Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cake – A Vintage Style Dessert for Glamping

When we finally get to go glamping (soon I hope) I’m going to make vintage style desserts and fresh perked coffee on our adventures.  

This dessert is perfect for glamping because it’s quick and easy to throw together, calls for common ingredients, and bakes in less than 30 minutes.  I’m so excited that one of these days I’ll be able to bake in my little gold vintage oven.

This recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of one of my favorite liquors – Kahlua.   I promise the flavor is subtle and it won’t overwhelm you. 

Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cake

Grease a 9×13 pan.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

1 c. margarine, softened

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 tbsp. Kahlua

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl,  cream together margarine, sugars, and eggs.  Beat in baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, Kahlua, and flour.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.  Allow to cool before cutting.

This cake is moist and doesn’t crumble easily.  You really don’t even need a fork for it.  That’s a good quality if you want to cozy up in front of a campfire and eat your dessert. 

Do you have a favorite dessert you like to make when you’re camping (glamping)?  How about crockpot desserts, ever tried one of those?   Also, I’d love to know what you consider a good vintage style dessert.

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Double Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Topping

Our garden needs to be planted, my flower beds need mulched, the lawn needs a manicure, and there is still a lot of work to do on the Pink Paradise, but because we had cooler than normal temperatures this weekend, none of that has been done.  Instead, I opted to stay warm and exert my creativity in the kitchen.  If you like combination of vanilla and strawberries than I predict you will like this recipe.

Double Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Topping

3 eggs

1/2 c. olive oil

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 package of vanilla pudding

3/4 c. sour milk

1 1/4 c. sifted flour

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Line 18 cupcake cups with cupcake tin paper liners.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, add eggs, oil, and sugar; mix thoroughly with electric mixer.  Mix in baking powder, baking soda, salt,  and vanilla pudding.  Sift in flour, add sour milk, and vanilla.  Beat until batter is smooth and creamy. 

Ladle cupcake batter into prepared cupcake tins (about 2/3 full) and tap pans on counter to settle batter (you’ll see in the picture below I didn’t do this and it resulted in air pockets).  Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center of cupcakes.  Cool in tins before moving to cooling racks.

Strawberry Cream Topping

1 1/2 c. heavy cream

4 tbsp. strawberry gelatin (powder)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large chilled bowl, add ingredients and beat with electric mixer until cream thickens into whipped cream.  Place whipped cream in pastry bag and top each cupcake.

These cupcakes are moist and sweet.  Their flavor reminds me of a homemade sugar cookie recipe I make, and the light creamy strawberry topping compliments them perfectly.

How was the weather this weekend in your neck of the woods?

Other strawberry related recipes:

Strawberry & Cream Cupcakes

Strawberry Kiss Cheesecakes

Strawberry Bliss Ice Cream

Strawberry Freezer Jam 2012

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie with Strawberry Sauce

Glazed Strawberry Crumb Muffins

French Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Crème Frosting

Tin Can Tourist Vintage Camper Rally

So, the day I’ve  long anticipated finally arrived.  A Tin Can Tourist Rally right here in the Finger Lakes.

When Bill and Denise Fletcher of Fletcher’s Vintage Trailer Sales told us about a camper rally they had planned for our area we had just started remodeling our 1972 Frolic Camper – aka – the Pink Paradise. 

And while we knew there was no way we would be ready to show off the Frolic, we graciously accepted an invitation to tour the fifty plus campers that were slated to be part of this years event. 

Fortunately for us, and everyone involved, the heavy rain our area was hit with the night before had ceased, the sun made it’s way out, and vintage camper doors were opened.

Many of the camper owners are do-it yourselfers just like hubby and I.  Like us, they have invested sweat equity into their vintage trailer projects and they seemed to enjoy sharing their stories with us as much as we enjoyed listening to them. 

As usual, I had my camera in hand, and here are just a few of the pictures I took.

It’s time to finish up the Frolic so we can show her off too! 

