PEACE SIGN CAKE PAN RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the pans with parchment and grease the parchment. Dust the pans with flour.  Whisk the granulated sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Then, add the carrots and mix well. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pans on a rack, then run a butter knife around the edges of the pans and remove the cakes to the rack to cool completely. Remove the parchment.  For the frosting: In large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy. Put one cake layer on a platter and spread with frosting, then top with the other layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Top the cake with the pecans.

Steps:

• For the beans: Rinse beans in cool water; pour them into a large pot, cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Slice the bacon into 1-inch thick pieces and throw it into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add additional hot water to the pot as needed. Beans should have a thick broth. Toward end of cooking time, add salt and pepper and season to taste. Don’t over-salt. For a variety try adding chili powder, garlic or Tabasco. Serve in a bowl with cornbread. Can be served with small bowls of grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped fresh jalapenos, sour cream, and/or cilantro.For the cornbread: Preheat oven to 450 F. Heat shortening over medium heat in an iron skillet (10-12 inch size), muffin pan, or other oven safe pan. Combine cornmeal, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, and egg. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add baking powder and baking soda. Stir to combine. Add ¼ cup of the melted shortening, stirring constantly. Pour the batter into the hot pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.