but this year I wanted something a little different. It's divided into 31 sections and each section has a devotional, Scriptures for going deeper and then journal prompts. Journal prompts allow one to write down what is going on in life. This is imitation leather but it's so nice. I love the thin line feel, not bulky at all. At the back of the book are pages with places to color and draw or write whatever on wishes. This is absolutely beautiful! And would make a lovely gift, too. 

Imitation Leather: 208 pages Publisher: 

Shiloh Run Press 

 Language: English

 ISBN-10: 1683226879 ISBN-13: 978-1683226871

What I could Tell You by Liz Tolsma

 

Book Description:  1941—The pounding of Nazi boots on the streets of Salonika, Greece, reverberates in Mathilda Nissim’s ears, shaking her large community of Sephardic Jews to its core and altering her life forever. If only her people would rise up and resist their captors. At great risk to herself and those around her, she uses the small newspaper she publishes to call them to action, all to no avail. Her husband encourages her to trust God to watch over them, but God has once again deserted His people. Amid the chaos, Mathilda discovers she’s expecting a longed-for child. Still, nothing stops the occupiers’ noose from tightening around their necks, and she may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

 
2019—College student Tessa Payton and her cousin take a popular DNA heritage test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test reveals Tessa is a Greek Sephardic Jew. This revelation threatens her tenuous faith. Always the overlooked child in her family, she empties her savings account and jets off on a journey to Greece to discover where she belongs and which God demands her allegiance. The enchanting curator at the Jewish museum guides her as she navigates life in Thessaloniki, helps with her genealogical research, and loans her a fascinating journal written by a Jewish woman during WWII. Tessa’s search, however, may open old wounds and uncover long-hidden secrets that could fracture her family forever and leave her with more questions than when she started.
 

My Thoughts: I love stories about WWII.  However, I'm not  fan of duel timelines.  

But I can see that this story requires a dual timeline for it to make sense.

It's interesting that all her life Tessa thinks she is part of a family until one fateful day she discovers through a DNA test that she isn't really cousins or blood related at all to her cousin.

This brings up all kinds of unanswered questions which then lead to Tessa's discovery about her roots with the Sephardic Jews.  Jews that lived in Greece but were also affected by Hitler's regime.

The more Tessa digs into her family's past the more she discovers.  Some of the discoveries answer her questions like why she does certain things and other discoveries open up a whole new world.

The dual timeline threw me at times so I had to read carefully as not to mix up the characters. Otherwise, it was a wonderful telling of a story.

Such an interesting story!

Loved it and couldn't put it down!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A very non nutritional Valentine's Treat!

Oreo Bomb Cake:

1. Dip oreos milk

2. Line pan with them
3. Cover in Cool Whip.
4. Layer and repeat.
5. Consume

Beautiful Wisdom Daily Devotions by Barbour Books

 Book Description:  God's Word is living and powerful and sharper than a sword (Hebrews 4:12), and through His Son, we have new life (Romans 6:4). This lovely daily devotional collection will bless women of all ages with scriptures carefully selected from the easy-to-understand New Life Version of the Bible.  Each devotion includes a title, scripture, faith-building reading, and prayer—designed to draw you closer to your heavenly Father through daily quiet time with the One who loves you most.  This gorgeous devotional is perfect for personal use or makes a thoughtful gift that will be cherished for years to come and pairs perfectly with the Beautiful Wisdom Bibles, available from Barbour Publishing!

My Thoughts: I love, simply love devotional books! I'm always on the lookout for THAT one special book.  Well today I believe I have found THAT book for this year.

It has 365 Encouraging readings for the believe to read and think about.  

At the top of each page is the day.  Eg. Day 183.  Then the title of the devotional.  Then a scripture that goes with the devotional.  Next the devotional which takes up most of the page which is appropriate since it is a devotional book.

At the very end of the page is a short prayer for you to pray after reading the devotional or add to the prayer somewhat like a prayer starter.

It's a beautiful devotional chockfull of God's goodness for every day of the year.

The only drawback of this devotional book which doesn't affect me but something to be aware of when buying is that the font is small not tiny but maybe small for some to read.

It's the perfect gift for a young woman for graduation or for a birthday gift.  It also makes a nice "card" for that person who needs encouragement.

All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

 Book Description:  Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more. 

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My Thoughts:  Betsy St. Amant pens a "sweet read" in All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes!  

I admit that I chose this book based on the title and the picture (shameful, I know!)  But I love cupcakes and was caught up in the reality cupcake bake off.

I like Kat she is slowly coming into her "own."  And then there's Lucas...oh! Lucas!  

Lucas sees Kat's potential and he signs her up for a reality bake off show.  Kat is not sure about going on national TV for a bake off.  But she wants something more in her life than plain chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.  {This seems to be the catalyst of the story.}

The relationship between Kat and Lucas was, at times, a little like plain vanilla . . . they're friends but not sure if they should love each other.  The romance part of this story was clean and best described as young love.  Kat and Lucas like each other and are the best of friends BUT they are in love and can't seem to get the love part out. 

The best part of this story are the cupcakes and bakeoff.  

A fun, light read!