Red, White and Who?

Posted on November 6, 2012 by farming4you

As I type this, Ryan and I are eagerly awaiting the results of the 2012 Presidential Election. The election that could impact our future children. The election that has been arguably the closest race in history. The election that has divided Facebook friends and Twitter followers and has consumed journalism and lunch dates. The election that is unfolding before our very eyes and ears.

What will happen? I can’t say what the outcome will be nor will I tell you who our family has voted for, but I can tell you this… Lord willing I will wake up tomorrow and enjoy the freedoms of this country that I daily take for granted. I’m a woman and I voted. I’m a Christian and I get to post about my faith on a public blog. I’m Caucasian and sold some furniture today to an Asian woman who hugged me and I shared a blog post with an African American friend on Facebook who has dined at my table. We are blessed indeed. Blood was shed for these freedoms in more ways than one or even two.

(Beautiful rose Ryan brought home to me!)

Tonight we celebrate these freedoms even if we don’t celebrate the outcome of the election.

I served my favorite meal in celebration. As I was preparing it I was thinking, “Red sauce, white potatoes, and blue…?” I didn’t have any jello…. so green beans would have to do!

Red Sauce over Steak: (Use this version if you have a busy day planned!)

Two round steaks in Crock Pot.
Pour Hunt’s All-Natural (gluten free) tomato sauce over top.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and onions
Cook on Low for 4-5 hours.

Serve with mashed potatoes (I leave peelings on for vitamins) and green beans!

For dessert, we are enjoying Chocolate Cake (not gluten free, just a box) w/ RW&B Sprinkles and Buttercream Icing!

Natalie, our Pastor’s wife here in Louisville, makes the most amazing Buttercream Icing! I tried to replicate it tonight the best I could.

She uses the Wilton Recipe, and has these great tips!

Unless you need white icing, don’t bother with buying clear vanilla.
If you want the icing to be less perishable, use water instead of milk.
That recipe makes about the same as a tub and a half of store-bought icing.. I usually just double the recipe to make sure I have enough to cover the cake and decorate it.
If you’re going to color the icing, you’ll want to keep some extra powdered sugar on hand… you wouldn’t think so, but the smallest amount of extra gel color can really thin the icing out.
If you have a stand mixer, like a Kitchen-aid, USE IT! If all you have is a hand mixer, use it until the icing is getting a little thick, then finish by hand.

I’m going to finish with this beautiful quote by my all time favorite President…