And yes, I’ve changed my blog theme again.  Like I said before, trying to find the right fit…

Vintage Camper Re-Plumbing–Not A Job For The Faint Hearted

The Frolic, also now known as the Pink Paradise, has had some serious plumbing issues. While much of the work is still being completed I thought I’d share an update.

Since a few of the exposed PVC pipes and copper lines showed obvious damage, we decided to remove the shower insert to get a better look underneath.

This was a good move on our part since we found the lines under it in need of replacement as well.

Here are some signs of the damage, and here are some before and after shots of the shower insert.

To work on the water lines, check the pump, and remove the fresh water tank (to clean it and check for leaks) we had to remove the table, along with the recently upholstered cushions. I felt like we were moving backwards instead of forward.

The 12 volt operated water pump (below) looks ancient, but the good news; it still runs!

While working under the seat we found carpenter ants that weren’t very eager to vacate the camper.  Here is an example of the damage the can cause.

Here is how we evicted them.  It took 2 foggers to do the job.

Below, we have replaced the ant infested wood, cleaned what was a terribly dirty and looked almost unsalvageable fresh water tank, and started running new water line. 

We found the kitchen sink faucet was filled with a mud wasp nest so we replaced that too.

And here is proof of our progress.

What’s next?  We still have to check the gas lines for safety reasons, ensure the hot water heater works, and check out the furnace too.  We need to  finish the bathroom plumbing, track down a water leak (when it rains) that we noticed in the bathroom, and hopefully after we get those things out of the way we can start rebuilding the bathroom. 

I have been working on the curtains for the Paradise.  I think you’re going to like them, but that’s a story for another day. 

So, are you ready to buy a vintage camper to re-do?  Or, do you want to hire us to do it for you?

To follow the Pink Paradise project from the beginning, and see all the updates along the way, type Pink Paradise into my blog’s search engine.  You’ll be able to read each post featuring the Paradise.

Demolition! Vintage Camper Update

I finally have made my way into the bathroom of the Pink Paradise.  It  has been slated for a remodel because one entire wall and the whole ceiling need replacing.  It appears that the critters that formerly vacationed there did a considerable amount of damage. 

Here is how I found the bathroom after pulling it out of the weeds.  Much of what you see on the floor are the remnants of black walnuts.

Here is the bathroom after cleaning it for the first time.  I had to clean it to make it tolerable to work in.

Here is the start of the demolition work.  The first thing I did was disconnect pipes and remove the vanity to give me more work space.  After that, I removed the toilet and upper cabinet.

I found a couple interesting things while conducting demo work.  One, was a huge hole chewed in a plastic PVC pipe. I didn’t think an animal would have any interest chewing through a plastic pipe.  Guess I know better now.  It’s a good thing I tore things apart because this would have created a real problem if it went unnoticed.  I also found where one of the copper lines was damaged too.

More evidence of that critters chewed their way into the camper.

I have removed the wallboards so we can start to rebuild.  I found a wire that goes to the 12 volt light chewed in half. 

I was happy to find this piece of history in the Frolic.  I’m not sure what B-200 or Crism Birch stands for.  I suspect that it’s a model number and the style of the interior.  Anyone know???

While the bathroom is tore apart my hubby is going to replace the water lines and add an outlet, or two (there aren’t any).

I think the bathroom project is going to take a little more time than initially expected…

Vintage Camper – Pink Paradise – Update #3

I’ve been updating you on our progress in the Frolic – AKA – the Pink Paradise, and it may not look like we’ve made huge strides since my last posting, but believe me, we have.  There are so many small details that we’ve tended to.

A reminder of what the Frolic looked like before.

Frolic – main living space nearly done.

New covered seats and lot’s of new trim work.  I picked up two awesome rag rugs for a dollar each at the dollar store.  They fit in perfectly!

If you’ve been following along, then you know that when I decided to start remodeling our vintage Frolic camper I had my work cut out for me.  I wanted to salvage as much of the original camper as I could, while sprucing her up with a bit of my own style.  I think I’ve done a fairly good job at both.

Instead of ripping out and replacing appliances, dark cabinets, the table and booths,  and the counter top, I have managed to work with them, and around them. 

