White Texas Sheet Cake

As the mother of a child who HATES chocolate, I'm always on the look out for desserts

 that do not include chocolate. I've made Texas sheet cakes (aka Coke cake) for 

years and years but until recently had never made a white Texas sheet cake. 

I have no idea why I waited so long to make this but gosh- it is GOOD! 

Cake:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar 
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan. In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine butter and water and bring just to a boil- string constantly. Stir into flour mixture. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream and extract until blended; add to flour mixture, whisking constantly. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until golden brown (do NOT overbake) and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about18-20 minutes. Cool before frosting. For frosting, combine butter and milk in a large saucepan and bring just to a boil- stirring constantly. Remove from heat; gradually stir in confectioners' sugar and extract. Stir in walnuts. Spread over warm cake.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Every time I have mentioned this recipe someone has said...."Wait, what? Sweet potato in chili?". I know it sounds like a strange combination but trust me when I say it is AWESOME! I originally found the recipe from Skinnytaste HERE (she has the BEST recipes!) but have altered a bit. My recipe adaptation is below. Don't knock it till you try it!

Ingredients:

1 package 93% lean ground turkey
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large can crushed tomatoes
8 oz can tomato sauce
2 15 oz cans of beans, NOT drained (kidney or pinto)
3/4 cup water
1/2 tsp cumin, or to taste
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes

Directions: 

In a large skillet, with a little bit of olive oil, brown onion and garlic over medium heat. Add turkey and brown- seasoning with salt, pepper and cumin. When meat is browned add the can of tomatoes, diced sweet potato, tomato sauce, beans, water, chili powder, paprika, salt and bay leaf. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through, about 30-45 minutes stirring occasionally. Add additional water if it's too thick. Remove bay leaf and serve