Friday, June 27, 2014

“The Picnic Game” And My Letter Is "X" For “Xmas Coconut Wreath Cake”


I am 'going' on a picnic and I am bringing a “Xmas Coconut Wreath Cake” that begins with the letter “X”. My friend and food blogger Louise, from “Months of Edible Celebrations” is the hostess of this year on-line picnic, called “The Picnic Game.” She has hosted this game for 6 years. Louise starts organizing by getting out her picnic basket at the end of June. Then, the final round up is usually July 1 st. as July is “National Picnic Month.” If you would like to join the Picnic Game, you can visit Louise anytime for more details. So come and join me as we visit all of our friend’s picnic blankets, and get an opportunity to taste the goodies from each basket. It's an enjoyable way to meet new people and form friendships with other lovely food bloggers. I’m hungry, so let’s check out what everyone has at their picnic table!


You're going on a picnic and you're bringing………….. 


(Click on each recipe and it will bring you to the owner of this fabulous dish!)

A-Angel Food Cake

B-Basil Leaves in Caramelized Prawns

C-Chicken Piccata

 
D-
Darned Easy Potato Salad

E-Eccles Cakes filled with Leeks, Spinach and Blue Cheese

F-Fourth of July Picnic S'more Tartlets

G-
Gluten-Free & Eggless Chocolate Steamed Cake

H-Ham Cheesy Patties

I-
 Italian Frittata with Vegetables

J- Jelly Roll
 
K-Kahlua Zucchini Chocolate Chunk Bread


L-Lemon Lavender Cupcakes


M-Meringue Roulade with Raspberries

N-Nutella Rice Pudding


O-
Old-Time Favorite Iced Red Bean Popsicles
 
P-Pickles

Q-Quinoa Blueberry Mango Salad

R-Raspberry & Fig Cobbler

S-
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (Helado de frutillas y cheesecake) 

T- Two-Ingredient Ice Cream Bread

U-
Uninvited Smashed Potatoes
V- Vegan Mango Salsa

W-Watermelon Salad

X- “Xmas Coconut Wreath Cake”


Y- Yellow Squash Crustless Quiche

Z- Zucchini Cake-Double Chocolate 

The beginning of July is in the next few days, and as you know it is known as “National Picnic Month“ So, go to the attic or garage and dust off your picnic basket, get your blanket, and pack some yummy food. Are you ready for your picnic now? Wait, you can’t go anywhere yet, you need to plan this a little more. First you need to decide what type of picnic is this, do you want to go to the park, the beach, or go on a hike? Picnics are extremely popular with couples in love and families with children. 



Let’s put together a checklist of what you really need for your picnic with your loved ones. Remember this is still a picnic not a formal meal, so go with the flow. Choose a spot that is special to you like a park, the beach, near a lake or in a wooded area. Some activities you can do is try to fly a kite, playing games such as cards, backgammon, Frisbee, swimming, hiking, crossword puzzles, and also reading a book. Music is important as well, so bring a radio, or whatever you listen to music on. You picked a spot, found some things to do on your picnic and now we have to remember to pack some important items for an unforgettable day. Besides your blanket, you may want a pillow, a folding chair, an umbrella (for heat as well as for rain), sunscreen, hats with brims, water bottle, bug spray, napkins, disposable plates, cups, and utensils. The most essential item of your picnic is the basket you carry your food in for a memorable culinary experience.


Food is the most important part of the picnic that people can share. Because it is a picnic you want to eat something that is easy, not that messy, as well as delicious. Some types of foods would include bite-sized items, small items on skewers, wraps, sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, and you must have a bottle of water or lemonade. strawberries, grapes, cherries, peaches, melon cut in small pieces are delectable examples of bite-sized fruit. Then we have decadent desserts like cookies, Biscotti, cupcakes, and bread cakes that are not too gooey. One of the last items I would remember to take on this fabulous picnic is a large garbage bag to place all the trash in. We don’t want to litter our beautiful parks, beaches, or lakes.

