Bacon Turkey Wrap

We are cleaning out the deep freeze, and trying to use the meat that has been in there forever.  I found a turkey leftover from when they were on sale, and we roasted it, despite the sacrifice of heating up the kitchen during a Texas August.

We've been getting creative with the leftovers, and these simple Bacon Turkey Wraps came out so delicious, I just had to share.  The wraps are served hot, so they taste like a cross between a regular wrap and a quesadilla.  Add any fresh veggies (bell pepper, spinach, etc.) to this that you have on hand.  I didn't, so I plated this with celery sticks to balance it.

Bacon Turkey Wrap

1/2 c. cooked diced turkey
2 slices thin bacon
1 whole wheat sandwich wrap
1/4 c. shredded cheddar
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, to taste
Salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste

Cook the bacon until crispy.  Heat the turkey through.  Heat the wrap, either directly on a burner, using tongs, or in a dry skillet.  Spread the mayo on the wrap, then sprinkle salt and pepper over it.  Add the bacon, turkey and cheese, roll up and enjoy. 

Suitcase Cake

A family that we are friends with just had the father retire from American Airlines.  I volunteered to do the cake for the retirement party.  I wanted to do something special, and I've seen a lot of designs for suitcase cakes.  It sounded perfect, since he was in the travel industry.

The cake went over really well.  Several people commented that it was some of the best frosting they'd ever had. (see recipe below)

I decide to do my suitcase cake with sugar cookies for travel stickers.  I frosted them with different colors of royal icing, and used chocolate to write names of places I know he's gone.

The cake iteslf is a basic chocolate, frosted with a triple batch of my favorite chocolate buttercream.  The handle and straps are rolled fondant.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1/2 c. solid vegetable shortening
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 tsp. clear vanilla extract
4 c. sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
½ c. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. milk  

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.