Happy Birthday Nancy!

Today is my sister's birthday and if you've got a minute, scoot on over to Nanniepannies and wish her a happy day!

I've baked her traditional choice for birthday cake~

Decadent Carrot Cake

(Serves 20)

2 c. flour

2 t. soda

2 t. cinnamon

1t. salt

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

1 1/4 c. cooking oil

2 c. finely grated carrots

Sift dry ingredients together. Mix eggs, cooking oil and carrots together and add to dry ingredients. Beat hard. Bake in 2 layer pans at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 stick butter

1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese

1 box powdered sugar

1 c. chopped nuts (pecans)

Cream cheese and butter. Add sugar gradually. Blend in nuts.

This is a very old recipe. Do not even attempt to make it unless you've got 19 other people to share it with--it's rich beyond belief, but SO good! I make this cake for her every year. This year we have both vowed, when the cake gets cut this evening, half goes into the freezer for dessert during Thanksgiving.

Our neighborhood association recently made Nancy a very happy woman by giving Buttermilk Cottage the "Yard of the Month." This is the SECOND time she's been awarded this recognition and she deserves it. We do have a lovely yard and it's all due to her efforts.

"For there is no friend like a sister

In calm or stormy weather;

To cheer one on the tedious way,

To fetch one if one goes astray,

To lift one if one totters down,

To strengthen whilst one stands."

Christina Rossetti

Have a great day, my dear sister and best friend, Nancy!