I have a confession.
Something that has sat on my shoulders for some time.
No matter how much I want to, no matter how hard I try…
I cannot always make things from scratch.
I mean, I really want to be that mom that has her business, writes her blog (or two), is at every school event, bakes the best cakes, makes the best cookies, all allergy friendly, all from scratch.
And sometimes, sometimes I do manage to squeeze it all in.
Sometimes I don’t.
Take this week for example. In the last 7 days I have had a child who fell on the stairs at school and sprained her shoulder and wrist requiring multiple doctor’s visits to repair, and then my husband ran over a large piece of metal in the road puncturing his fuel tank and leaving us with one vehicle (and me playing full-time taxi) until the shop can get to his repair. I have had business meetings, school meetings, annual physical exams, a blood draw, helped a friend move, and even managed to squeeze in a vlog post somewhere along the way.
I have an Easter gathering with 28+ people tonight, a baptism and church meeting tomorrow, a birthday party for my nephew, 8 family members coming in to town, and a huge family dinner to make for a gathering for 13+ people on Sunday.
For each of these gatherings I, of course, will be brining desserts, vegetable trays, salads, and other items needed to ensure not only my children and I have something to eat…but that we can share the joy with our many, many loved ones throughout the weekend.
Unfortunately, in weeks like this, I need a few shortcuts to make it all happen.
This year, our Easter eggs will have food dye on them (not be made with fruits, vegetables and peels this year).
This year our cake will be made using this Namaste cake mix, and our decorations are coming from candies/gifts my kids were given at school.
All gluten and dairy-free mind you…just not from scratch and not the way we try to do things.
But the frosting…oh yeah, the frosting is allllllll miiiiine. Because, really, what is better than homemade ‘buttercream’?
So this year, or any year for that matter, if you simply don’t have it in you to make everything from scratch…be okay with that!
In the long run your kids won’t necessarily remember the ingredients that were used, but they sure will appreciate the memories that you made.
Time with your family is the most important time of all.
Get out there and enjoy them!
And if that means taking a few shortcuts, go for it!
In the meantime…here’s my favorite buttercream recipe!
Enjoy!
- 1 c Organic Vegetable Shortening (we use Spectrum, butter flavored)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 4c grain-free powdered sugar (we use either homemade or Wholesome Sweetners)
- 2 TBS canned coconut milk (plus more if needed)
- Using a stand or hand mixer and a large bowl, beat shortening, vanilla and salt together until fluffy. Gradually add in sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on slow to medium speed (start slow or else you’ll have a powdery mess on your hands!). Scrape sides often until all sugar has been mixed in. Gradually add in milk while mixing at medium speed until frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost as usual.
- Makes approximately 2 ¼ c icing.
Yummy frosting and cute cake, Sunny! So sorry your family has had so many challenges this week, dear. Hope they are all behind you now! It’s impossible to make everything from scratch. Well, I suppose if we had not choice, we would do it (or go without), but it’s much easier when needed to rely on a convenience product which we trust. 🙂
Happy Easter! xoxo,
Shirley
🙂 Thank goodness for options, right Shirley? My how things have changed (mostly for the better) since our journeys began.
I hope you had an amazing Easter! xoxo
Sunny
I hear ya on the business — sometimes shortcuts can be handy for sure. Glad you didn’t take one on this frosting though — that’s one good looking frosted cake, Sunny! 🙂
🙂 Thank you, Audrey!