My Morning (it includes Lenten Doughnuts)

This morning was another unusually cold southern morning. It was 52 degrees! Ok I know all you Northerners are going what? 52 is cold? But seriously I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio and I still think it's cold here. :)So lately I've been telling Ace it's a little too cold to go outside right now, but I LOVE being outside in the morning. I grab my most snuggly shawl and a cup of tea and sit on the front porch swing. So after breakfast this morning that is what I did. And it was soooo relaxing! I never take time for myself. Now reading a book while cooking or checking my blog while feeding the baby or knitting while Ace chases me around the yard (yes I do that) is not considered real "me" time. I fed the kids, let Ace put on a video (which is a big treat for him) and put Lucky down for his nap and snuck outside! It was so beautiful listening to our little chicks cheep and watching the butterflies land on my flowers. We've had soo many butterflies lately! Ace loves to look at them. He really appreciates nature, a quality I hope he keeps forever. He'll walk outside some days and say "Mmm...do you smell that fresh cut grass?" and I just love that he notices those things. I look around on days like this and I understand more clearly how to love the things of this world not the things in it.These are some Lenten Chocolate Doughnuts that I made.Ace loves them for breakfast. I just follow a regular Lenten Chocolate Cake recipe and use a doughnut pan. I either make frosting and put sprinkles on them or I dust them with powdered sugar! If you'd like the recipe just leave a comment stating so and I'll post it.*UPDATE: Ok, at Elizabeth's request here it is:Lenten Chocolate Cake (or in this case doughnuts)Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 t. baking soda
• 6 T cocoa
• 1 t. salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 T vinegar
• 2 t. vanilla
• 3/4 cup oil
• 2 cups cold water

Directions:

1. Mix flour, soda, cocoa, salt & sugar in large bowl.
2. Add vinegar, vanilla, oil & water. Mix well.
3. Pour batter into greased cake or doughnut pan.
4. Bake @ 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes if making doughnuts or 45 minutes if making a cake. Doughnuts you want to be a little harder than a cake so they don't fall apart.
5. Let cool and then sprinkle with desired topping!

Chocolate Doughnut Icing3/4 bag of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips (they're lenten)1 tsp. vanilla3 T. margarineMelt 30 seconds at a time and stir until a creamy consistency. DON'T Overheat!!Spread on and add sprinkles.I like this icing because it hardens allowing you to store your doughnuts without getting icing everywhere.I also found these at Publix, they are the only cinnamon rolls I have found that have no dairy (except for whey, which most have a blessing for, but double check with your priest first!).My front porch is my favorite getaway that's 'notaway' from home.  :)  So, it was a very welcome surprise that we got to spend time there this morning.What's your favorite way to getaway?