I'm not bragging

Really, I'm not bragging, just stating a fact. Alex, who is seven and technically a first grader, is in a second grade classroom doing second grade work. He recently took the NEA (or some other acronym) test which has nationwide results. Alex scored in the 99%, nationwide, in spelling, reading and math. So, yes we are doing the happy dance around here. Alex will be graduating from college in a few years. That part is a joke.
But on another topic, we (meaning me) brought home Princess on Tuesday. She is a 10 week old Chihuahua. Princess is the granddaughter of my best friend Magie's dog Ariel. Magie wants my llama, also named Ariel. Somebody will need a new name.

Wassail for Kids

School parties start soon. Halloween followed by Christmas. Magie and I are the homeroom moms for the 3rd grade Christmas party. I'm thinking this recipe for their drink. See what Magie thinks.
1 qt apple cider
5 cloves
2 c. sugar
1 t ground nutmeg
1 -- 6 oz can orange juice
1 stick cinnamon

Boil cinnamon stick and cloves in 3 c. water and sugar. Cool. Mix juices. Add spiced sugar water when ready to serve. Heat but do not boil. Delicious served cold. Makes 50 servings so with only 12 kids in the class maybe a 1/4 of the recipe.

Chocolate Almond Sheet Cake

I found this recipe in a cookbook which I received as a wedding present. It's easy to make and the boys like it. So they like any type of dessert.

3/4 c butter or margarine
1 c water
1/4 c baking cocoa
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
2 c sugar
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c milk
1 t vanilla
1 t almond extract

Bring butter, water and cocoa to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, soda, and salt. Beat in cocoa mixture. Add eggs, milk and extracts. Pour into greased sheet cake pan. Bake at 350* for 20-28 minutes depending on your altitude. Cool for 10 minutes. While the cake is cooling make the frosting. Put 1/2 c butter and 1/4 c milk in a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter melts. Remove from the heat and add 3 c confectioners sugar, 1/4 c baking cocoa and 1 t vanilla. Beat well. Spread over warm cake.
This does really well for church potlucks and family get togethers.