Well, another holiday is upon us. Wow, where has the year gone?

This has been such a great month. I can’t help but think that time flies once Halloween gets here.

There are so many different things that people like during the winter months. Isn’t it funny how people crave different things during the different seasons?

It’s always a given that everyone will eat chocolate during the year. Most people crave peppermint when it’s cold out, or spiced apple cider. During the summer they want fruity drinks and anything off the grill.

During the holiday season it’s like you’re in a whirlwind, trying to figure out what to cook. Everyone wants turkey and ham during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I have noticed there has been a big demand for coconut cake and Italian crme cake this year. Last year, it was red velvet and carrot cakes that were in high demand. I guess that’s a good ting that people want something different from time to time.

Here are a couple of recipes I ran across that I thought you might enjoy during this holiday season.

Italian Crme Cake

Ingredients:

1 stick margarine, (4 ounces)

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup buttermilk

1 small can flaked coconut

5 egg whites, stiffly beaten

1/2 cup shortening

5 egg yolks

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans, or walnuts

Frosting:

1 package cream cheese, softened (8oz)

1 box confectioners’ sugar, (1 pound)

1/2 stick margarine, softened (4 Tbs)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:

Cream margarine and shortening; add sugar. Add egg yolks and beat well. Combine soda and flour; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in vanilla. Add coconut and nuts. Fold in egg whites. Pour into 3 greased and floured cake pans; bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Frosting: Beat cream cheese until smooth; stir in sugar. Add vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread on cake layers; sprinkle top with chopped nuts.

These are some quick and easy recipes that I just love to make! I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all and as always, have a good day today and a better day tomorrow!

Note: Jennifer Whaley is the chef and owner of Lemon Grass on Highway 80.