Janice Hanna's Blog, page 8
September 21, 2024
Martha’s Tiered Wedding Cake
FRESH FROM MARTHA’S KITCHEN
The Tie that Binds
INGREDIENTS (This recipe will make three 6” layers of cake. To make a full wedding cake you will need to multiply this recipe by ten. Yep, you read that right!)
CAKE:
1 box white cake mix
1/2 cup oil
4 egg whites
1 cup plus two tablespoons water
1 teaspoon clear vanilla
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Bake cake as per instructions on box, substituting four egg whites instead of three whole eggs. Add vanilla and almond to the mix. Bake in three 6” pans. Allow to cool on wire racks, then level the cakes off in preparation for stacking.
FROSTING:
1 8-ounce block cream cheese
2 sticks (one cup) butter
1 cup Crisco shortening (white)
1 bag powdered sugar (7-8 cups, sifted)
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure Almond extract
1-2 tablespoons Italian Sweet Cream creamer
While cakes are baking, allow the butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature. When they are ready, whip them for 2-3 minutes then add the shortening. Turn your mixer down to low speed and carefully add the 7-8 cups of powdered sugar until frosting reaches the desired creamy consistency. Add extracts until fully incorporated.
FILLING:
1 jar strawberry preserves
INSTRUCTIONS: See Author’s Note below.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I loved adding the scene where Martha bakes the wedding cake because I’ve been in her shoes more times than I can count! I love to bake and have done plenty of wedding cakes over the years. With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to tell you a little more about my baking process.
Let’s Make a Wedding Cake!
Most people are surprised to learn that my cake recipe (listed above) begins with a boxed mix. To giving wedding cake that amazing “Just Married!” flavor, I add both vanilla and almond extracts. You’ll notice that I use only egg whites instead of whole eggs. This keeps this cake a pristine white. Some folks substitute butter for oil, but I love that bright white color, so oil is just fine for me. When baking in large pans (12” or higher) I usually lower the temperature of the oven. If the recipe calls for 350 degrees, I’ll lower the temperature to 335 and cook the cakes a bit longer. I also rotate the cakes on the racks of my oven to ensure equal baking. For a typical three-tiered wedding cake I start with three 6” round cake pans, three 9” round cake pans, and three 12” round cake pans. I bake my cakes until they are golden in color (timing them according to the directions on the boxed cake) then turn them out to cool on cooling racks. At this point I have a total of nine cakes. It’s important to cool your cake layers completely before decorating. Mine sit out for a couple of hours then go into the fridge to chill.
Before I Begin Stacking and Tiering. . .
Here are the items I have on-hand before stacking and tiering my wedding cakes: A good turntable is a must-have. It makes the stacking and decorating process so much easier. I use a sturdy cake drum (foil covered board at least 3/4” thick) to build the cake on. I’ve been known to make my own out of cake rounds but they can be purchased online, as well. The key here is to have a strong base. Each tier will have its own “round” (a cardboard cutout the same size as the cakes on that tier). I usually dowel my layers with Boba (milkshake) straws or wooden dowels. Of course, I also use an offset spatula for adding that yummy icing!
My “Tiering” Process
I start by placing my cake drum on the turntable. I level off my three 12” cakes and begin the process of stacking and filling them. I always make sure I have plenty of frosting and fruit filling on hand. There’s nothing worse than running short midway through the stacking process! Many of my weddings cakes have a fruit filling between the layers, most often strawberry or raspberry preserves. I pipe a “dam” of frosting around each cake before spooning in the fruit filling. When I’m done stacking, it’s time to crumb-coat the cake (add a thin layer of frosting). Then I put it in the fridge for about half an hour. When it’s chilled, I remove it from the fridge, add 8-10 Boba straw or dowels, cut the exact height of the cake. Then I add my final layer of frosting and decorate in whatever style the bride has requested. I repeat this process for my 9” cakes and 6” cakes. I rarely put the cake layers together until I get to the reception hall. I’ve had cakes fall over in the car on the way to the event!) When I’m ready to stack my tiers, I pipe a buttercream trim across the seams then run a dowel down through the center of all three cakes for stability. Most wedding cakes are topped with flowers or some sort of wedding topper. And there you have it. . .a beautiful tiered wedding cake!
P.S. What About That Naked Cake?
To make a “naked” cake, I add a thin crumb-coat and then scrape most of the icing off. The cake isn’t completely “naked” but I do allow bits of the cake peek through. It might seem a bit odd at first but when it’s all put together and greenery (or fruit) is added, you’ll see that the result is pretty amazing. Some folks even sprinkle sifted powdered sugar over their naked cakes at the last mine, coating the berries in a soft white haze. Yum!
The post Martha’s Tiered Wedding Cake appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
September 18, 2024
A Nail in the Can
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 ESV

