“A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!” ~Author Unknown
Copyright 2010 by R.A. Robbins
It was snowing when Bob left for work. I always walk out to the car with him and when we got there he pointed out a snowflake. Yes, an individual snowflake in all it’s glory. The delicate structure of the flake was intact and clearly visible. Remember when we were children and tried to catch snowflakes on black paper just to see this?
I thanked Bob for pointing it out, kissed him and sent him off to work. Then I walked back inside amazed by what I had just seen — that one beautiful, intricate, single snowflake that can shut down entire cities when it decides to work with others.
“Whether you are talking about education, career, or service, you are talking about life. And life must really have joy. It’s supposed to be fun.”~ Barbara Bush
Chocolate orange cupcakes Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
That got your attention didn’t it? Today is National Chocolate Cake Day. It is also my birthday, so I get two pieces, right?
A few days ago I mentioned ways to celebrate a birthday without food. You can still have a wonderful day. However, if you really want cake but live with dietary restrictions there is always another option. You can make your own.
I love chocolate cake. But I don’t love all the sugar and fat that usually finds it’s way into this delicious dessert. So, this is my favorite chocolate cake recipe. I love it made as cupcakes. I prefer my cake naked, but this is so good, you won’t miss the frosting! If you prefer frosted cupcakes use your favorite frosting recipe.
Chocolate Orange Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup brown rice flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer dark cocoa powder)
1 teaspoon baking soda
Zest and juice of 1 medium orange (approx. 1 T. zest and ½ cup juice)
1/3 cup water
¼ cup agave nectar or ½ cup sugar
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil or unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ – ¾ cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl combine wet ingredients.
4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add wet, stirring just to blend.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Place cupcake liners in a muffin pan.
7. Divide batter among the cups.
8. Bake 15-20 minutes or until the tip of a knife inserted into the top of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven, take cupcakes out of the pan and allow to cool.
Makes 12 cupcakes.
When most people think of birthdays they think of cake. And who doesn’t love cake? When the cake becomes a problem celebrating doesn’t have to end These are a few of my favorite ways to celebrate without food.
* Center the celebration around an activity rather than food. Swimming, skating or a craft party for children, a play or concert for aduls.
* Make a donation to a cause to benefit children in the amount of your age.
* Organize a card shower for the birthday girl/boy instead of a party. Who doesn’t love cards?
* If you are planning a party be sure the celebration is meaningful and fun for the person with the birthday.
* If you find yourself alone on your birthday celebrate anyway. Invite a friend co-worker or neighbor to join you.
* Do something nice for your mother or in her memory if she has passed. After all you wouldn’t be here without her.
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