I think we are all set now to go on our picnic. My recipe today is called…(remember there is Xmas in July)

                                            “Xmas Coconut Wreath Cake”


Ingredients:
1 pkg. (2--layer size) cake mix. White cake is best but can use yellow cake mix.
1 can of Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package of sweetened shredded or flaked coconut
1 big red bow

Directions:
Follow directions on cake box, and then pour into greased, floured Bundt pan. I want it to be round to resemble a wreath with a hole in the center. Bake according to directions on the cake box. Cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool for another 15 to 20 minutes on a rack. After cooled then put on a plate and frost with the cream cheese frosting. It is fine if frosting is not perfect. Now you take the shredded coconut in your hand and carefully pat on some of the coconut. Go around the cake and the top as well as the hole in the middle. Cover cake completely with the coconut. Now that the cake is coated, attach your red bow on one side of the cake and now you have a “Xmas Coconut Wreath Cake.”



It is so moist and sweet due to the coconut. Plus, it is pretty placed on a plate that your guests at your picnic will be amazed. Have a great time at the picnic and don’t forget to visit all the other picnic letters….Enjoy!!!

 








Till Next Time……………………………….....

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

26 comments:

  1. You did it Dottie!!! I stayed awake just so I could be the first one here! I love the way you got us ready for the picnic setting, Dottie. Important tips to remember. I'm hoping to bring a bit of music to picnic by:)

    Your Xmas Coconut Cake looks so appealing. Who says we can't celebrate Christmas in July at our picnic!!! I'll be looking for that cake Dottie and you too:) Thank you so much for joining the Picnic Game, Dottie. I hope this first year is just one of many more:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Louise, I did do it! I am so happy that I was able to figure it all out, You are a sweetheart for staying up until it was finished! I went back into blogger and added some music as well. I guess I had forgotten, there is always something that you forget when you are on a picnic. But it is there now. Yes, I think the Xmas cake will be a wonderful added addition to the game. You know what they say about Christmas in July..only this will be Xmas. A good way to use that X. I do hope that my photos are large enough, any larger and the pixels will be distorted. Thanks for stopping by, and your kind words to me. I will be enjoying a lot of these ladies blankets for sure. Now I can't wait for next years game! I guess I am hooked...Blessings Louise...Dottie :)

      Delete
  2. Great idea to bring this fab cake on our picnic! I think we are going to be so spoilt for choice with all this beautiful food. I have added your link on the list too now. Nearly ready to picnic!! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Alida,
      Thanks for adding me on your list as well. So glad to see you here today. Yes, the cake is yummy and a perfect X for the game. I have visited a few of the letters and they look fabulous for anytime especially at a picnic! I agree, dear Alida we are going to be spoiled. We are almost at the starting gate, I know I am ready with my picnic basket and blanket. See you there!!!
      Thanks again, Dottie :)

      Delete
  3. Hi Dottie, what a delish and beautiful cake to bring for a picnic. Guess what? I am going to stick to you and hope to get a 2nd helping of the fabulous cake of yours! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful cake and see you at the picnic. Warmest regards :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Ivy, Thank you for your comment and for stopping by. So glad that you like this cake. It is so easy but really looks like you spent the whole day baking. You could even use it for Easter time and put a pink or green bow on it.
    I just went on your blog as well and love the idea of the popsicles, A perfect treat for a hot day at the picnic. Just bring your blanket and basket close to mine and I will sneak a second helping in your basket. See you at the picnic..Have a great weekend..Thanks again...Blessings Dottie :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Look beautiful Dottie! I love it!!!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gloria, thanks for your comment and for stopping over...Yes, this cake is so pretty I hate to cut it, but we have to so there will be enough for everyone at the picnic. Have a good day! Blessings Dottie :)