With the help of an interpreter, a missionary to Papua New Guinea attempted to explain to the local natives how Jesus Christ went to the cross and offered Himself as a sacrifice for their sins. However, when he reached the part of the story about the nails piercing Jesus’ hands and feet, they ran into a dilemma…these natives didn’t understand the word “nail.” They had never seen one. The missionary tried his best to explain through the interpreter, but closed the message feeling frustrated and concerned. It was evident that the people weren’t going to get it.
He quietly slipped away to the side of a cool creek to rest awhile and think. He reached down into the cold water and, as was his habit, pulled up several cans of orange juice that he had tied to a string and immersed several hours earlier to cool. He chose a particular can, opened it, and began to drink. As he sipped the cool juice he thought about his dilemma, and wondered what he might be able to say to make the people understand. The sad missionary turned the can over to take one last swallow. As he did, he heard a light “clink” coming from inside the can. Surprised, he turned it over and out dropped a small nail!
Can you imagine?Somewhere in Florida a worker had “accidentally” dropped a nail into a can of juice, (who knows why or how)! That particular case of juice was shipped to California where the missionary’s sister had purchased it at a local grocery store. From there she sent the case to the remote area of the world where the missionary was stationed. That particular morning the missionary had chosen several cans of juice, submerging them all in the cool creek. When he pulled them out of the water, he chose the very one can that held the nail!
Excited and full of newfound zeal, the missionary ran back to the people, hurriedly calling for the interpreter. “This is a nail!” he exclaimed. He then passed the small, miraculous, metal nail from person to person, asking each one to lightly press it into his or her palm. The people immediately understood just what Jesus had gone through for them, and their response for salvation was overwhelming!
Don’t you see, my friend…God will go to any length to draw men and women to salvation. The chances of a nail being in that particular can of juice were certainly more than a million to one. But God knows how to put a nail in our can of juice just when we need it!
Challenging ThoughtHave you ever faced a situation that seemed too impossible, even for God? How did it end?
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
The post A Nail in the Can appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
September 15, 2024
Angel Unawares
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2 ESV

Years ago I met a young man by the name of Joseph. When he shared his testimony with me, I could immediately see God’s hand at work in his life. You see, Joseph was raised in witchcraft. Unhappily, his family members are still involved in its deception today. Joseph had left the witchcraft scene years prior, but still did not know the one true God.
Jesus introduced himself, however, in a rather incredible way.Joseph was riding on a local city bus. It had been a long day, and he must have looked down in the dumps. An elderly woman approached him, and said, “You look depressed.”
Joseph just shrugged. He didn’t really feel like getting into a lengthy discussion with anyone about his feelings right now, especially someone he didn’t even know. (Have you ever been there?)
“No, you really look depressed,” the woman said. “You need Jesus.”
Joseph rolled his eyes. Another religious freak. A do-gooder out proselytizing. He pretended to listen as the woman carried on about her relationship with Jesus.
Oh brother.When the conversation ended, the elderly lady handed him a Gideon’s Bible. Joseph placed it on the seat, standing to move toward the front of the bus. He needed to speak with the driver, to ask him a question. (I personally think he just wanted to get away from the woman!)
Returning to his seat moments later, Joseph was surprised to see the woman had disappeared. On the seat was the Gideon’s Bible with a note on top: “Jesus Loves You.” Joseph quickly looked around the bus. How did she get off? The bus never stopped!
I’ll leave that conclusion to you, my friend…for I have come to a conclusion of my very own, and so has Joseph!
God will go to any lengths to draw people to Him. Don’t be surprised, as the hour of His return draws near, if you hear more stories just like this one! And He will even use angels to accomplish His goals from time to time!
Challenging Thought: Have you given much thought to angels?
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
The post Angel Unawares appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
September 11, 2024
The Big Freeze
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
Luke 14:28 ESV

