Me & the Travelling Susan Apron had a blast. So here's what we made before saying "Good-bye".

In between chasing after two crazy, 10 month old cats at home and cat-sitting for clients, I still found the time to work some magic in the kitchen. Wearing the Travelling Susan Apron led me to memories of very special women in my life. That is the magic of this apron, it leads you. Thank goodness because I was pooped and needed to be led by the nose. I felt honoured to be amongst all the lovely women who have had the opportunity to wear the apron while baking or cooking something that was special and personal to them. While wearing the apron, I was instantly drawn to the memory of one of my mother's well-known loaf cakes.

It was so good, asked for often by anyone who had sampled it and an easy to make addition to a gab session over a hot cup of tea.

I believe my mom may have put this creation together herself because she just called it...

                              THE LOAF

1/4 cup butter

1 cup of white sugar

2 eggs

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sour milk

(I add 1 tsp of vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes)

1/2 tsp of salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp soda

1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl, combine 3 tbsp. of brown sugar with 1 tsp. of cinnamon..set aside.

Easy Peasy, here we go...

Cream together the butter, eggs & sugar. I always use brown organic eggs.

Mix well

Add the remaining ingredients ending with the vanilla

Add half of loaf to the pan. I line it with parchement paper.

Then add on top 1/2 of the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Now add the rest of the mixture on top of the 1st half.

Add the remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture

Now it is ready for the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour on middle rack.
See how nicely it rises. This one split at the top and you can see how nice and gold the cake is. It is definetely a loaf to share.

This loaf was so delicious with Strawberry Tea.

While making this and wearing this magical apron, I was once again in my mother's kitchen, my Aunt Vera's kitchen or my grandmother's summer kitchen listening to tales from their past and laughing 'til our sides hurt. Those are memories that, as an adult, I depend on to give me strength to face life's challenges sometimes. My granny, my mom, my dear Aunt Francis and my aunt/God-mother Aunt Vera. 4 strong, hard-working women who always loved and cared for their families. Aunt Francis is now 91 and still a very active woman and we cherish her so much. My grandmother, mom and Aunt Vera have passed on but they are still a strong presence in our lives. My mom, who's hand I feel on my shoulder when I need encouragement, who's voice I hear in my head when I need answers and who's face I see when I hear myself laugh. All these things give me strength and today, while wearing this wonderful apron I enjoyed some very special memories.

We have experienced some very hot weather lately which has kept me out of the kitchen so before I pass this apron on I decided to make a cool, summer treat for you. This was passed on by my mother-in-law, Mabel who is also a wonderful baker and the best mother-in-law/grandmother anyone could ask for.

                                                  Strawberry Swirl
This is one of those recipes set aside for a hot day when you need a light, cool dessert.
Here's what you need:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tbs surgar
1/4 cup butter
2 c strawberries (frozen or fresh)
1 3oz strawberry jello
1 cup water
1/2 lb marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
1 cup whipped whipping cream

Mix crumbs, sugar & butter and press into the bottom of a 9x13 dish. I don't have one so I used a 9x10 and it worked.
Sprinkle 2 tbs sugar over strawberries
Let stand 1/2 hour
Dissolve jello (only the hot water)
Drain strawberries and keep the juice
Add water to juice to make 1 cup.
Add to jello
Chill until partially set
Combine marshmallows and milk and heat and stir until melted
Cool and then fold in whipped cream
Add the berries to the partially chilled jello
Swirl into marshmallow mixture
Pour over crust
Chill to set (4 hours)
Cuts into 12 servings

Chill for 4 hours. Delish!

I couldn't let this wonderful apron leave our little town without passing it on to another blogger/baker & cook. Sue from Just Sayin' was very excited when I asked if she would wear this magical apron and see where it leads her in her kitchen. Sue is a mom and grandmother of twin 1 year olds better known as 'the peas'. Cute! cute! cute! So, although it is not crossing any oceans and will stay in Ontario a little longer I think you will be happy to see what another fellow Ontarian will create in her kitchen.

Thank you Susan from My Mother's Apron Strings for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Susan Apron. Thank you Meggie from Meggie on the Prairie, Scarlet from Tales from Beyond the Nook, Elaine from Pear Tree Log and Jane from The Maple Syrup Mob.  It's just so fun to have met you all through the magic of this  travelling apron. And "Welcome, Susan" to the Sisterhood.

It was a hoot! Right, Audrey...yah!

                       "Thanks Jane for the cat grass seeds. I'll grow 'em then I'll eat 'em"
                                                              Love,
                                                   the audacious Audrey
hugs, Deb