We surprised Steve’s family last week by showing up unexpectedly in Virginia for Thanksgiving. They had all met at a Starbucks in Fredericksburg before heading over to Tom’s new house and were sitting out front so we snuck in the side door and came out the front entrance. They were very surprised and their reactions were priceless!
Alex met his great grandma (“GG”) for the first time and Bronwen got to see her for the first time in over a year. How lucky for them to have a great grandma let alone meet and spend time with her. They soaked up many GG snuggles.
Cynthia organized and delivered an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. She has really developed her cooking and entertaining skills… I am so proud! She also made the best rum cake any of us had ever had! The recipe is posted as a “comment” following this post.
Steve got a post-turkey double massage, lucky guy!
Then came Cranium...
This was also Alexander's first visit with his Opa & Oma, Aunt Satoko and cousin Cynthia. More family cuddles...
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| Opa |
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| Oma |
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| Cousin Cynthia |
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| Grandma Becky |
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| Uncle Tom |
We arrived back in Belgium yesterday morning to 23⁰ weather & snow!
Cynthia’s Butter Rum Cake Recipe
ReplyDeleteServes: 12,
Yield:4
loaf pans
2 cups soften butter
2 1/2 cups white sugar
7 eggs
1 tablespoon good vanilla extract
3 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup double cream
rum syrup
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
3 cups water
4 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup dark rum
Directions:
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 3/4 hrs
Beat Butter and Sugar until thoroughly blended then add Eggs One at a time then the Vanilla Extract. Sift together all Dry Ingredients -- Alternately Mix flour and double cream to butter mixture. Do not over mix! Pour into Disposable 4 loaf tin pans or 7 cup bunt pan greased and floured. Bake onto a 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes --
Boil together all Ingredients for the rum syrup
Invert bunt pan drizzle Rum Syrup repeat until it is really soaked.
When using a disposable tin just ladle syrup on to baked cake -- .
Glad to get this recipe. Need more!!! Don't forget to post the spices and herbs you need.
ReplyDeleteLoved our visit in Virginia and getting to meet Alex for the first time. My chin is still lonely. We miss you guys terribly.
Love the pics - wish we could have been there too. It would have been fun if Bill & I could have shown up to surprise YOU two! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWe never got a posed picture of 4 generations, so the first one at Starbucks will have to do. What a fantastic surprise. Mom (G.G.) and I loved every minute. She was so pleased to have the first few days with you at the hotel. It meant alot to her to spend such quality time with Bronwen and Alex! We are so proud of all of you. Wouldn't trade our times together for anything!! And yes, our Cynthia has grown into such a fine young woman. She's just getting started honing all her talents. Thanks for the rum cake recipe. Will be making it very soon!!! Oh yum. And well worth the calories 8-}
ReplyDelete