A couple of years back, Texas went through a terrible winter storm. We’re not accustomed to snow and ice in the Houston area, so it caught most of us off-guard. Though the beautiful scene captivated us, the experience was also a little frightening, since most of our roads were completely shut down and stores were closed.
Now that my kids are grown, I live alone. I’m rarely frightened by anything, but when the power went out and the temperatures inside my tiny duplex dropped into the 40s, I got a little nervous. I did everything I could to take care of myself, but, unfortunately, I was ill-prepared for this blackout.
It’s Good to be PreparedOh, I had a few essentials—a flashlight, candles, and so on. And, I was so grateful to have a gas stove so that I could keep the water in the kettle heated for coffee and soup. But there were so many other things I didn’t have, and this situation only seemed to complicate itself when I tried to use the charger in my car, but ended up running the car battery down. (Foolish mistake, I know!)
For three days, we struggled through low temperatures before the power finally came back on. I was grateful and so were my puppies, who were tired of being cooped up in the house!
As soon as the storm ended, I went online and ordered all of the things I wished I’d had during those difficult three days—a heavy scarf, gloves, thermal underclothes, and sweaters for my dogs. I also bought battery-operated lanterns, a small portable generator, plenty of AA batteries, a head lamp, and a variety of other things, including hand warmers and a heavy blanket for my bed.
Next time I won’t be caught off-guard!Maybe you’ve been there, too. It’s tough when you’re unprepared! God wants us to count the cost before the storms of life come. Don’t be caught off-guard, wishing you had what you need.
Are there areas of your life where you need to be better prepared? Let this story be the nudge you need to get those things taken care of.
Challenging Thought: Have you ever jumped into a situation without counting the cost? How did that end?
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
The post The Big Freeze appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
September 8, 2024
M.I.A.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44 ESV

Traveling with a large family can be fun, but complicated! In 1987 we took our daughters and my five-year-old nephew on a road trip from Texas to Montana, to visit my in-laws.
Along the way we drove to Estes Park, then to the tippy-top of Rocky Mountain National Park, before heading north to Wyoming.
We didn’t plan strategically. Instead of scheduling a hotel room for that night, we decided just to drive through. At this point we were all exhausted. As my husband drove, the kids and I slept soundly.
Until we felt a thump. And a groan.
Flat time.Time to find the tire iron. I helped unpack all of the suitcases as my husband grumbled about the missing tire iron. I wasn’t must help because I wasn’t even sure what a tire iron looked like. Finally, I asked him, “Explain what we’re looking for so I can help you.”
He held up his index fingers and crossed them into an X.
And that’s when it hit me.That big metal X-shaped object I’d taken out before leaving our house so that we would have room for all of the luggage. Our tire iron was missing. . .because of me.
And so, I had to tell him. I’ll never forget the look on his face or the pit in my stomach.
We somehow hobbled the van into a nearby town where he borrowed a tire iron to change the tire. But by then, the damage was already done to the rim, since we’d driven on it. My mistake had cost us a lot—financially, emotionally, and mentally.
God wants us to be prepared at all times.That’s especially important now, in the 21st century, as end time prophecies seem to be coming true all around us. We have to be watchful. Alert. Not snoozing in the van with a MIA tire iron.
Stay in the Word. Keep your prayer life active. And keep your eyes peeled on the heavens for the One who will soon come to take us home!
Challenging Thought: Would you say that you are a “prepared” individual? What are some areas where you might do better?
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
The post M.I.A. appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
Winnie’s Snickerdoodles
This recipe for Snickerdoodles is actually my mama’s, but I used it in my Guideposts book, The Secret Ingredient, a fun cozy mystery. One of the main characters, Winnie, is an amazing baker and even competes in a big competition!

