GBE2: Blog on: Picture Prompt - Money Tree...

GBE2: Blog on:  Picture Prompt - Money Tree...

This week's blogging exercise is a picture prompt - Money Tree. I have already read a number of contributions from other bloggers here - they are all fantastic and have come at the subject from all directions. Gee, you haven't left much for me friends.

But the one theme that runs through each post is the meaning of the Money Tree. We may grow exasperated  telling our children or grandchildren that money doesn't grow on trees, or have you seen that Money Tree down the backyard? While you are there grab me a few leaves too!

The Money Tree is I think,  a societal  sublimable message of  an alternative form of income, such as Lotto, a flutter on the horses, a spin on the Roulette Wheel, or a hand of Blackjack. But of course every example is of total success - a breaking of the bank!

We are allowed to dream, to relax for a few moments from the responsibilities of making a living, bringing up a family and  facing reality.

There is nothing wrong about  having fantasies about being another tenant in Wall Street, or any other financial institutional headquarters in London, Sydney or Wellington, or of lying on the beach at Honolulu or the French Riviera. Just as long as we don't get paranoid about it!

So it is really back to earth and the reality of some football or skate that the children left in the hallway and nearly tripped you up as you were daydreaming and thinking about those Money Tree leaves down the backyard. Great thoughts though!


The Blogfrog

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cake, Christmas, dessert, holidays-and-parties-christmas

O Christmas Tree Cake

• This Christmas tree cake, inspired by the Christmas carol, gives you the chance to decorate the Christmas tree twice -- and is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Lauren Jepsen Mace

Decorating the Christmas tree is so fun, why not do it twice this year by decorating a Christmas tree cake, too? Though seemingly complex, we assure you this evergreen treat is a cinch to decorate. (And we suspect "chopping it down" will be even easier.)

To make this cake, start with a batch of Fluffy Yellow Cake and one batch of Buttercream Frosting for Decorating. Bake the cake in a 9 by 13-inch pan. (If using store-bought frosting, I recommend Duncan Hines, which has a good consistency. Do not use whipped topping, which tends to droop.)

Gather the following supplies, then get started:
-M&M's, Skittles or other small colorful candies
-1 package fruit tape, such as Fruit by the Foot (preferably strawberry)
-Colorful cake decorating decors, such as Cake Mate's Snowflakes, Hollyberry & Leaves and Christmas Tree Sequins or Betty Crocker's Stars
-Small star-shaped candle, such as Cake Mate's Star Light Party Candles
-Green food coloring (such as Wilton food coloring gel)
-Parchment or wax paper
-Pastry bag with star-shaped cake tip (#21 or #22)
-Knife
-Scissors
-Rulers

After you've finished checking out this cake, be sure to see our other Christmas desserts, including a whimsical Santa Cake, Gingerbread Men made from cupcakes, and our Classic Christmas dessert recipes. Also see Gail Simmons's Christmas Dessert suggestions. Plus Christmas decorating and craft ideas from Holidash.

Read more: http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/12/01/o-christmas-tree-cake/#ixzz18L8BBoOT

 

Acknowledgements:  Lauren Jepsen Mace

Related articles

• O Christmas Tree [Video] (kotaku.com)
• Christmas trees are surprisingly depressing for some (mnn.com)
• Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree (l3montree.wordpress.com)
• Just for fun - cutting down our Christmas tree (halliecrawford.com)