My artistic talents are limited, but thanks to an excellent teacher, a recent project of mine looked somewhat creative.
My daughter Samantha and her friend Kelsey McGuire planned an early Mother’s Day gift for me and for her mother, Diana Buffington.
Our evening began with a meal at The Diner in downtown Sioux Falls. After our dinner we went to a place called Creative Spirits. The brochure stated the following steps.
Step 1 – Book your painting event.
Step 2 – We’ll outfit you with all your supplies: apron, paintbrushes, easels and a 16-by-20 canvas. Bring your own wine or beer.
Step 3 – Relax. Get a glass of wine, visit with your friends or make new ones and we will turn on the tunes and guide you through the rest of your evening.
Our teacher guided us step by step in creating a painting of poppies while listening to the song, “Dancing Queen” from the movie “Mama Mia!”
A sign hanging in the studio said,
“Make memories
Paint happy tunes
Get a little messy
Drink, Drink, Paint!
My painting is hanging in my office — a reminder of a fun evening with my daughter and friends.
This week I have a recipe for a rhubarb dessert, which is a favorite of my family, and rhubarb bread.
Rhubarb Dessert
1 yellow cake mix, prepared as directed
4 cups rhubarb
1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar
1 pint whipping cream
Pour prepared cake mix into 9x13 pan. Pour remaining ingredients over the top. Bake at 350 degrees until knife inserted comes out clean. It will make a custard on the bottom. When serving, flip pieces over so the custard is on top.
Rhubarb Bread
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup salad oil
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup diced rhubarb
Mix and pour into greased loaf pans. Sprinkle with the following topping:
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
Bake one hour at 350 degrees. (Can substitute diced apples in place of rhubarb.)