I’m happy to share it with you now, as well as a snippet of the story, which you will find below the recipe.
Enjoy, y’all!
Snickerdoodle IngredientsThese are simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or refrigerator.
1 cup shortening2 eggs1 cup sugar2 ¾ cups flour2 tsp cream of tartar1 tsp soda½ tsp saltHow to Make Winnie’s SnickerdoodlesCream together shortening, sugar, and eggs until rich and cream.
Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Shape dough into 1” balls. Roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture (2 T sugar/2 T cinnamon).
Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 – 11 minutes.
That’s it! These are simple and delicious cookie.
Enjoy a scene from the book!
Winnie buzzed through the room with a tray of cookies in hand. “Sorry to interrupt, but speaking of midnight snacks, I made Snickerdoodles before bed last night.” She gestured to the tray. “Left them in the pantry. Did you get one? I’m about to put the rest out at the registration table.”
“No.” Janice bit back a yawn as she reached for one of Winnie’s yummy cinnamon sugar cookies. “Wish I’d known before I headed to bed. Would’ve taken a couple up with me. Couldn’t sleep.”
Winnie gave her an empathetic look. “Sorry to hear that. I told the guests last night before bed. Gave them free reign of my kitchen and pantry. Told ‘em to come down and help themselves, if they felt like it.”
Tess pressed her palms against the table. “Well, for pity’s sake, why didn’t you just tell us?”
“I thought I did, just now.” Winnie shrugged and grabbed a cookie. She took a bite and headed toward the lobby.
Janice chuckled. “So, there you have it. Violet Newberry was simply coming down to the kitchen for a midnight snack. And she knew exactly where to find them because Winnie told her.”
The post Winnie’s Snickerdoodles appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
September 4, 2024
Imprisoned
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25 ESV

A man in a third world country was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs, held in a prison cell because of his faith in the Lord. His wife, still free to come and go, liked to cook for him, bringing his meals up to the prison.
This man never had a chance to enjoy her home cooking, however. Every time food was brought to him, the prison guard took it instead, eating it in front of him. How awful it must have been to watch this take place time and time again!
Can You Imagine?Was there any hope of reaching the prison guard with the gospel message? It might not have seemed so, but that’s just exactly what happened some time later. You see, the prisoner was finally released, freed to go back to his family. After arriving home, God began to deal with him about forgiving the prison guard who had wronged him.
The Lord impressed on the man a unique way to show his forgiveness. He sent a note to the prison guard, inviting him to come to dinner at his home. The note said, “I remember how much you enjoyed my wife’s cooking.” Remarkably, the guard came! Under conviction of the Holy Spirit, he repented for the wrong he had done, and accepted the gift of salvation that same night!
There truly is power in forgiveness!The man offering forgiveness received the power to get on with the rest of his life. The man who received forgiveness received power to see with spiritual eyes. That’s truly supernatural!
Challenging Thought: Perhaps someone has hurt you badly. What steps can you take to begin to forgive that individual?
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
The post Imprisoned appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
September 1, 2024
Bird in a Cage
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 ESV

We all have years in our lives we’d sooner forget. For me, there were two that overlapped—2006 and 2007. Over a span of less than a year I lost my father, my home, my sister, and a dear friend. While attempting to sell our home, a shady broker attempted to steal it out from under us! And, to make matters worse, my oldest daughter developed toxemia in the final week of her pregnancy with my first granddaughter. (Maddy was born healthy, praise God!)
What a crazy season that was!I was nearing the end of my troubles (I thought) when I went to a work meeting. While coming down some stairs, I missed a step and fell.
The doctors called it a catastrophic injury—clean breaks through the tibia and fibula, as well as several breaks in the foot. This fall led to two separate surgeries and several weeks in a wheelchair, because I also sprained several other limbs in the fall. What a fiasco!
I had one important thing working in my favor during that season—a promise of a book contract with a favorite publisher. Imagine my shock and sadness to learn, while still recovering, and in desperate need of finances, that they weren’t going to publish my book after all.
My heart grew bitter and cold.I was angry at the editor. Angry at God. Angry at my loved ones who had died. Angry at myself for not keeping a closer eye on the steps as I descended them. Basically, I was holding everyone in unforgiveness.
A writing buddy sent an email, sharing a dream she’d had about me. In the dream she saw a bird in the cage. Though the door was wide open, the bird refused to come out. I understood the message: I was trapped in the cage of bitterness and unforgiveness.
The day after I received the email a good friend (who knew none of this) gave me a greeting card. On the outside of the card—a tree with a lone bluebird, sitting on the branch, singing his heart out.
I got the message. God wanted to set me free, to fly out of the cage.
He wants to set you free, too. No matter who has wounded you, it’s time to let it go. Forgive. . .and be set free!
Challenging Thought: Is there someone you’re holding in unforgiveness today? If so, do your best to free that person (and yourself) from the cage holding you bound.
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
The post Bird in a Cage appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
August 31, 2024
Grandma Pearl’s Heavenly Divinity

