Birthday Cake

There are two things in the World of Entertaining that I CAN NOT DO! One, wrap a gift. For example, this year I didn't have the correct tools so I used two types of paper and green painters tape to wrap Michael's gift. Second, frost a cake (this also falls under Pie Crust). I do have the tools a long slim spatula, wax paper to place underneath and remove after frosting to reveal a clean plate underneath, cake pans of all different sizes and shapes but still my 6 year old niece could do a better job. Today was no different. It's my birthday at the end of this week and I have been craving Pistachio Cake. I first had this for my birthday many years ago in Newport and have been seeking it out ever since. Now that was a professionally made 3 layer, butter cream frosting, made from scratch Pistachio Cake and believe me I cannot compete. But there are many recipes out there on the old Internet so I attempted one last week and one today. Last week the recipe called for a little Soda Water or Sprite. Today's did not. I liked today's cake better (Jello Pudding Recipe) it is fluffier but nothing like the little slice of Nut Heaven I had in RI. I must try this recipe again but "from scratch" with real ingredients and with my sister's by my side to Frost.

What's For Dinner Sister? 

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Green Beans (Real Simple)

6 tbls olive oil

2 lemons, 1 thinly sliced, 1 juiced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

3/4 lb trimmed green beans

8 small red potatoes, quartered

4 chicken breast (bone in, skin on)

Preheat Oven 450. Coat a large baking dish or cast-iron skillet with 1 tbls olive oil. Arrange the lm slices single layer on bottom. In a large bowl combine the remaining oil, lemon juice, garlic, S&P: add the green beans and toss to coat. Remove with slotted spoon or tongs and place on top of lm slices. Then toss the potatoes in olive oil mixture and remove those and place along the edges of the dish. Lastly, Place the chicken in the remaining mixture and/or pour over the chicken. Place in center of dish skin side up. Roast for 50 min. Remove the chicken and put the beans and potatoes back in oven for 10 more or until tender.