Founder's Circle and Sara's Recipe

You’ve probably noticed it’s been a couple days since I posted—I’ve been relaxing in warm, beautiful southern Utah with 120 of our top-achieving demonstrators. What a wonderful time I had! I have to say that this is the best Founder’s Circle ever, and based on what the demonstrators have said, I think they agree.

  

A friend asked me what made it so good, and there were several reasons.

First, the location. St. George is ideally situated so that the demonstrators could do all sorts of different things. A group went to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon; a few rented a car and headed down to Vegas for the day; another larger group enjoyed entertainment at Tuacahn; and tons of demonstrators enjoyed St. George’s spa treatments and shopping options. (Listen to me—I sound like a commercial!)

Second (here comes another commercial), our accommodations were fantastic. We pretty much filled up the Marriott Courtyard here, so we had the whole place almost to ourselves. It’s a beautiful facility, the service was fabulous, and everyone was so eager to take care of us.

Third, the agenda was pretty open. Other than our opening night welcome dinner, our business swap on Thursday (which everyone attends in pajamas and is one of my favorite events!), and our last-night dinner and movie, everyone could do whatever they wanted.

We did have an optional trip to Kanab on Friday, which is always a special treat for me. Some demonstrators go every year; some go once and then choose to do different things. But there’s a special spirit in Kanab and I love when demonstrators get to experience that. This year was no exception, and I could see how much the demonstrators enjoyed meeting our Stampin’ Up! family there, seeing how the process works, and actually having a hands-on experience in the world of stamp manufacturing!

Fourth, people I talked to said they loved being pampered and treated like a queen. Lots of them slept in, lounged around the pool, got caught up on reading, or just enjoyed not having to do anything! There were pillow gifts every night, more than enough delicious food, and tons of time to just chat and renew or make new friendships.

The Gathering Place was almost always occupied with demonstrators stamping, relaxing, or chatting; the comfy furniture and light atmosphere were impossible to resist! I spent most of my time there because it was so cozy and warm—and because that was the best place to touch base with as many demonstrators as possible. Of course, the jars stacked full of goodies were a draw as well!

Founder’s Circle is the only event where I actually do a swap. It’s the one event where I know exactly how many people are coming, so I can make a swap for everyone who will be there. Of course, in true Shelli fashion, I always think I’ll get my swaps finished in plenty of time—and in true Shelli fashion I’m scrambling to finish them at the last minute. I actually haven’t gotten them done by Thursday, but I always make sure everyone gets one before they go, and I don’t stress or worry about it because I’m having such a grand time.

Founder’s Circle is always great therapy for me because I’m surrounded by stamping, which I love, and demonstrators, whom I love!

Before I sign off, I did notice that several of you had asked for Sara’s Texas Sheet Cake, which I mentioned in my last post. Sara also noticed, and she sent me the recipe, which I’m including here. Happy baking!

Texas Sheetcake

Note: I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. It is a Douglass family birthday tradition (and any other time I feel like chocolate). All of the daughter-in-laws have the recipe and all of our cakes turn out a little differently, don't ask me why. So I'll try to be as detailed as possible.

Grease (Crisco) and flour a sheetcake pan (my sheetcake pan is 12"x16"x1"), set aside.

In mixer:
(I have a Bosch, can't live without it!)
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

In a saucepan:
Melt 2 cubes (1 cup) of butter (For me there is no substituting, has to be butter!)
1 cup water
4 Tbs. cocoa (leveled)

I whisk this until it comes to a slight boil, and then pour into mixer with the dry ingredients. Mix well. At this point I turn my oven on to 350. When my MIL told me how to make it, she said not to preheat; just turn the oven on right before you put the cake in. I'm a rebel, so I turn it on sooner.

Add:

1/2 cup sour cream (Again, I only go for the good stuff... There is no 'low fat' in this recipe!)

Mix:
2 eggs
1 tsp. soda

Mix well on high for a couple minutes and then pour into sheetcake pan.

Place on center rack in oven. Set the timer for 20 minutes. (Tip: My MIL bakes for only 20 min, that's it...the end. Take it out. BUT, I check it by lightly tapping the center of the cake with my finger to see if it bounces back slightly, then I know it's done. This last cake I baked for 2 minutes extra.)

Frosting
Note: Make this while the cake is baking, because you need to pour it on right after the cake comes out of the oven.

Mixer:
1/2 bag powdered sugar (I'm sorry I don't have an exact measurement. Start with less and add as you mix.)
1 tsp. vanilla

Saucepan:
Melt 2 cubes (1 cup) butter (yes, there really is 1 whole lovely POUND of butter in this yummy cake!)
Then whisk in 4 Tbs. cocoa (leveled)  

(The recipe calls for 6 Tbs. of canned milk, I just use what's in the fridge.)

This time, DON'T boil. Just melt everything together until smooth on low heat. Add to mixer.

This is key (at least for me because I don't want my frosting to be too runny or too thick): when the frosting is done, I can dip my finger in, lift up, and it starts to run, but only a little. If it looks like a dangling icesicle, it's perfect. Also, if it's too thick you can add a little milk to thin it out.

