Saturday, February 20, 2010

Afternoon Coffee Break


CherryPot
Don't you just love rituals! Every afternoon when my daughter was in school she would come home and I’d have a cup of coffee and she would have a cup of tea or hot chocolate and she’d tell me about her day.

Now that she’s  finished with High School we have Afternoon Coffee Breaks where we have some one on one time and talk about what we’ve been doing that day or just random things. On the weekends my husband and I always stop to have afternoon coffee, sometimes our daughter joins us sometimes it's just the two of us.

We always have a little something sweet with our coffee. Coffee needs something sweet and yummy don’t you think? Most of the time it's something I've baked. Now and then  it might be something we picked up at the grocery store, sometimes it's Starbucks (but not too often).
cake
Last month I made this delicious Root Beer Cake. It’s really easy to make. I would recommend that you make it a day ahead as it’s very moist and I found that it was actually better the next day. It’s nice to have dessert that’s good the next day and the next!


This recipe is adapted from one I saw in  Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade Magazine.

Root Beer Cake
1 box of Spice Cake mix
1 teaspoon rum extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Root beer
  • Preheat oven to 350. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick spray.
  • Make cake according to directions on the box except substitute root beer for the water. Add the remaining ingredients. Bake according to box directions or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it cool.
  • Dust with confectioners sugar.
Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!

68 comments:

Donna said...

So sweet! Time spent with our daughters are the best! I love the cherry teapot!
Blessings,
Donna

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What a wonderful way to catch up with loved ones. Your teaset is beautiful. And the cake sounds very interesting. I always do home baked as it is good to know what is going into the mix. Have a wonderful day. Tammy

Paula@SweetPea said...

An afternoon coffee break is a nice tradition. Your root beer cake sounds good!

Ally's Corner said...

Your tea set is very pretty. I have learned spending some time listening to your kids is the best thing a parent could do.

Anna said...

I love rituals too.Time spent with our children is always precious.My daughter and I often have a cup of tea in the afternoon.I love your teapot,it's so lovely!Bye.

Pat@BPM said...

A wonderful ritual, Manuela.

I love that first photo...gorgeous!

Happy@Home said...

Beautiful pictures. Your ritual sounds like a very pleasant break in the daily routine.
Enjoy your weekend.

Kelley said...

I received a new bundt pan for Christmas and have been on the lookout for recipes. I am going to try this cake recipe today! Can't wait. I am going to have some coffee on, too.
Blessings

Heather said...

Every so often, I have tea and a special snack with my girls. They love it! These are definitely wonderful memories in making. Your beautiful post reminds me that it time for another tea party!

brokeintrovert said...

This is a great idea. I'd love to start this with Mary. She loves "scheduled" things. My husband, not so much. He likes to mix things up a bit.

Lisa~A Cottage To Me said...

Our ritual for afterschool has always been fresh baked cookies and milk. I think I looked forward to it as much as my girls! I recently found out that most of their friends appreciated this ritual too, when they would come home with them! I guess some moms don't have rituals...makes it even more special! I love your tea set...I've always wanted one for myself!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

My husband and I both worked at home. Every afternoon around 2:30 we have a coffee or tea break. It gives us a chance to relax and talk about the upcoming evening....

I love rituals!
Hugs,
Penny
p.s. that rootbeer cake sounds yummy!

Cyndi said...

The Cake looks great I'll have to try this one out! and I love the pretty teapot and vase. sooo Pretty

Melanie said...

My husband and I love to have a cup together on the weekend. It is nice to sit and talk and catch up. I love that your daughter sits with you every day and talks about her day.

Have a great weekend and enjoy your cup of joe.

Bonita said...

What a lovely tea/coffee pot. I always enjoy, or should I say drool over, your pictures.

Afternoon tea is a favorite with me. I don't do it often enough, but lately I've been getting back in the habit and it's a welcome respite.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a sweet ritual! It seems we are always rushing about, and how lovely to have that one on one time.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Stephanie

Indian Thoughts said...

Wow. it looks yumie..

Kathleen Grace said...

This sounds like a fantastic ritual, why havent I ever thought of that? It seems Ilet my days get all filled up with things I must get done and I don't equate coffee breaks with being at home. I love that little teapot set and the root beer cake looks so yummy. This is a tradition I need to start too:>)

Vee said...

Oh! You know I love your Sock-it-to-Me cake so I'm sure that I'd love this one. What a pretty picture all in whites and reds. Lovely teapots! I like your afternoon ritual and have tried to institute one here, but it's hit or miss much of the time.

Tracy F . said...

