Refreshments will be served

So for those of you who know me personally may know that I was recently made the the "P. Prez" (aka, primary president, aka over all the kids at church) and if you know me really well, you probably laughed out loud when you heard the news. November is a time for the "Priesthood Preview" which as the new P. Prez I was in charge of. So I got it on the calendar, invited the children and their parents, etc, and was well on my way to fulfilling my duties. Last night I climbed into bed to cuddle up with my iphone (I know, I'm suppose to say husband, but I do love my iphone) and it reminds me, "Priesthood Preview: Tomorrow 7 pm." Oh dear, I completely forgot. For those of you in my church understand well, all church activities and firesides lure people in with the promise, "refreshments will be served." I had no refreshments. Of course fairb being the male that he is says, "We have the pumpkin pie leftover from Thanksgiving, and some cookies and cream ice cream in the freezer, just use that." Oh dear, does he not know who he is married to? If I am in charge, the food MUST be good. So I tossed and turned with anxiety over no refreshments. Then I had a true revelation . . . .Chocolate eclair cake! Its easy, its elegant, kids like it, and I had all the ingredients! So I went to bed in peace, knowing I could make a treat, true to form. Here it goes . . . . . This is inspired by my sister-in-law Laurie, who after bringing this cake to a function was officially made the family dessert maker.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

1 stick butter

1 c water

1 c flour

4 eggs

1 large box instant chocolate pudding

1 8 0z pkg cream cheese, softened

1 quart whipping cream, whipped and sweetened with vanilla and sugar

optional garnishments

Carmel

fruit

almonds

Bring butter and water to a boil. Turn off and immediately add flour and beat till smooth. Add one egg at a time beat each one in until smooth. Spread like frosting into a greased cookie sheet

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until browned.

Meanwhile, make pudding according to instructions, add softened cream cheese and beat till smooth. Let set. Spread over the eclair crust.

Next add sweetened whip cream. Spread smooth and add desired garnishments. Its fast, its easy, its fancy, and its refreshments . . . .

Had lots of family up for dinner tonight . . . Fairb is out of town. I don't like it when fairb is out of town, especially on a Sunday. When fairb is gone it means one of two things, we are having chicken or pork, because he will not eat either. Tonight I ventured out of my normal realm and had a pork loin roast. I braised it in chicken stock, sparkling apple juice, onions, garlic, bay leaf, sage, and of course a crap load of salt and pepper. Turned out pretty good . . . .