A small act of kindness goes a long way.  You may not even remember what you did, but it probably meant something to the other person.  I’ve had people offer me coupons, pay for my Starbucks order, or give me a bag so I didn’t have to buy one at the store.  Whether you hold the door open, compliment somebody’s shoes, or pick up something dropped by a child in a stroller, your forgotten altruism could be remembered.

With the holidays right around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in the stress of trying to make a grand gesture.  A lot of people get so caught up in the hype, and don’t take time to understand that we need to think more about the meaning behind the action. I have learned through the years that the things that go wrong are sometimes the funniest moments. It all depends on how you look at it. Mistakes are inevitable, and someday, maybe not in that moment, you will look back and be able to laugh. 

What are some random acts of kindness you can pay forward? 

Say please and thank you when people help you out. It really is the politest thing to do and takes no energy to do. Everyone appreciates politeness.

Do one good deed a day. If someone drops something, pick it up for them. Help an elderly person carry their groceries and put them in their car. Hold the door for someone. Just do so safely and while wearing a mask and respecting social distance.

Pay for someone’s coffee or tea. That person may be having a bad day and you can brighten it up by treating a stranger.

Let someone who is in a rush or has very few groceries cut ahead of you in line. It will make their day for sure.

Be thoughtful. If someone is having a bad day, bring them some coffee or other treat to brighten their day a little.

While driving, let somebody merge in front of you.  We all know how frustrating that endless stream of cars can be.  Help somebody out a little bit and give them a spot in line. 

If you decide to prepare this cake, save some for someone you love or care about. I am sure it will make their day, and I will tell you why.

This cake is so delightful, it will cheer anyone up. The sour cream ensures that this cake is moist and delicious. It is fragrant with coconut extract and scattered with delicate coconut flakes, so every bite is heavenly. It is then topped off with delectable, sweet whipped cream and some more delightful coconut flakes. If you are a coconut lover, or know someone who is, make this cake. Think of it as being kind to yourself and someone else.

This recipe is courtesy of Bake from Scratch and will serve 6 to 8 people who will want to pass it on too.

Ingredients for Coconut Skillet Cake:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks 
½ teaspoon coconut extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅔ cup sour cream
1½ cups sweetened flaked coconut
Sweetened Whipped Cream (recipe follows)
Garnish: toasted coconut flakes

For the Sweetened Whipped Cream:

2½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make the Cake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with baking spray with flour.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl.

Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Beat in coconut extract.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Reduce mixer speed to low.

Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition.

Stir in coconut.

Spoon batter into prepared skillet.

Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.

Let cool completely.

Make the Sweetened Whipped Cream:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat cream at medium speed until slightly thickened.

Increase mixer speed to medium-high, and gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form.

Spread Sweetened Whipped Cream onto cooled cake.

Garnish with coconut, if desired.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

It’s that simple!

signature

[recaptcha]