I can't wait to make a root beer cake--it sounds divine. just found your blog and am enjoying reading your previous posts. Your photography is lovely.(I'm an Atlanta girl, too, btw.)

Unknown said...

What a sweet tradition. When my girls get home from school, it's just us four girls for about 45 minutes. That's just enough time for some tea and conversation.

Jamie said...

Manuela, Sounds like a great ritual. I'm sure your daughter will cherish those memories. Side note - I just realized I don't have a bundt pan anymore. Need to keep my eyes out for one at thrift shops. Have a great weekend.

Sarah said...

Manuela, my husband and always have an afternoon coffe. Don't usually add the sweet, but this cake looks interesting. I love root beer. I just may try this. Not that we need a cake around the house. LOL

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful and sweet moment to treasure with your daughter. I know she will carry those times in her heart through he lifetime. The cake sounds yummy. I know my kids would absolutely love this!


Enjoy this springlike weather this weekend!

Jennifer

Tami said...

What a wonderful tradition!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I just love the tea for one pot with the beautiful cheeries, and the whol vignette is stunning. Really inviting. I love that you take time to stop and enjoy a refreshment and to visit. That is such precious time spent together. The cake sounds wonderful. I will have to give it a try. Also, I am taking over Table Top Tuesday for Barb who's business is keeping her way too busy right now. I so hope you will join us on Tuesdays. Hugs, Marty

Cindy said...

That sounds really good! I have put the ingred. on my shopping list that I don't have and I shall make that. I love rituals, too. I was looking after my grand children, 7 and 8 years old, this fall and we had tea or hot chocolate upon their arrival, every day, along with a sweet. I miss that so much. I look forward to the Spring when we will do it again. Their dad picks them up from school in the Winter time when his business is not quite so busy.
I Love your blog, Cindy s.

Unknown said...

You have the prettiest things. I love that red and white coffee or tea pot. I love anything red and white. I've always wanted to do a tea time everyday. I do it for a while and then I forget or life intervenes. I've been working on good habits that would be a good one to establish. Last year I was going to try and use my fancy tea cups for tea on Sunday afternoons. i did it for a while, but I haven't done it for a while now. That would be a good place for me to start.

Linda

Erin | Bygone Living said...

The cake sounds delicious, and I love your tea pot ♥

Gypsy Heart said...

I love that you do this! Rituals are so special and I know you've created a lot of treasured memories for your daughter. Your tea set is beautiful. I'd love to be at your home this afternoon for a coffee break! :-)

Nadine said...

How lovely to have that special time together each day!
Thank you for sharing the recipe...I look forward to trying it!

Blessings!
~Nadine

Carol said...

What a nice tradition. My husband and I do that on weekends also and I love it. It gives us a time to talk and relate one on one. We have 5 children so it's important to do this.

Terri Steffes said...

Aw, that was so sweet! The cake sounds great and is what I will be bringing to our staff treat day on Friday! Thanks!

Julie Harward said...

This cake sounds SO good, I will make it! I don't drink coffee but I love a diet Pepsi with lemon everyday..love ya! :D

Linda said...

Just lovely! Fun traditons...

I used to fix my kiddos a little coffee with a lot of milk and some sugar when they were little and wanted to join momma for a cup of coffee. (Also cocoa with marshmallows)

A little something sweet sounds good right now! (:>) I think I will go see what I have.

Happy Saturday!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Manuela, I'm lovin' that little tea pot stacking set with the cherries on it! Your cake is so pretty. I'll save the recipe and hope to make it soon. laurie

Julie said...

That brings back memories of when my daughters were still at home. I do so miss those days. I love the cherry teapot!

Unknown said...

I love reading you blog. You have the prettiest of things and your tea set is beautiful. I used to have tea with my friend and we would talk about each other's day. I moved to a different place now and miss her everyday when I have tea. I love rituals like these, it is a nice way to have good conversations.
Mamta

Salmagundi said...

I'll certainly try the root beer cake - I don't know that I've heard of it before. My husband is a big cookie and/or cake fan, so I bake often. Now that he is retired, we often have coffee together mid-morning. Sally

Beth said...

So nice!!
Looks yummy!

Beth

Cheryl said...

Just lovely! My oldest girls are TRYING to do this at 8:30 at night before they go to bed...the only time during the day where it's just US. = ) It hasn't happened yet, but Isabella has her peach tea ready, our teacups picked out and tea pot ready! I'll have to take some pics tom share with you when it actually happens. = )

So lovely, Manuela! I want to come! = )

Wendy said...

