Correction

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV

Disney Red Velvet Cheesecake

Red Velvet Crust:
1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix (or white cake mix with red food coloring), prepared according to box directions.

Pour 1/2 of cake mix into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake according to the directions on the box for a 9-inch layer cake. Use the other half of prepared cake mix to make a small layer to eat later. I like to make a small cake just for the children. You can freeze this to use later if you like.

Reduce baking time so cake will be set but not quite done. Remove from oven and allow cake layer to cool completely in the pan. Set cake aside keeping the cake in the springform pan.

Cheesecake:
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract (I leave the almond extract out and just add more vanilla)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
food coloring

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and extracts until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, and then add in sour cream.

Divide mixture into 5 small bowls and add the following colors to each one: pink, yellow, blue, green and purple. Pour or spoon batters onto cake base which is still in the 9-inch springform pan in separate sections on top of the cake base. Take a knife and swirl the batters together. Do not swirl too much, so the colors will be clearly visible.

Bake 35 minutes, until the center is just about set when you jiggle the pan.
Allow cake to cool completely and refrigerate before serving.
Run a knife around the edge of the cake to release it before removing sides of pan.
Serves 12.

A Story

At two and one half granddaughter Carley Ann was in meltdown mode pitching what we call in the south a hissy fit. After all, she had been good all day and it just didn’t seem fair that she would have to be strapped into her car seat one more time after a long day of shopping. All our attempts at pacification were met with more outbusts of tantrum attitude so, as last resort, daughter-in-law Terri pulled over into the next parking lot so we could have a talk with Carley Ann.

Mustering up as much courage and hope I could find, I spoke softly to Carley Ann and told her that she was Memama’s little angel and that angels just didn’t act that way. Angels were special and that made her special I told her along with a few other words about angels and how sweet, helpful and beautiful they were. Much to my amazement, Carly Ann immediately calmed down and repeated to me that she was Memama’s angel.

With a melted heart, I climbed back into the car and we drove home without another outburst. Carley Ann WAS an angel and we didn’t think anymore about it until a few days later when she promptly told a waitress that she was Memama’s little angel. The waitress smiled and said, “yes, I can tell.” Of course my eyes filled with tears of love but more than that was the truth that Carley Ann really did understand that she was special to me, wanted to do what I asked of her, and she was proud to proclaim she was Memama’s angel. I responded back to the waitress with a thank you and let her know that Carley Ann had a sister, Anna Claire, who was also an angel. She just smiled again and said, “oh, you are double blessed.”

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” This makes following Christ as simple as being a little child who trusts his loving parents and grandparents gladly doing whatever they ask. No wonder Jesus told us to be like little children! I am sure that our obedience to Him makes His heart swell with approval much the same way my heart does as I watch my children and grandchildren grow and learn His ways and make their way in this world.