Preseason...It's a Wrap!

Well, after 2 weeks of double sessions, preseason has finally come to an end.  Thursday was the teams first practice that was not considered a double session.  This means a couple things: 1. Coach will be home more before school starts, 2. Coach will be home for dinner and bath time at night, and finally
3. the REAL season starts NOW!

To end preseason on a good note, Coach and I host the team and their families at our house for a cook out.  We typically supply the burgers, dogs, and buns, and a couple of salads.  Parents bring drinks and desserts and really anything else that they want to!  It is really a great time for the kids to unwind, the parents to mingle, and me to work on my hosting skills!

Here is a pic of the spread...minus the burgers and dogs!  I am not a huge fan of soda at events like this, but every once and awhile, I guess it's ok.

Part of the entertainment that becomes pretty competitive every year at this gathering, is Corn Hole.  Corn Hole is pretty much a "Maine" game.  There are 2 wooden targets, on and angle with holes in them.  The object of the game is to get the corn bags (think - bean bags) into the holes. You play in teams and stand opposite of each other.  The kids love it and they had a tournament...lots of trash talk, but a really good time had by all!

This year for the gathering, I made a cake that Coach really likes.  It is called Upside Down Raspberry Cake.  It is super easy to make and there wasn't any left at the end of the night, so I guess it was a hit!!

Here is what you need:

Yellow or White Box cake mix

3 cups Fresh Raspberries...mashed (frozen would work too, but I've always used fresh!)

6 oz box Raspberry flavored gelatin  (this post is not sponsored by Jello, but I like that they have a 6oz box)

3 cups of mini marshmallows

**Please notice awesome vintage Pyrex bowl in the Pink Gooseberry pattern...I am in love with all that is Pyrex and am building a serious collection!**

Ok, so first thing first...Preheat oven to 350 and wash the raspberries and place them in a measuring put.  I use a potato masher to mash the fresh raspberries until I get 3 cups.

Pour the raspberries in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.  I of course used a Pyrex glass baking dish!

Next, open the gelatin and pour it evenly over the raspberries.  Make sure you get a nice even layer of gelatin over the raspberries.

Looks different I know, but this cake is so yummy, you won't really care how it looks!  Now, put the 3 cups of mini marshmallows over the raspberries and gelatin.  These little guys are going disappear once the cake is cooked.

The last step is to prepare the cake as the box directs you to do.  Once it is well mixed, pour it over your marshmallows.  You will have some marshmallows poking out, don't worry about it!  You might want to use a spatula to spread the mix evenly over the marshmallows.

Ok, put that baby in the oven for 30 minuets.  When the 'top" is golden brown and a tooth pick comes out clean, you are ready to roll!

Please disregard the Pumpkin Spice Kisses, garlic, cukes, Tums, and any other clutter that does not belong on one's counter!  

The last step is to run a knife around the edges of the cake and flip it onto a tray of some variety.  Now, I have told you that I am not an expert, my pictures are not flawless, my house is obviously a mess, and sometimes my food doesn't look as perfect as it should...so when you see the final product, and it doesn't look professional...don't worry...IT IS SO DELISH!!

Here are a couple of notes about the cake:

-I've also made this with fresh strawberries.  I used strawberry flavored gelatin.  You can really use any fruit with a flavored gelatin...mix and match!

-This would also be delish with a chocolate cake instead of white or yellow

-Have fun with it!  My babes loves to help mash up the fruit...and this recipe is so easy, I'm sure even Coach could put it together if he had to!

So, the party was a success...we sent the kids home around 7pm and told them to rest up.  Friday would be our first game of the season...even if it is only an exhibition game!!