First Annual Berry Bake Off

Yesterday night was "Science Night" it was nice to be able to take a back seat and just run a station at this event instead of having to coordinate. I ran a computer station where families were able to come, answer a few questions, and figure out what their "Carbon Footprint" was in comparison to the American average. I thought that it would go really easy, but quickly realized that the website was not in Spanish, I don't speak much Spanish, and almost all of the students parents and guardians do not speak English...

As I saw some of my students translating many of the questions to their parents I realized what an important role these young children play in the lives of their families. Many of my students are one of few people in their household who speak English and they are relied on for important translation in order to help their families function in America. Granted, a lot of information is available in many languages, but still, this is just another outside stress that many, more fortunate students, will never have to face.

Today, Wednesday, was the day of the "First Annual Berry Bake Off." This event was held after school as part of our school's Thanksgiving celebration for staff. We have events every once in awhile to help build community within the teachers and staff at our school, discuss larger school-wide issues as a staff, celebrate special events, among other things.

Anyway, last night when I got home from "Science Night" I used my "phone-a-friend" and called my mom in order to get the recipe for my secret weapon, Better Than S-E-X cake. It was late, but I felt I should participate in the contest in order to support the "events committee" at our school and to be a good sport. This cake was my favorite growing up so I thought I would give it a try. After two trips to the grocery store (I forgot caramel the first time), I finished the cake and went to bed.

Here are the directions to the cake I made. You can use these directions, or give my mom a call... she had them memorized and was able to retell them to me without missing a step at whatever she was doing at home. I think more than one of her sons must have requested it for a birthday cake over the years.

The cake was a big hit. I ended up getting 2nd place from the "judges" (make up of selected staff and teachers from our school) and also won the "People's Choice Award" for best desert. My late night slaving away in the kitchen was worth it...

Next up... I said I would bring a pumpkin pie to a Thanksgiving potluck on Sunday. We shall see how that goes.