Springtime in the City

While the calendar may say that today is March 2, it sure looks more like April or May outside. Living in Houston during the Summer may make me wish that I lived in Alaska, days like today make me glad that I am here. It is a lovely 60-ish degrees outside with nothing but sun and cloudless blue skies. Let us all inhale deeply and say "Ahhh...". Now, after you've stopped hacking on the pollen count, we will move on.

Tomorrow, the kids take their English TAKS test. My days have been consumed by last minute tips and fervent prayers for success. It seems that I work in a day and age where I am putting in more effort than my students are. I still believe that students should want to succeed, but I seem to be in the minority.

Due to the stress at work, I came home last night and ruined the diet I have pretty religiously followed for 2 months now. I was bad. I had cake and ice cream for dinner. Ugh...

My pre-dieting days found me trying (and loving) this recipe. If you love sugar the way someone who can eat sweetened condensed milk out of the can does, you'll love it too. Make sure you have plenty of milk handy!

Cake Balls

Ingredients:

• Any boxed cake of your choice and the ingredients to make it
• I can of your favorite icing (yes, I said can...*cringe*)
• White almond bark or chocolate of your choice, melted
• nuts, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, etc.

Directions:

• Bake the cake according to the directions. Let it cool completely. Crumble in a large bowl.
• Mix the can of frosting into the crumbled cake.
• Roll into bite sized balls and place on a cookie sheet.
• Freeze for at least an hour to avoid crumbling during coating
• Dip cake balls into melted bark or chocolate and roll in toppings
• Allow to harden and enjoy!

Some of my favorite combinations include

• Strawberry cake and vanilla frosting
• German Chocolate cake and frosting
• Red velvet cake and vanilla frosting with sprinkles
• Chocolate cake with coffee frosting

Please enjoy while I can't!