If you’ve read my book Movers and Shakers (a Guideposts mystery) you already know about Grandma Pearl. She’s a key player in the story, though all of the information about her is shared posthumously.
At the end of the book I shared a recipe that actually came from my own mother’s cookbook. It’s called Grandma Pearl’s Divinity, but it’s really Shirley Ann’s divinity. And I know my mama would be happy to proud to have it shared here, with you.
Grandma Pearl’s divinity is truly heavenly! This is one culinary confection that will leave your guests clamoring for more. Pillowy soft, these little puffs of Christmas magic will send you reeling back in time to the Christmases of yesteryear.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe!
Divinity Ingredients: ½ cup Karo corn syrup2 cups sugar½ cup water¼ teaspoon salt2 egg whites1 teaspoon vanilla1 cup chopped nutsHow to Make Grandma Pearl’s DivinityCook the first four ingredients to hard ball stage (260 degrees).
Beat egg whites separately. Slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites.
Continue beating until it holds its shape. Add vanilla and nuts if desired.
Scoop onto wax paper and allow to cool. Store in sealed, airtight container in cool, dark place with wax paper between each layer. (Refrigeration is acceptable but might cause condensation, an enemy of the meringue! Divinity can be frozen in Ziplock bags for up to one year.)
Before you leave, check out Movers and Shakers at ShopGuideposts.org!

If you’re interested in more recipes like this, check out my baking site: Out of the Box Baking!
The post Grandma Pearl’s Heavenly Divinity appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
August 28, 2024
Take Heart!
I don’t know what the upcoming days and weeks will look like. I suspect there will be hard times ahead, not just here in America, but across the globe.

I usually get this same sensation before a hurricane blows in, as I prep my house, my supplies, and my heart. I make sure I have everything I need for the days ahead. I check in on my family to make sure they’re ready. I text my friends to ask, “You guys okay?” And I do my best to shift my focus from the incoming storm to the One who controls it all, because I know–hurricanes being so unpredictable–that I can’t put my trust in anything or anyone but Him.
More than anything, I do my best to shift my thinking, from fear to confidence in Jesus. It’s easier these days, because I’ve been walking with Him for so long. I gave my heart to Jesus years ago, and knowing I’m safe in His arms gives me a strange and wonderful peace, even in the middle of the storm. I’ve settled the issue of where I’m going when this life is over, so I don’t have anything to fret, even when darkness closes in around me.
And let’s face it. . .There’s a lot of darkness out there right now.
If you’re reading this and you haven’t yet put your trust in the God who both created and adores you, this is the perfect time to do so! Jesus gave His life for you on the cross, taking on all of your sin and shame, so that you could spend eternity with Him. Ask Him to come into your heart and take the reins of your life. Acknowledge Him as King and Savior. Give Him full control and He will give you peace in the days ahead, as well as discernment to understand the season we’re in–a season where we will need each other more than ever.
And then. . .take heart.Merriam Webster defines “take heart” this way: to gain courage or confidence : to begin to feel better and more hopeful.
Take heart! No matter what the headlines say. Take heart! No matter how high or low your bank balance. Take heart! No matter what physical or psychological challenges you face.
Walk with courage. Walk with confidence. Walk with peace.
It’s all possible when you choose to walk with Him.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The post Take Heart! appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.
Janice Hanna's Blog
- Janice Hanna's profile
- 75 followers