Part of the ceiling that had already been torn out prior to starting this project left us no choice but to replace it .  Opting for the wainscoting added a touch of my tastes.  And using scraps of building materials we had on hand has helped immensely with remodeling costs. 

There has been a lot of trim work to contend with.  And lot’s of  other not so obvious details – for example,  the installation of several new (white) light switch/outlet covers to replace the originals that were dark brown, painting the table leg, cabinet hardware,  heater cover, and outside edge of the fridge – just to name a few.

I still have some decisions to make concerning the interior lights.  And I still have to decide on what to build to hide the ugly wheel well.  A good neighbor will be helping me make the curtains this week or next, and of course the decorating is yet to be done. 

I just started working in the bathroom which has been on my remodel list.  I’ve found some water damage on one wall and the wall will need to be torn out and rebuilt.  We have also moved outside to start some roof coating too.

My dollar store gingham wallpaper helps tie in the gold vintage stove/oven.

The heater before painting.

The heater after painting – more trim work still needed on the wall to the left.

Other side of the camper (upper) – before painting.

Other side of the camper (upper) – after painting.  The gas light has to be reinstalled in the center of the cabinet but some gas line work has to be done first.

This was the clothes/storage closet – before modification.

This will now serve as our TV/storage center – after modification.

My handsome man helping patch the roof.

We were  honored to receive an invitation to a vintage camper rally in Vermont this month from Mariah of The Comet Camper.  Mariah is a girl after my own heart.  She’s redoing an old camper and she’s incorporating a lot green technology into her project .   She wants The Comet to be off the grid. Go check it out!

As for the invitation, unfortunately we had to decline because the Pink Paradise isn’t near ready.  But there is always next year!

I promise to continue to keep you updated on the Pink Paradise and I’m anxious to present a completely finished project to you.

So, are you a retro travel trailer kind of guy or gal?  Or do you prefer all the luxuries of modern-day campers?

If you missed my other posts on the Frolic – AKA – Pink Paradise, check them out here.  The posts below start from the beginning and take you up to most current work that has been done on the Paradise.

My Vintage Travel Trailer; The Beginning

The Pink Paradise – Update #1

Pink Paradise – Update #2

We’ve Finally Made Friends

Vintage Camper Re-Plumbing – Not for the Faint Hearted

Frolic Travel Trailer – Pink Paradise Update – 2013

Tips for Buying a Vintage Camper that Needs Renovating, and the Chandelier

The 72 Frolic Bathroom Remodel Is Nearing Completion!

Baby’s Got  A New Pair of Shoes! And…

Can’t get enough of these campers?  Check out all of vintage campers I photographed at the Finger Lakes Tin Can Tourist Rally last September.

If you’re looking for a customized glamper let’s talk!  And if you are looking for a parts (new & used) for your camper then check out Fletcher’s Vintage Trailer Sales. Please make sure to mention that you found them through my blog.

Summer is… And a vintage camper update

Summer is hot – 100 degrees here today!  My baking has been replaced with sugar-free Popsicle’s.

Summer brings beautiful flowers, and with beautiful flowers comes bugs.  Some are more obvious than others.

Summer is a time to work on projects that otherwise might be neglected.  Below is the latest picture of the Pink Paradise.

I’m hoping to get some trim work up in her when things cool down a bit.

The big change here?  Re-upholstered cushions.  I have to thank my father in-law for making them for me.  He graciously made the covers for me after I picked up enough off-white vinyl at the Gunlocke Company outlet store to cover all four cushions for $21 bucks – a true steal!

Yea!  It’s finally starting to come together.  The stove has been thoroughly cleaned and put back together.  The wallpaper is up, and a television/entertainment center is in the works at the rear of the camper.  I’m saving that for the next post because I like to keep you guessing – lol…

What is summer to you? 

The Pink Paradise – Update #1

Real progress in the Pink Paradise.

When I started this project I consulted with a couple that sells vintage travel trailers in our area.  My big question to them was simple.  Do I keep the travel trailer original, or change it to something more my style.  There weren’t any nice birch cabinets to refinish in this trailer so their reply was; change it to something you like.  With that said, I have made some dramatic changes.  

