Drive-by shooting

 

Debra and I started this last year in North Dakota where we would go out with no particular destination in mind with our cameras and when we saw something wee wanted to take a picture of, we would stop and shoot. We actually had a pretty day last week and after lunch we headed to Perryopolis to see what we could see.

From Wikipedia:

History

George Washington purchased 1,644 acres (6.65 km2) here when land first became available.  He visited in 1770 and said, "as fine a land as I have ever seen, a great deal of rich meadow; it is well watered and has a valuable mill seat."  The mill would eventually be completed in 1776.  Once the mill was finished, it encouraged other business to come to the area to support and augment the business of the mill.

Washington hoped to develop the remainder of Perryopolis, drawing up plans for the streets to be laid out in the shape of a wagon-wheel. Washington's estate sold the land after his death; in 1814 Perryopolis, previously known as New Boston, was officially laid out using Washington's plans and named for Oliver Hazard Perry for his victory on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

I was intrigued by this etching. Someone must have done this with some kind of torch.

Loved this old building.

In 1774, the construction of Washington's Mill was begun under the direction of Gilbert Simpson, but due to trouble with the Indians and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the Mill was not completed until the fall of 1776.

It was not until the fall of 1779, that Washington leased the Mill, along with 150 acres of land, to Colonel Israel Shreve, a hero of the Revolutionary War, for a term of five years.

We couldn’t tour the inside because the Mill is only open once a year, in October, for tours.

When we got lost, we ended up going down this road and both of us fell in love with this tunnel and bridge. Often times the best things we have seen have been when we have gotten lost.

I made Whoopie Pies this week.

The recipe for whoopie pies has its origins with the Amish, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  It is not uncommon to find roadside farm stands offering these desserts.  Amish cooking is about old recipes that have fed families for generations, with no trendy or cross-cultural fusions or mixtures.  These cake-like whoopie pies were considered a special treat because they were originally made from leftover batter.  According to Amish legend, when children would find these treats in their lunch bags, they would shout "Whoopie!"

I got the pan from Wilton,  They turned out great.

I made mine with yellow cake mix and homemade buttercream frosting.

 

Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Whoopie Pie Filling

Makes: 12 whoopie pies (24 cakes total)

instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Lightly spray Whoopie Pie Pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Add egg and vanilla; beat until well combined.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add half the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and mix on low speed.  When dry ingredients are almost incorporated, stop the mixer and add the buttermilk. Continue to mix on low speed until all ingredients are almost incorporated.  Stop the mixer and add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix on low until just combined.  Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter into each cavity; spread batter to the edges.  Cavity should be about 2/3 full.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when touched.  Allow cakes to cool in pan 8 minutes.  Remove from pan and cool completely before filling.  To assemble pies, spread filling on one cake and sandwich with another cake.

 

Whoopie Pie Filling

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar , sifted
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 jar (about 7 ounces) marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Makes: About 2 1/2 cups of filling, enough to fill 12 whoopie pies.

instructions

In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer until creamy.  Add sugar and salt to the butter; mix well.  Add marshmallow crème and vanilla; blend well.  Use immediately to fill whoopie pies or refrigerate covered up to 1 week.  Bring back to room temperature and lightly beat before using.

I had a new bird at the feeder this week, a house finch.

Lots of wins this past week!

Peacock necklace willowmoonspirit's shop

Brandis Necklace from Simply you and As A Mom Sees It

Ocean Blue Recycled Stained Glass Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65676620/

from Eluna Jewelery

Crater Dot Lounge

The Crater Dot is a comfortable lounge for your pet. The polyester plush dot center provides an easy to clean and comfy spot to relax. The foam lounge base is polyester fabric over a moulded foam form that is contoured to provide just the right padding for you pet.

Reading Cassandra Palmer Series by Karen Chance

Cassandra Palmer can see the future and communicate with spirits-talents that make her attractive to the dead and the undead. The ghosts of the dead aren't usually dangerous; they just like to talk...a lot.
The undead are another matter.