When the cake is done, pour frosting on top (leave the cake in the pan) and spread out. (It may drip over the side of the pan, that's my Dad's favorite!!)

Comments

[Jen]

Yummy--made the cupcakes for a family event--everyone loved loved loved them!! I then had to promptly tell them they were a family recipe (a stampin' up family recipe!!) I have a question....while talking to some other demo's who attened convention this year, they talked about Jon Schmidt--I checked out his web site and music--OH MY GOSH!!! Awesome! I am even getting ready to buy his cd's! So inspirational and calming. I have been playing him on my MP3 player all week while getting ready for my next stamp event! TFS!!!

[Melissa]

Is the tsp of soda in the recipe for baking soda???

[Sara Douglass]

Baking soda, it is:)

[Kevin Theesen]

Hi Shelli!
SO glad you had a GREAT time at Founder's Circle! Ya know, "I" was on the FIRST Founder's Circle!!! However that was the year of 911 and we didn't get to take the trip...:( what a bummer that was. I know it was a hard decision for you to make... but I will always remember the warm letter you sent to all of us who EARNED it that VERY FIRST year!!!
Someday, I will be there again!
Thanks for being YOU!
Kevin
ps. also thank you & Sara for the TEXAS Sheetcake!

[Alice]

Sounds like a great time. Thanks for the recipe and swap idea.

[Sue Decker]

Love your swap and reading about Founder's Circle. And the recipe - well, my arteries are hardening (1 lb of butter - yum!), and my mouth is watering. No clue what's happening to my hips, but rest assured I will be testing this recipe. Thanks so much to Sara and her MIL for sharing, and to you for this wonderful place to share.

[Maureen Stivala]

Wow - Shelli - I can only ditto so many of the comments already left by others...Thanks for the update on Founders....thanks for enabling, as I was on the fence about that mini catty set (even though I LOVED it!- but I am watching my business this fiscal year - thank you Jackie Boulhuis!) - The joke in our family is that if I cook for my DH he will know I am poisoning him!! LOL (its just because I watch all the crime/forensic shows and I don't cook!!) LOL - SO - I will pass on the recipe to my daughter!! ok - gotta go - gotta plan on how to get to Founders - and then how to get off from teaching school to attend!! LOL

just luv ya Shelli! TFS
((()))reen

[Tammi]

Well its decided for my open house on World Card Making day I will be making BOTH recipes for my customers and telling them that they came from YOU!!

Thanks So Much

[Debbie Olsakovsky]

Shelli, love your blog. Wish I could do more with my Big Shot though. Can't seem to get my scallop envelope! It's been on order for a month. My neighbor just ordered hers and she's getting it tomorrow. Demo support said they were shipping current orders before back orders and I know that's not the right thing to do, is it? Anyway, Founders Circle looks wonderful. Working toward it!

[Jennifer Welter]

Yummy, can't wait to try that cake recipe! Thank you for sharing with us!

[Faye]

The sheet cake recipe sounds wonderful! Since I live in Canada, may I ask how much is a 'cube of butter' and also, what size are 'sheet cake pans' and lastly how big ar eyour 'bags of powdered sugar' ? With this information I can know how much to use. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe with us all and thank you in advance for replying to my questions. I didn't know where to email you to ask.

[Diana Croshaw]

I'm so glad you call it Texas cake!! That's what we call it and my family has been making this recipe for over 20 years. We have it just about every time we all get together! It helps to have over 30 people to help put it down, so actually, we usually make 2 cakes when we get together! I'm glad you shared this recipe with the world... it is fantastic.

[Denise S]

Thank you for sharing. The cake sounds wonderful. Another reason to have a Stampin' Up! birthday party! Although, do you ever need to have a reason for chocolate cake?

[Jamie]

I can taste that sheet cake as I read it. Thanks to you and Sara for sharing!

[Andrea Shields]

I can't wait to try this recipe; I will make it for my next club meeting, the girls are going to love it.

I totally agree with you only the real stuff: butter, cream cheese, etc.

Thank you for sharing a family recipe. Andrea

[Emy]

I love chatty recipes like this, with all the little tips interjected. They feel so much more personal!

[Nicole Noce]

Hi Shelli,

I just have to say that I made the carrot cake muffins/cupcakes for my Gram this past Sunday, we enjoyed them VERY much. My Gram taught me everything I know of baking and cooking and it's always a delight to bake something special for her - she liked them so much I have to send her the recipe!
This website is so wonderful and I have to say I NEVER expected to see recipes on here, what a GREAT bonus! You are a wonderful person for sharing so much of yourself. Thank you.

[Pam Lewis-Frisco, TX]

Sare,
Thank you for sharing your yummy Texas Sheetcake recipe. My twelve year old son recently discovered TX sheetcake at a local cafe and requested that I make it for our Church's youth dinner. My sons and I had a great time making your recipe. We only had a couple of fights over licking spatulas.Ha! I loved your little helpful tips in the recipe directions! Thanks again!

[jill]

thanks for recipe.. this great..gbu