Easy trifle

Family Features

Are you hungry for a sweet treat but don’t have the time or energy to create something from scratch?

These no-fuss dessert recipes are sure to delight. Start with convenient ingredients, such as Sara Lee Pound Cake, and make a few easy enhancements. In no time, you can put together an Easy Trifle, Pound Cake S’Mores, or even a Classic Strawberry Shortcake. With a few extra minutes, you can create a delectable Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding, or Grilled Pound Cake with Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chocolate Drizzle — perfect for sharing any day of the week.

All of these easy recipes can be made with Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, too. The pre-sliced and individually-wrapped slices are ideal for making perfectly-portioned desserts or snacks.

Get more delicious, no-fuss recipes at www.saraleedesserts.com. And to get recipes and tips delivered to your inbox, sign up for a free newsletter at www.saraleedesserts.com/enews-sign-up.

Easy Trifle

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

2 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake

1/2 cup Greek peach yogurt

1 cup light whipped topping, divided

1/4 cup sliced fresh peaches

1/4 cup whole raspberries

1 tablespoon toasted almonds

Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions. Cut thawed pound cake into 1-inch cubes.

Mix yogurt with 1/2 cup light whipped topping, reserving remaining whipped topping for later.

Put two parfait glasses on a work surface. Layer 1/4 of the pound cake cubes into each glass. Top each with 1 tablespoon sliced fresh peaches and whole raspberries, and 1/4 yogurt mixture. Repeat layers, ending with yogurt.

Top with remaining light whipped topping and toasted almonds.

Tip: You can make this recipe for more people, by scaling up the ingredients and presenting in a pretty glass bowl.

Pound Cake S'Mores

Pound Cake S’Mores

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

2 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup mini marshmallows

2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

Place each pound cake slice on the bottom of the baking pan.

Top each slice with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows.

Bake for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and lightly toasted.

Top with peanuts, if desired.

To cook in microwave:

Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions and place each pound cake slice on a microwave-safe plate.

Top each slice with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows.

Microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds or until marshmallows and chocolate chips are slightly melted. Top with peanuts, if desired.

Grilled Pound Cake with Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chocolate Drizzle

Grilled Pound Cake with Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chocolate Drizzle

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

2 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1

package of Sara Lee Pound Cake

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 1/2-inch pineapple rings

2 small scoops vanilla ice cream (about 1 cup)

1/4 cup chocolate sauce

Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions.

Pre-heat a grill or grill pan to medium.

Brush each slice of pound cake with melted butter.

Grill pineapple slices 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized on both sides.

While pineapple is grilling, place pound cake slices on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until each side is lightly golden brown.

Top pound cake slices with grilled pineapple and a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or other desired flavor). Finish with a chocolate sauce drizzle.

Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding

Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Serves: 4

4 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake

2 eggs

1 cup half and half

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 small ripe bananas, thinly sliced

1/2 cup candied pecans (optional)

Whipped topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Thaw 4 pound cake slices according to package directions. Cut pound cake slices into 1/2-inch squares and place on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla and brown sugar until well blended. Set aside.

Spray a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray. If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup pecans onto prepared baking dish. Top with toasted pound cake and banana slices and pour egg mixture on top. Press down pound cake cubes with back of spoon to submerge completely; let stand 10 minutes. If using, sprinkle with remaining pecans.

Cover baking dish with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking 15 minutes or until eggs are set.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

You have a special opportunity to see another Virtual Travel Adventure on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., at Cedar Springs High School, when we travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The travel adventure features  the islands as they emerged from the sea eons ago, as the result of the collision of the Caribbean and Atlantic plates. The resulting volcanism produced islands of unparalleled beauty.  Since they emerged from the sea, St. Vincent has been blessed with lush mountains, rich volcanic soil and unspoiled landscapes of brilliant flora and beautiful, crystal clear waters.  The addition of  the idyllic islands and deserted cays of the Grenadines make the entire country emerge as a prime vacation playground.  There’s something here for everyone from sailing and dolphin-watching, to hiking nature trails and swimming at the base of waterfalls.  You can climb to the top of a slumbering volcano or explore the fascinating underwater gardens surrounding this pristine group of islands.  Visitors can become immersed in the history of the region at sites representing the span of human activity in the Caribbean.  If you desire the comforts of a deluxe resort or quiet seclusion in a tropical setting, you’ll find it here.  Combine these with a dynamic mix of cultures that are showcased in the Vincy Mas Carnival Celebration and you’ll find that St. Vincent & The Grenadines has it all!

The event is held at the Cedar Springs High School Auditroium with the doors opening at 6 p.m. and the adventure begins at 6:30 p.m. The adventure is at the low rate of $10, and students are just $5 with a paid adult. It is hard to travel anywhere these days for that price, especially considering gasoline rates. So come on out and join us as we venture on this adventure.

Information on this and other programs are online at www.csaparksandrec.com or you can follow us on Facebook for up to date information. Please feel free to call the department at at 696-7320.

A Cedar Springs School bus was hit by a pickup truck driver Wednesday afternoon. No students were hurt in the accident. Post photo by J. Reed.

