Yummy Summer Treat!

So, the other day I was making BBQ chicken salad for dinner when I decided I needed a nice, light, summer dessert to go with it.  I remembered this recipe that I used to make a long time ago and kinda forgot about.  I don't even know it's official name, so lets call it....  Cool Pineapple Cake :).  I found the recipe for this online a couple years ago when I was looking for low calorie desserts.  I remember this on had tons of  5 star reviews, everyone raved of how good it is, so I tried it.  It's always a big hit whenever I make it, so I thought I'd share it with all of you.  Oh, and the best part is one big slice is only like 160 calories!!

You only need 4 ingredients!  Here they are:

1- Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake mix (not the generic brands, not as good)
1- can crushed pineapple in its own juice

2- 8 ounce tubs of light or fat free Cool Whip

1/2 cup (heaping) sweetened coconut

First you gently mix the cake mix (not prepared, just the powdered mix)  and entire can of pineapple, on low speed, for about 30 seconds or until completely mixed together.  Then pour the batter into a 9x13 baking dish (sprayed with non stick spray).

Bake at 325 degrees until golden on top.  THIS HAPPENS FAST, ABOUT 20 MINUTES!!!

See how spongy the cake looks through the glass?  Mmmm.  Anyway...

Let the cake cool completely.  Then top the cake with the Cool Whip.

Now you need to toast your coconut.  I do this in my toaster oven, but you can use your oven as well.  Line a cookie sheet with foil, spread out the coconut, and place in oven for a few minutes at about 450 degrees, just until toasted.  Be careful, it will burn fast.  Coconut has to be toasted or it won't taste the same, so don't skip this step!

Let the coconut cool compeletly, the sprinkle evenly on top of the cake.

Refrigerate for at least an hour, then serve.

Oh my gosh, it is so moist and yummy.  You can't even imagine how good it is until you are eating it.  I made it for company the other night and everyone had 2 pieces!  Try it out and come back here to let me know what you think.  I want to know who's going to make it.  So quick & easy. :)

Win A Session!!! Bakersfield Newborn, Child, Family Photographer

Want to win a free session of your choice?  That's up to $150 value!  You do need to have a facebook account to enter.  All you have to do is "like" my photography page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/April-Cooper-Photography/166838653680
AND suggest me to your friends.  To do this just look to the left, under the profile pic on my facebook page, and click on "suggest to friends."  Your friend list will pop up and just suggest away!  Next you will need to come back to this post and leave a comment (at the bottom of THIS post) stating how many friends you suggested to "like" my page.  It's that easy!   A winner will be chosen using random.org on August 1st  at 8:00pm.


More Rules:  One winner will be chosen.  A gift certificate good for one photo session up to $150 will be issued.  This may be given to someone else as a gift if the winner so chooses.  There is no expiration for the certificate.  Each person may only enter one time, so only leave on comment.  In the comment be sure to identify yourself enough  that I can find you if you win.  Session must take place in Bakersfield, Ca.


And because every post needs a picture...

Cutie Patootie! Bakersfield Children's Photographer

I've been doing a lot of newborn sessions lately, which is great because I love them, but recently I was editing some pictures of a toddler ( a sibling to one of my newborns) and it reminded me how much I love photographing them too.  Toddlers can be a little tricky sometimes, but after a little interaction they usually warm right up to me and give me great stuff!  This little cutie melted me!  She has gorgeous big brown eyes  and the sweetest smile.  I just had to share some of her images, so here they are...

New Look for Blog- Bakersfield Photographer

So I switched up the look of my blog.  It was no easy task!  I think you need a degree in computer programing to do that painlessly.  I'd like to change my background color, but I haven't got that far yet.  Anyway, send me some love over here!  At the end of this post click the button to leave me a comment.  I'm trying to get an idea of how many people really look at my blog.  I'm going to be having a contest very soon and will be giving away a free sitting of your choice but I need to get the word out about the blog first.  :)
Since this is  a photography blog, I'll leave you with some never posted before pictures!

Sweet Baby Amelia- Bakersfield Newborn Photographer

I sure have been photographing a lot of newborns lately!  I'm not only a photographer but I also work as a Labor and Delivery nurse, so I know the summer time is always a busy time of year for babies to be born!  Meet baby Amelia... I love that name!

And of course... big sister too!