Pound Cake

This is a simple cake; and that's what I love about it. Start with the basic recipe - delicious as is - and take it for a spin by adding a few spices, or citrus zest, a flavored extract, or even herbs. Or dress it up with a tastey glaze that makes the basic cake lean into seasonal flavors.  ...though a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, or even a simple dusting with powdered sugar is fine too.

Ingredients*

1½ C sugar

1 C butter, softened

3 eggs

2 C flour

½ tsp salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°

Prepare a loaf pan* - grease the pan, line with parchment leaving parchment overhaning the long sides.

     A double recipe bakes nicely in a bundt pan!

Cream butter & sugar.

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one.

Beat in flour & salt alternately with milk; mix just until incorporated.

Bake 60-70 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove form pan to wire rack to cool completely.

Bite Size Cocktail Cheese Balls

(Photo coming soon.)

Pop the whole miniature cheese ball on top of a cracker or straight into your mouth...

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 C shredded cheddar

     or other firm cheese like gouda, pepper jack, parmesan

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp grated lemon zest

s & p to taste

coatings/toppings: sesame seeds, chopped herbs, chopped nuts, crumbled bacon...

I used 'everything bagel seasoning mix, too!

Directions

Mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Worchestershire and lemon zest. Season with salt & pepper.

Roll into balls roughly l" (or slightly smaller). Latex gloves help, but if you don't have any handy, slightly damp hands helps reduce the mixture from sticking. Chill balls at least an hour until not quite so sticky...but still sticky enough that the toppings will stick and coat the cheese balls evenly.