Lea's Changing Friendships

 “It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” ― Abraham Maslow

Assumptions and presumptions are dangerous things.  Last week I received quite a bit of criticism for the title of my blog. I think it read: “Rodolfo is not good enough for Karent” or the other way around.  While I mentioned in my blog that “I am happy for Karent” (I would be happy for any woman that excised a malignant tumor from her life) I would not go so far as to presume what is or is not “good enough” for her.  Only she knows that and frankly it’s her issue and I really don’t care.

I have never pretended to like Karent. I’ve been cordial and on one particular occasion very helpful to her, and while I wish she had the integrity to admit it, she has not and for that reason I highly doubt that I could ever foster a real friendship with her. That being said, I take no pleasure in the heartache of others.  As you have all witnessed, I have suffered my own pain during this process and while some people have belittled and mocked it- it’s still painful and sad.

Being part of a show like this requires that we comment on each other’s lives and sometimes titles are created in an effort to lure the reader as well as summarize the general sentiment. Without such commentary there would be little interaction between us and the show would cease to exist.

So for those who went on a tirade about the title, this is just another reminder of the danger of assumptions.  There are plenty of things that I am guilty of and am happy to be lectured on or berated about; the title of last week’s blog, however, is not one of them.The second part of our Bimini trip was a roller coaster of emotion for many of us. Visiting the conch stand together was a lot of fun, but cooking with Chef Ed and creating an amazing meal for the girls was the highlight of my trip. I am happiest in the kitchen. There is something very special about creating something that will nourish another person. Feeding someone is a privilege that I respect and cherish. 

But for the Lea/Marysol confrontation, it was a lovely dinner. I suppose it was a long time coming. Ultimately, I don’t believe there was resolution, but it was clear from the interaction that Marysol had been yearning for a friendship with Lea. I think since that time Marysol has come to the realization that some people are incapable of true friendship.

Making Up and Moving On

I think Lea’s credibility has been tested over and over again this season. She changes friends more often than she changes her turbans. Her new-found friendship with Karent, after all she did was bad mouth and mock her, is suspect. She also treated Lisa like a second class citizen and belittled her philanthropic efforts. On a side note: did anyone else hear Lea loudly exclaim in response to Marysol “the charity paid you!” Hmm... Finally, her tirade about how she would handle Roy cheating on her was very telling.  We all know that (in Lea’s case in particular), the truth is always said in jest.I will refrain from commenting about some of the vicious insinuations made regarding Alexia’s husband as they are so ridiculous and mean spirited they do not merit more blog space.

On a much happier note, I recently received this email from a viewer, and it made participating in this crazy reality show worth it. So naturally, this week’s recipe is my now famous Red Velvet Cake. It is a tiny tribute to my amazing brother and the countless brave and patriotic men and women who risk their lives to protect our country.

“Subject: Word of Your Red Velvet Cakes Traveled to Afghanistan

Message: Thank you for the amazing recipes Ana!!  I served with your brother, Juan Carlos aka "Q" in Afghanistan this summer.  He sat right behind me and when bored we would spin around in our chairs and talk about the food we missed from home.  Mine was always red velvet and he said his sister made the best red velvet cake on the planet!  Maybe one day that recipe will appear on your website? 

Even though I am home now, I still keep up with Q and the rest of the team. He is doing well -- still eating every Heath bar and Reece’s peanut butter cup around.  He was one of my best buddies over there, co-worker, gym partner, and resident dietician.  Definitely one of the most interesting and amazing guys I've had the privilege to work with! 

PS- Awesome job walking out of Thomas Kramer’s party!  Very well done!”  Red Velvet Cake:

1 cup buttermilk
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-ounce bottle of red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2-1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs

Cream Cheese Frosting:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1 16-ounce box confectioner's sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, vinegar, vanilla and food coloring and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar.

Little by little add buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture while beating at very low speed. Do not over mix. Add eggs one by one until fully combined.

Grease and flour 3 9-inch round cake pans and distribute batter equally among them.

Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

In small bowl of mixer, combine cream cheese and butter. Beat at low speed until well combined. Sift confectioner’s sugar and add to butter/cream cheese mixture 1/2 a cup at a time and beat until smooth.

Place first cake layer on plate and frost repeating step with each additional layer. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting and sprinkle top with the pecans if desired.

Buen Provecho!

Until next time!
Ana