(Almost) From Scratch Strawberry Cake {Soul Food}

I used to have big dreams of having my own cooking show. I guess you could say they've fallen a little by the way side. It's probably because I've accepted the fact that none of my edible creations ever really turn out pretty and the kitchen is always a huge mess in the end. With TV cooking, all that matters is that the food and kitchen look perfect. The good news is my creations usually taste a lot better than they look.

Anyways, my favorite dessert recipe is one for this delicious, gooey strawberry cake. It's been passed down to me from my mom. But she originally got it from my Italian great grandmother- who apparently was an incredible cook.

 This recipe is really easy and puts any simple, box mix to shame!

My momma taught me a secret that every woman should know. It only involves 2 ingredients. A stick of butter mixed with a pound of powdered sugar makes a beautiful thing. Just blend in a tablespoon of strawberry juice and you've got homemade strawberry icing. 

Cake Ingredients:

4 eggs 

8 oz. frozen strawberries (thawed, sliced, and sweetened)

1 small box of strawberry jello

1c. of veg. oil

1 duncan hines white cake mix

Icing:

1 box of powdered sugar

1 stick of butter

1Tbsp. Strawberry Juice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat eggs until fluffy.

3. Add cake mix, oil, jello

6. Add frozen strawberries (Save 1Tbsp. for icing)

7. Pour into a greased/ floured pan. (9x13 pan or 2 cake pans)

8. Bake 30-35 min.

Allow cake to cool before icing.

Then soften 1 stick of butter in a bowl

Gradually beat in 1 box of confectioners sugar.

Add strawberry juice.

If needed, add teaspoons of milk to thin icing.

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Hot and Cold {Soul Food}

Let me tell you about our favorite dessert spot in Hillsboro Village.  It's the little space they call "Hot and Cold," connected to Fido. If you couldn't guess by the name, their menu is made up everything from coffee and espresso to  ice cream and popsicles. And we love that the walls are covered in local art. 

They've also got something we've never experienced before... it seems  almost magical--- they call it "drinking chocolate." Heck yea. That's our kind of spot. One that serves shots of chocolate! 

Hot&Cold

1804 21st Ave S

Nashville, TN 37212

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Tavern {Soul Food}

I spent last night enjoying the gorgeous weather on the patio at the trendy new  restaurant called "Tavern". It's the spot in midtown, where Lime used to be... with the same owner as the one that runs Virago and Whiskey Kitchen.

The layout is fresh and airy. And if you're wondering, Wednesday night is 2 for 1 drink night. It is kind of hard to get a table, but if you're able to make that happen than it's totally worth the effort.

The guacomole alone is worth the trip... with an unexpected taste of goat cheese in every bite.

My ahi tuna was absolutely delicious and so were the spicy lettuce wraps at my table.

But what I took away from my experience there was all in the dessert. A small flame with all of the usual campfire staples (plus Resees cups!) are brought to you. And that means you're able to roast s'mores at your table... Such a throwback to my days as a girl scout!

Tavern 

1904 Broadway, Nashville

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Country Boy Restaurant {Soul Food}

I've got to give mad props to an old friend who took the time to show me this hidden treasure. It's takes about 15 minutes to get to Lieper's Fork from Nashville, but it's a very beautiful journey and it makes for a great ride. When you make it to town you won't be able to miss the Country Boy Restaurant. Don't be surprised when you walk in and the server behind the counter with the red apron tied around his waist yells, "Howdy Ya'll."

It's been a hometown favorite for more than 40 years. Offering up breakfast all day long, and a blue plate special with meat and dozens of delicious sides for lunch and dinner. It's more than your simple diner and is a perfect spot for breakfast and lunch but also serves as a charming place to grab dinner.


I appreciate the simplicity and honesty about it. The menus are stamped with their motto, "Where Life Gets the Love it Deserves." The windows are adorned with checkered red and white curtains and the tables have fresh flowers on them. They're all surrounded by red diner chairs and the friendly wait staff makes you feel like you're right at home.

The food is delicious. I had the good ole' grilled cheese on sour dough and some delectable gumbo. Other folks at my table gobbled down country fried steak, the grilled chicken sandwich, and of course a lot of sweet tea. They've also got a wine list made up of many items including some from the local Arrington Vineyard.

I asked the poor waitress so many questions she gave me my very own Country Boy Restaurant calendar. She told me they've got around forty regulars who sometimes come in twice a day. You can probably find them at the round community table (they call it the table of grumpy old men) telling stories and nibblin' on biscuits. But you know you've found a good spot when the locals flock there every day.

She also said that it's a favorite of Keith and Nicole's, The Judds, and Kellie Pickler... but my ears perked up when she mentioned that even Prince William has stopped by.

And we hear they host an annual fried food festival in the Spring, with all things fried including girl scout cookies, twinkies, and snickers bars... I've already put it on my calendar.

                                           

                                                                                            

Country Boy Restaurant, 4141 Old Hillsboro Rd, Liepers Fork

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