Seven students escaped injury this afternoon when an intoxicated driver hit a Cedar Springs Public Schools bus.

The accident happened shortly before 3 p.m. at the corner of 18 Mile and Main Street in Cedar Springs.

According to Cedar Springs Police Chief Roger Parent, a pickup truck, driven by a 48-year-old Cedar Springs man, was heading north on Main Street, and attempted to turn right on to 18 Mile, where he crossed over the center line, and hit a school bus waiting at the stop sign to turn left on Main Street. He hit the bus in the left rear wheel area.

Parent said the pickup driver’s door could have been open, because the bus driver reported that the driver was falling out as he passed her window. He didn’t actually fall out, however.

Police believe alcohol was involved. Parent said the driver did admit to recently drinking and was arrested. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday. Neither the driver nor his 60-year-old passenger were injured.

Parent said the bus driver reported minor shoulder pain, consistent with wearing a seatbelt.

According to Assistant Cedar Springs Superintendent David Cairy, the students on the bus were middle school to high school age. He said each student was checked out individually to be sure they were uninjured. They were then put on another bus to finish the route.

“Overall it was a good result to an unfortunate accident,” said Parent.

Eco Club member with her prizes from the creek.

Part of the group that helped clean up the area.

About 50 people turned out Saturday to help clean up Cedar Creek and the surrounding area during the 4^th annual Cedar Springs Earth Day celebration.

“All that reported back said that there wasn’t nearly as much trash this year as in previous years,” said City Manager Christine Burns. “I remember the first year we did this (2008), the dumpster was overflowing and we had trash stacked all around it. This year, the dumpster was about ¾ full…I’m glad we are making progress.”

Besides the cleanup, the city also did a drug take back, an e-waste collection, and held a city surplus auction.

Jeff Edwards (back) from SME, the city’s environmental firm, with Bill Burns (front) and a member of the Eco Club (left) working in the creek.

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a two vehicle fatal accident Sunday afternoon that left a 72-year-old Iowa man dead.

Deputies believe that a 1995 Chevy Blazer, driven by a 34-year-old Sheridan man, was traveling eastbound and ran the stop sign at Sessions and South Sheridan Road. He then struck a southbound 1997 Chevy Astro Van, driven by the 72 year old man from Iowa. After impact, both vehicles left the roadway southeast of the intersection, and both drivers, who were not wearing their seatbelts, were ejected.

The Iowa man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheridan man was transported to Sheridan Community Hospital by Montcalm County Emergency Services and later transferred to Butterworth Hospital by AeroMed. Deputies believe alcohol may have been a factor in this accident.

M-66 was closed for several hours Sunday while deputies investigated the scene.The accident remains under investigation.

Red Hawk sophomore, Collin Hickok keeps the runner close at first base.

Hawks defeat Sparta with shutout

On Tuesday, April 24, the Cedar Springs Boys Varsity baseball team got their first win by defeating Sparta, 2-0 in an exciting conference game.

Junior Justin Louck got the win by pitching a complete game—a shut out—striking out 9 batters, allowing just one hit and one walk. The Hawks defense, led by seniors Tyler Covell, Austin Wamser and Jason Flanagin, proved solid in keeping the Spartans off the scoreboard. On offense, the Hawks had 6 key hits. Austin Wamser, Jason Flanagin, Justin Louck, Collin Hickok, Steven Wylie and Danny Wier all contributed one hit each. Hawks RBIs came off the bats of Justin Louck and Jason Flanagin, each driving in one run.

Head coach Steve Saboo said that he was proud of this team effort and congratulates the boys on this victory.

This year Cedar Springs will receive the Green School Chairman’s Award for district-wide energy savings!

The district accepted its fourth Kent County Chairman’s Award for district-wide energy savings. Here are some of the great things we are doing that helped win the award.

Cedar Springs’s District-wide Energy Management Program began in May of 2004 and uses research on energy use, both mechanical and human, to drive changes.

Energy Manager works with the maintenance staff to ensure mechanical efficiency and educates faculty and other staff about the importance of energy savings.

Staff take pride in their efforts to save energy knowing those saved dollars are returning to the classrooms.

The program has saved the district more than $1.25 million so far, or 26%. In the last year alone, they saved $240,000, or 33%.

The reduction in carbon dioxide use is equal to 200,000 trees growing for ten years, or removing 1,400 cars from the road for one year.

The following schools in the district will receive 2012 Green School Chairman’s award:

Cedar Springs Middle School
Cedar Trails Elementary School
Cedar View Elementary
Red Hawk Elementary

Congratulations!

Sandra Wygle, right, and her best friend, Michelle, at the taping of “The Price is Right!” Photo courtesy of The Price is Right.

Will appear on TV on Monday, April 30, at 11 a.m. on channel 3

By Judy Reed

When Sandra Wygle, of Cedar Springs, decided to go to California, she never dreamed she would compete on a game show. In fact, she had only watched “The Price is Right” a few times. “I’ve just never been one to sit in front of the TV,” she explained.