The biggest challenge is working around the color of the original stove/oven.  I don’t want to replace it because it’s in excellent condition.  I think I’ve got this challenge all figured out, but only time will tell. 

So, are you ready for a sneak peek?

The bathroom before cleaning.  I found a live baby mouse cleaning this out – cute, but gross!

The bathroom after cleaning.  Ahh… Much better!

The major cleaning is done, and the persistent bees, mice and ants have been terminated, or have they?   And the bathroom is slated for a remodel just in case you’re wondering.

I had a nosey visitor stop by to check out my progress.  I think she was looking to see if I was planning on building a nesting box to accommodate her.

I removed a bulky plywood couch that took up entirely too much space in the trailer.  That will be replaced with some type of seating to cover the wheel well.  Still trying to decide exactly what.  Ideas?

No more bulky couch below.  Do you notice the pink paint?

I primed everything.  That was a time-consuming process since I decided to use a non-latex based primer and this type of primer does not apply quite as easily.  I also took all of the cabinet doors off, along with their hardware.  I can tell you that working in such a small space didn’t help speed things along either.

Remember the travel trailer before primer?

Look at the trailer after the primer, and with a touch of the pink paint.

Below, I have put the first coat of paint on the ceiling, walls, cabinets, and door latches.

Below is a picture of the start of the cherry laminate floor installation.  Hubby did the real carpentry work while I played carpenter’s helper. 

And lastly, here is the finished floor. What a transformation!

There is still a lot more work to be done, but I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made.  I promise lots more surprises.

If you missed my first post about the Pink Paradise check it out here.

 

My Vintage Travel Trailer; The Beginning

With my flower beds all spruced up, freshly mulched, and looking like something out of an issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine – okay, maybe I’m exaggerating just a little, I announced to my hubby that I needed a project.

Little did he know what I had in mind, or should I say in store.  In fact, I had been hashing this (not so) little project over in my head for quite awhile.

For years now, this little diamond in the rough has been sitting out back waiting for someone’s undivided attention.  That someone, as it turns out, is me.

I love just about anything vintage, retro, and antique, so when I started looking on-line and saw how people are re-doing vintage travel trailers and making them into the coolest, hippest, tiny spaces on wheels, of course I wanted in.

Armed with bee spray, a shop vacuum, and massive cleaning supplies, I dug in.  A couple of hours into the start of this project I wondered if I had suddenly, without any warning, become insane.  There’s always that chance you know. 

Apparently, the chipmunks, mice, bees and ants take vacations too because  I found chew holes in the walls and cabinets, along with mouse droppings and  black walnuts that had been stashed in every drawer and crevice. I even found an abandoned honey comb under a seat, and the ants still visit daily.

Since I’m not a fan of inexpensive dark wood paneling, which is pretty much what this whole travel trailer is made up of, I am painting  the inside of it, as well as the outside.   And my color of choice?  Hold on to your coffee cups, PINK!  Of course, out of consideration for my hubby I asked him if he’d mind the color pink and he (being the loving and supporting) husband that he always is, said “No, this is your project, you paint it any color you want.”  Hence, he has already come up for a name for her “Pink Paradise”.

My objective; beautify this relic on a shoestring budget, and use as much recycled material as I can come up with.  I’ve got a pretty good start on that  since I have some scraps of laminate flooring and lumber on hand.  I am going to use some wallpaper that I bought at a dollar store a few years ago and never  put to good use, and with  a few modifications I might be able to recycle some old curtains I’ve been storing for Lord only knows why. 

Follow along as I  take you on my journey of transforming this beast, into a beauty. 

Click here to see (lot’s of pictures) of our work in progress.   Also, at the bottom of this post are pingback links that you can follow to see our restoration work too.

And here she is close to finished!  

Mission nearly accomplished!

Still want to see more??  Click here to see the  Before & After – 1972 Frolic Camper Remodel – Bathroom Door or here to see Table for Two in The Pink Paradise.