My Niece Mara is Turning 16

On March 30, Mara is turning sixteen. I can't believe she grew up so fast. I remember when she was little. I used to play with her a lot when she came to Philadelphia. We used to play Mario on the Nintendo. I am a very proud aunt. She loves to read and play sports at school. Her grandmother Vicki is very proud of her as well. She wishes her a happy sixteenth birthday. I used to send her Walt Disney movies in the mail for her collection, like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Aladdin, One Hundred Dalmatians and more. We email each other frequently. I was very happy when she joined Facebook. She has grown into a beautiful young lady. Love, Aunt Diane 

Red Velvet Layer Cake

Red velvet layer cake with 5 cup cream cheese frosting

Makes 12 to 16 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

2 1/2 cups sugar

6 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons unsweetend cocoa

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ounce red food coloring

For the frosting:

24 ounce cream cheese softened [8-ounce packages]

3/4 cup butter softened

48 ounces powdered sugar

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, (to be continued)