Front Porch Coffee Chat

Springtime Catch-up

Hi there and welcome back! It’s been a year since we first started our coffee chats out here on the front porch. And oh boy has a lot happen in the past year. Today, I was reading our chat from this time last year. We were just starting our stay-at-home venture, planning our Easter and spring holidays. And we never dreamed that we would be a year into the future before we began to socialize again. But, things are looking up and spring 2021 has arrived! So let’s take a few minutes and catch-up with a springtime Front Porch Coffee Chat.

I am so enjoying walking and seeing the fresh green leaves and blooming plants of springtime. Of course, there is also the clean-up that comes with springtime. Falling leaves from the oaks that shed their leaves in spring as the new leaves burst forward.

Looking Forward To Easter

With spring comes the Easter Bunny decorations, and I do love seeing the bunnies displayed around the house. I am so looking forward to the Easter holidays this year. Don’t you just love the excitement of celebrating the arrival of Spring, the good food, and spending time with family and friends.

Classic Coconut Cake

Speaking of good food, one of my very favorite desserts is Coconut Cake. And I want to share with you all this recipe from Southern Living that is so delicious.

A fresh baked Coconut Cake is a coconut lover’s delight and is a scrumptious, make-ahead dessert for an Easter dinner treat! Bursting with the tropical flavor of coconut throughout this yummy dessert, your taste buds are saying yes it’s Spring! I found this amazing recipe on the Southern Living site and of course, you all know that is my go-to source when searching for a recipe.

Ingredients

Coconut Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 2/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons coconut extract
• 5 large eggs
• 1 (6-oz.) package frozen flaked coconut, thawed
• Coconut shavings, for garnish

Coconut Filling

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 (6-oz.) package frozen flaked coconut, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Whipped Cream Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract

Directions

• Step 1: Make the Coconut Cake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease and flour 4 (9-inch) round cake pans.
• Step 2: Beat the first 7 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Add extract, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in flaked coconut. Pour batter into prepared pans.
• Step 3: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).
• Step 4: Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Arrange coconut shavings in a single layer in a shallow pan. Bake, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes, or until toasted.
• Step 5: Make the Coconut Filling: Cook the first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 12 to 15 minutes, or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat, and stir in coconut and extracts. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).
• Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting: Beat all ingredients at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
• Step 7: Spread Coconut Filling between layers of cake, leaving a 1-inch border. Spread Whipped Cream Frosting on top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the cake, pressing gently to adhere.

Hostess Gift Ideas

Now, if you are lucky enough to be a guest for a holiday, you may want to send a hostess gift ahead of the day. Below is a selection of yummy treats from Williams Sonoma that are delicious and so easy to send. Warm croissants from the oven on Easter morning are delightful! Everyone loves chocolates.

Just click on the photos.

Favorite March Find

My favorite find of March is my new Jambu Erin Too sneakers. I love the blush pink and have been wearing them non-stop all month. I do have a CODE: DISTINCTLY21 for 20% Off thru May 31st in case you are looking for a stylish walking shoe.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lastly, I would like to say thanks so very much for joining me here for our Front Porch Coffee Chat for a spring catch-up today!

I want to thank all of you for following me and sharing my posts on Facebook and Instagram!!! ALSO, by your pinning my photos on Pinterest, my traffic is growing there too! Please, keep up the great work, everyone!!

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