Pineapple Angel Food Cake

I found this recipe on another bloggers posting. I thought I would give that blogger credit, but when I goggled "Pineapple Angel Food Cake"---the search came up with dozens of sources for this quick easy cake recipe.

Want a quick desert! You just need a few basic ingredients.

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

1  package of Angel Food Cake (any brand)

1   20 oz. (tall large can) of Crushed Pineapple (don't drain this)

One of your large mixing bowl because this mixture bubbles and foams up. Stir by hand, no mixer required.

Put the cake mix in bowl, open the can of crushed pineapple. Don't drain it! Mix it thoroughly into the Angel Food cake mix. Pour into a 13 x 9 pan.

Toppings:  You don't need "toppings", but it certainly adds to the enjoyment of serving, and I think it the cake would taste a bit dry without a "topping".

Suggestions: Cool-Whip, Whipped Cream, Ice Cream, some pineapple--a cherry on top!

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 35 to 40 mins. Don't open the oven door when checking cooking, it makes the cake deflate some. Let cool before serving.

Here are some pictures.

Mixing it up! I'm right at the brim of my bowl!

In the pan!

On the plate! Enjoy!

Quick Fresh Artichoke Recipe

If you want a quick way to prepare delicious Artichokes, here is a microwave method that my friend Pam shared with us up at quilt retreat. On my way home from retreat I stopped at the grocery. Wonderful huge Artichokes were 99 cents each! I could hardly wait to get home and try this recipe.

Trim your artichoke leaf tips and the top as you would for regular Artichoke preparation.

Place a couple of tablespoons of water and the artichoke stem side down in bowl that will comfortably hold the artichoke.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder on onion powder to your taste all over the artichoke letting the seasonings drop down into the leaves and top while it's sitting in the bowl.

In another small bowl or cup add 1/4 of a cup of Olive Oil and the juice of one Lemon and beat it up week with a fork. Drizzle this olive oil/lemon mixture over the artichoke letting it soak down into the artichoke leaves.

Cut a good size piece of clear food wrap to cover the artichoke and pull the wrap down the sides of the bowl securely. Poke on small hole in the top of the wrap so steam can escape.

Place the artichoke in the microwave and cook for 8 minutes.

This may be eaten warm or chill for later. The leaves should be dipped in the bottom of the bowl juices as you eat!

Pear Crisp

What to do with dozen remaining Bartlett Pears sitting on your counter, and you can't think of another thing to do with "pears".

Peel, quarter and cut out the core portion of a dozen pears. Cut the pears quarters into medium size chunks in a medium size bowl and set aside.

In a medium size bowl combine until crumbly looking:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 cup old fashion oats

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Scoop out 1 cup, pack down into the cup some of the above mixture and set aside to be used for the topping.

In a 9" inch square baking dish press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Top with cut up pears.

Now, in a small sauce pan combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 1 or 2 mins. or until thickened and add 1/2 tsp. of vanilla. Pour over pears evenly and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup crumb mixture.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40- 45 mins. until bubbly and the crumb mixture is golden brown on the top. Yield 9 servings. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Enjoy!