But when Wygle’s best friend, Michelle Gregitais, (who was going to California with her), suggested they get tickets, she agreed. “I didn’t really want to, I’ve always had stagefright,” said Sandra.

The two women decided to attend the taping in celebration of Michelle’s six-year anniversary of being in recovery from breast cancer. Michelle wore a shirt that said, “I survived breast cancer, can Drew survive me?” and Sandra’s shirt said, “My best friend survived breast cancer, can Drew survive us?” Actor Drew Carey is the host of The Price is Right.

They waited in line for six hours. “They brought food out to us, interviewed us, and took pictures of us,” said Sandra. She explained that there were 300 people there, and they interviewed them in groups of 15. And they only chose 8 out of the 300 to compete at the taping. She only found out when they called her name after everyone was seated.

“Out of 300 people, my name was called. I was stunned,” remarked Sandra. “I never expected it.”

Sandra soon got over her stage-fright. “It was a blast! I had so much fun with Drew Carey. It was a lot of fun and a lot of craziness!” she said. “If I ever had to do it again, I wouldn’t second guess it. It was just so much fun.”

Sandra said she would love to do it again, but under the rules, has to wait 10 years to get the opportunity. Either way, she’ll celebrate her newly found TV stardom with a watch party when the show airs on Monday.

Tune in or record the show on Monday, April 30, at 11 a.m. on channel 3, to see if Sandra wins the showcase! Even if she doesn’t, no one goes home without a great prize!

If you would like to watch a taping of the show and try your luck at being chosen as a contestant, tickets are absolutely FREE. Contestant hopefuls can get complete information and obtain their show tickets online at http://priceisright.com/tickets.  In addition, viewers can call the CBS Ticket Office at 1-855-44-PRICE (1-855-447-7423) Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM PST.

Grab your friends and family and make a difference this Saturday by helping to clean up Cedar Creek. Post photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

It’s that time of year again—time to get out and clean up Cedar Creek and the surrounding area!

The City of Cedar Springs will be holding their fifth annual Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, April 28. The day starts at 8 a.m. with E-waste collection behind Cedar Springs City Hall. Bring all your electronic waste for disposal such as computers, monitors, keyboards, cell phones, radios, stereos, laptops, VCRs, modems, power cords, etc. This will be staffed by the Cedar Springs Rotary.

Then meet at 10 a.m. at the trail staging area on W. Maple Street (west off Main) to clean up Cedar Creek. Volunteers report to the staging area to receive their t-shirts and clean-up assignments. The first 100 registered get a free shirt. New this year is a limited number of trash picks and waders for volunteers to borrow.

There will be a city surplus auction at 1 p.m. to auction off surplus city equipment, along with a container to collect expired or unused prescription drugs (see article on page ??). No liquid or syringes accepted.

Visit the city’s website at www.cityofcedarsprings.org to download a registration form for the cleanup. Registration is not mandatory to participate, but it does help the city to pre-assign clean-up locations, and plan for the purchase of trash bags and t-shirts. Please return the form to City Hall (66 S. Main St., PO Box 310,Cedar Springs, MI  49319 Attn: Chris Burns. You may also fax the form to 616.696.0202.  Please call City Hall at 616.696.1330 X 104 with any questions.

Cedar Creek is one of our greatest assets. Our town, the second village in Kent County, was established along that creek and named for both the springs that flowed from it and the Cedar trees that bordered it. It supports wildlife and flora, and is a key component of the future plans of this city. Our city will only be as beautiful as we make it.

More than 400 motorists were arrested for drunk driving during a three-week impaired driving crackdown this spring. Of those arrested, 79 were charged under the state’s high blood alcohol content (BAC) law with having a BAC of .17 or higher.

Law enforcement officers from more than 165 agencies conducted stepped up enforcement aimed at curtailing drunk driving during the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown March 13-April 2. This resulted in 8,083 traffic stops and nearly 4,000 citations or arrests, including 281 for other alcohol- and drug-related charges such as open intoxicants.

“Michigan law enforcement agencies take drunk driving very seriously,” said Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) director. “The increased enforcement also provided opportunities to identify other traffic safety violations and resolve unsolved cases.”

In addition to the 405 drunk driving arrests, 214 misdemeanor and felony arrests were made. Officers also issued 148 seat belt and child restraint, 722 speeding and 425 uninsured motorist citations. Five stolen vehicles were recovered, 326 drivers were found to be driving on suspended licenses and 161 fugitives were arrested during the enforcement effort. OHSP coordinated the effort, which was funded with federal highway safety grants, in 26 counties.

In Kalamazoo County, Richland Township officers stopped a suspected drunk driver. That stop resulted in several arrests including possession of drugs, open intoxicants, minor in possession charges and a confession for a recent home invasion.

In the past, OHSP funded March drunk driving efforts focused only on St. Patrick’s Day. A five-year review of crash data indicated alcohol use and failure to buckle up played a significant role in fatal and serious injury crashes during the month and into early April. March included St. Patrick’s Day, many school spring break periods and college basketball tournament games.

Grant-funded counties included: Allegan, Bay, Berrien, Calhoun, Chippewa, Delta, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Marquette, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.