      Delete
  6. Hi Dottie, it's such a pleasure to meet you, and I'm so thrilled to see an X-mas cake; which is sooo pretty all dressed up in yummy white cream cheese frosting, coconut on top, and a pretty big red bow! Sounds and looks super delicious!
    See you ate the picnic...mine is the letter V- for Vegan Mango Salsa!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elizabeth, Thanks you for your comments and for stopping over, Great to meet you as well..You are welcomed anytime..I am thrilled that you love the cake. It is very scrumptious and so easy. I love coconut, so this is a treat for sure. I just hopped over to your Vegan Mango Salsa and left you a comment. Your plate looks so good, all fresh ingredients. My goodness we have so many dishes to choose from at the picnic. Blessings, see you tomorrow...! Dottie :)

      Delete
  7. This is so pretty. Nice meeting you at the picnic.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Edith, Nice to meet you as well..Welcome!! Thanks for your comment. Glad that you enjoyed the “Xmas Coconut Wreath Cake” Enjoy the picnic! Dottie :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful cake, and the coconut gives it a summery, tropical flavor! Great job with the letter X! As Louise said, that's a hard one to do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marjie,
      Welcome! Thanks for your comment, and you are correct, the X is a hard one to do, but I always do a recipe for " Xmas in July", as I am a Christmas person. So thought this was perfect for the picnic! Are you stuffed yet, I have a few more baskets to visit, almost getting full..Hope that you had a fun day at the picnic! Blessings Dottie :)

      Delete
  10. What a clever way to use the letter "X"--and so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Inger, Welcome, Thanks for your visit. Yes, it was a good use for the letter "X". My whole family loves this cake, it is so simple and makes a beautiful presentation. I usually make it for Xmas time, but it can be used at even Easter with a few peeps on the top and maybe a pink bow! I think it turned out to be a wonderful picnic day! Dottie :)

      Delete
  11. X-tremely tempting cake!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com... letter "c"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mae, Thanks for your visit. I like your comment so cool...never thought of that, " X-tremely" will have to remember that for next years game, if I choose X again. I kept thinking about your Chicken Piccata..after I left you a message yesterday about it..all I wanted to do was eat it! Have to make it this weekend at some point. Hope you have a great day, blessings...Dottie :)

      Delete
  12. Hi Dottie , love the "X" cake and yes we can have Xmas in July ;-D . I am so happy you are going to the picnic and my blanket will be close by . Had a severe lightening and thunder storm and knocked out my internet service , but I'm back in time for the picnic . I am making my rounds so see you at the picnic :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Nee, I have been praying for you and your family. I knew from Louise who told me about your no power situation! I know what it is like to have no power. But I am so :) happy that you are back online and are doing ok. I have been making the rounds as well from yesterday...this has been such a fun experience and I am thrilled to make so many new friends. Thanks for your kind comment about the cake...See you soon...Blessings Dottie :)

      Delete
  13. We love coconut cake and this sounds wonderful! I bet it would look pretty with a wee flag in place of a bow for July 4th. Hmmm...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi SissySees, Welcome! Thank you for your visit and your kind comment! You are correct, this cake is delicious and can be used for many occasions. I sometimes, make it for Easter, of course Christmas, and in the summer, but yes, I could see a small flag on top or even a red, white, blue ribbon on the side for July 4th. Go for it!!! Your imagination is open to you...Have a great weekend....Dottie :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. How wonderful - a beautiful cake for Christmas in July at our picnic. Thanks for bringing it - I will have a large slice please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cakelaw, Welcome...Thanks for stopping over for a visit and your kind comment. I am a Christmas person, so this cake was a perfect way to join the picnic and share Xmas n July. So glad that you loved the recipe and yes, there is still some left, you are just in time, I have a large pice waiting for you...Have a great weekend. Dottie :)

      Delete
  16. Hi Dottie, nice meeting you at the picnic party. Wow, you're bringing in a Xmas cake. How awesome! I'm going to bring a few home with me if you don't mind. :o) Enjoy & Happy Picnic!
    Blessings, Kristy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Kristy, Welcome, nice to meet you as well. By all means take some home, I just have some left, which I saved for you...So happy that you enjoyed this cake. It is really easy and a crowd pleaser. Thanks you for your comment and for stopping by. You are welcomed anytime...Hope you enjoyed the Picnic Game. It was much fun. Have a wonderful day, blessings Dottie :)

      Delete