The kids are going to love this! What a great memory and a great tradition. I am so happy you shared it with us :)
Wendy

Laura said...

What a wonderful tradition Manuela.
The cake looks delicious.
I always enjoy visiting- I get inspired.

Laura

A Southern Rose said...

That is a sweet tradition to have with your daughter. I bet you both really enjoy that special time together. That rootbeer cake looks and sounds really delicious. I love cake especially without icing. I'm gonna have to try that one. Thanks.

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Heathahlee said...

My son could drink root beer like water if I let him! I will have to make this for him.

And when I was in high school, my mom and I had a tradition when I got home from school of popping popcorn and watching Little House on the Prairie reruns that came on t.v. I cherish those memories, and your daughter will, too.

Cottage Rose said...

What a wonderful tradition to have.. such lovely memories to be made for sure.... love the tea set... and the cake sounds really yummy,,,

have a great weekend..

Hugs;
Alaura

Angie said...

That cake looks so good! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Oh I remember the afterschool rituals here, too! Thanks for the memories!! I'll have to try the RootBeer Cake ~ sounds yummy!

Happy PS!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Jennifer said...

Just found you blog. It is lovely. I've enjoyed looking around. I love Jane Austen too!!

Suzanne said...

The recipe sounds yummy! Doesn't coffee taste wonderfully different in the afternoon than it does in the morning? Your cherry teapot is adorable!

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Hello Manuela,
I'm new to your blog. You inspired me to take an afternoon coffee break with my children and husband. I don't even drink coffee!

It's good to meet you. If you'd like to meet me, come on by!

Laura

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love this post! I enjoy the special times I can share with my daughter, too! And the cake looks luscious!

Mimi Sue said...

I'm always looking for a good cake recipe. This sounds yummy and definitely unique. Mimi

Carol said...

I love your ritual! What a great idea! I'm going to borrow it from you if that's ok. What a cute teapot. I love teapots and collect them. Your cake sounds wonderful, I can't wait to try it.
I have a blog button now! I'd be honored if you would put it on your blog. Stop by and visit.
http://songberries.blogspot.com

Donna said...

Afternoon coffee breaks are the best, and to spend time with our daughters makes it even better. The root beer cake looks good!

Hugs,
Donna

France Guérin said...

It's my first time in your world,
It's a beautiful life!
France
Passion of Milk glass,collecting

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

I love that tradition! So soothing -- I am sure your daughter will always remember those moments.

Thank you for the recipe. It looks and sounds delicious! I am going to print it out!

XOO
Jen

Jenni said...

That is such a sweet ritual you shared with your daughter! :) I also think your root beer cake looks wonderfully delicious! :)

Hope you had a beautiful weekend!

Sit A Spell said...

Hi, how fun to stumble upon your blog! I used to live in a small town outside Atlanta...I'm in FL now. I also had a Golden, but she passed last summer...yours is beautiful.

My daughter, 14, and I have tea together often after school. We go for coffee and treats on weekends and chat. I just had a cuppa and a lemon cake cookie. yum.

You have a lovely blog...I kept scrolling and scrolling, but it's late and I need to get some rest.

Gracie said...

It's saturday afternoon tea break for me and my daughter here. And usually we have cinnamon biscuits....

Anonymous said...

Coffee pr tea is also a ritual with my parents. I join them whenever I can...great family time.

Melissa Miller said...

Manuela that cake really does sound tasty. I'll try yummy cakes like that again very soon. I do need to vary and up my fitness routine for sure. I also have a *fluidity* bar I need to set up as well.

I'm drinking my vanilla coffee right now. I got a late start this morning since I'm not feeling that great today. Ugh.

Have a wonderful day. ~Melissa :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

Manuela, you do indeed make everything look sweet. And it doesn't even have to have sugar in it!
Brenda

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, friend, once again, I just can't ever stay caught up! I'll take a coffee & slice of that cake please. You've been busy with all your projects, love your rooster tassel, it looks perfect in your house. Glad you enjoyed the snow too. Aren't you ready for spring?? me too!

Rhondi said...

What a nice ritual to have, especially with that darling red and white teapot and cup.

Camille said...

Such a lovely tradition you have with your daughter. The photo at the top of this post is so pretty! Trust you had a lovely week Manuela!

Blessings,
Camille

P.S. Happy birthday to your daughter

Susie Q said...

The display is lovely...so sweet and dear and pretty. The cake looks delicious and spending such special time with loved ones is precious.
Love,
Sue

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

The recipe looks great...enjoying the blog, and saw some of these same pieces at Hobby Lobby and wanted them myself. Enjoyed dropping in.