Spring is just around the corner, I can’t wait for the snow to melt and for the temperatures to rise.  I’m looking forward to blue skies with puffy, white clouds.  Until then, I’ll brighten up the greyest of days by whipping up some “Taste of Rainbow Cupcakes.”

This recipe has been a favorite of mine around St. Patrick’s Day.  When I was in high school, I spent several nights babysitting for neighbors, friends and teachers.  I always lined up special games, a craft project or baking project to help keep us entertained while their parents were away.  The kids loved dying the batter into rainbow colors and watching their creations “puff up” in the oven.

Do you have any St. Patrick’s Day favorites in your recipe book?  If so, please share them on TheFieldPosition.com!

When you’re part of a large family, says Mary Schumacher of Ackley, Iowa, there is always something to celebrate.  Mary is the youngest of nine children.  Her husband, Steve, is the ninth out of 15 children.

Birthdays, baptisms, weddings, anniversaries and graduations keep their social calendar full, and each special occasion calls for special party foods.

Fortunately, cooking is a favorite past-time for this busy wife and mother.  Mary has been employed for 24 years by the Ellsworth Hospital.  Her husband, Steve, is a Latham® dealer.  And the two of them are the proud parents of two daughters and one son:  Molly, 18, attends Loras College in Dubuque.  Abbey is a sophomore at AGWSR High School, where she’s involved with volleyball and track. She also plays AAU volleyball.  Lucas, 11, is active in baseball, wrestling, karate and trap shooting.

The girls enjoy shopping with their mom in their free time, while Lucas prefers to spend time making customer calls with his dad.  Just recently, Lucas said he’d like to farm and take over Schumacher Seeds when he grows up.  There’s nothing like a kid dreaming of a career in agriculture.  And if Lucas plans to become a Latham dealer, I’ll volunteer to make the punch!

Sherbet Punch is one way the Schumachers celebrate special occasions.

“My mom always made punch for holidays when we were growing up, and the favor of sherbet would vary with the season,” says Mary Schumacher.  “It’s a tradition that I’ve continued.  This punch recipe is easy to make, and kids love it.  We’ve used strawberry soda with strawberry or raspberry sherbet.  We also like using orange soda with orange sherbet.”

Check out Mary’s favorite punch recipe below.  She’s also included a recipe for bagel spread, which could be the perfect complement to one of the 18 soup recipes now posted on The Field Position.

How do you add “punch” to family celebrations?  What foods are made for special occasions?

Our baby turned one yesterday!  To celebrate this milestone, my son and I baked a peanut butter birthday cake.  Then we sang “Happy Birthday” and watched as Bailey, our Black Lab, devoured every last crumb.

The “puppy party” continued yesterday afternoon as we watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2.  I have to admit, it’s the first time I’ve liked the sequel as much as the original movie.  Plus, the music lifted my mood and transported me (albeit temporarily) to a tropical location.

My toes started tapping and my head started bobbing as I listened to the Chihuahua theme song.  I dare you to watch this one-minute video and remain sitting still. On second thought, I double dog dare you to try it!  (I couldn’t resist.)

I was just starting to believe that Iowa is “my paradise” when reality hit.  My dog started barking, letting us know nature was calling and she needed to go outside.  Instead of stepping onto white sand beaches like one of the pampered Beverly Hills pups, my big girl ran into the white snow and began to roll. Maybe this is her paradise! Or maybe she was just begging for another bite of Peanut Butter Delight.

 In case you’d like to treat your dog to a home-made “pup cake,” the recipe follows. And, for those of you who may not have a pup birthday on the way but still want to spoil your dog, check out this great article with tips on how to show affection and reward your pup.

Recipe Note:  I didn’t have a cake mold, so I used half of a Bundt pan.  In the year ahead, I’ll keep my eyes open for a bone-shaped cake pan.  Does anyone know where I might buy one?