Seasons Serving all of Pickens County

What’s Inside?

Tips for firsttime boat buyers Turning your patio from drab to fab What to do when parents are poor sports? Recipes for spring and summer

Spring 2023

Recipes Inside!

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table of contents

Seasons S p ri ng 2 0 2 3

Seasons Serving all of Pickens Count

y

Recipes inside!

Spring 2023

WhaT’s inside?

Tips for firsTTime boaT buyers Turning your paTio from drab To fab

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Tips for first-time boat buyers

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Turning your patio from drab to fab

WhaT To do When parenTs are poor sporTs? recipes for spring and summer

General Manager Kasie Strickland Advertising Kasie Strickland Managing Editor Kasie Strickland

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The basics of fertilizing a lawn

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How to prevent Lyme disease in dogs

Layout & Design Melody Evans Have questions or want to advertise? Contact us at 864-855-0355 or 864-506-2274

Advertising Supplement to

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What to do when parents are poor sports?

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Kitchen Ambitions

The Sentinel-Progress Serving Easley & Pickens County since 1871

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Tips for first-time

boat buyers Boating is a rewarding hobby that can be great for people from all walks of life. Many people buy a boat because they already have a passion for fishing and want their own vessel to take out on the water. Others may buy a boat because they like the challenge posed by sailing, a demanding yet rewarding hobby.

There’s no shame in waiting to buy a boat until you become more comfortable navigating it. Boating schools can be great resources for novices, teaching them the ins and outs of boating. The United States Coast Guard notes that boating safety courses are offered throughout the country for all types of recreational boaters.

According to Grow Boating, a marine industry organization that aims to generate awareness and interest in boating, retail sales of new boats, marine engines and marine accessories in the United States totaled $20.1 billion in 2022. That marked a 9.5 percent increase from the year prior, highlighting the growing popularity of boating. In fact, Grow Boating notes that 141.6 million Americans went boating in 2022.

Ask around

The fun of boating compels many people to buy their own boats. For first-timers, buying a boat can be both exciting and confusing. Prospective buyers must decide on everything from the type of vessel they want to the size of the boat to where to store it when they’re not out on the water. Such decisions can make the process of buying a boat somewhat intimidating. However, the following tips might facilitate the process of buying a boat for the first time. Assess your skills An honest assessment of your skills will help you determine if the time is right to buy a boat.

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Boaters tend to be passionate about boating, and many are willing to offer advice to novices about boats that may suit their needs. Local marinas can be great resources for first-

Photos by Kasie Strickland

time boat buyers. Visit a local marina and seek advice from current boat owners. Some may share their own travails and triumphs from their first boat-buying experience, and those stories can serve as a guide as you begin your own journey to boat ownership. Be patient Boats are significant investments, so it serves prospective owners well to be patient and exercise due diligence before making a purchase. Do your homework on the type of boat that best suits your needs, skill level and budget. Do your homework in regard to fees. The cost of owning a boat is more than just the sticker price and the cost of fuel. Much like you would before buying an automobile, get a quote on boating insurance before making a purchase, being as specific as possible in regard to the boat’s make, model and age when asking for an estimate. In addition, get quotes on docking and mooring fees. When buying a boat, people envision taking their boats out as much as possible. That’s only possible for boat owners who fully grasp the full cost of boat ownership and how to finance all of the ancillary expenses of owning a boat. The decision to buy a boat requires careful consideration of a host of factors to ensure boaters find the right boat and get the most of their time on the water.

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Turning your Patio from

Drab to Fab!

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Warm weather paves the way to more opportunities to enjoy fresh air. For homeowners who have the luxury of outdoor spaces, including private patios, now is the time to start thinking about projects to enhance these gathering spots. A patio can be considered a transitional area that links the outdoors to the inside of a home. According to the home and lifestyle resource The Spruce, a patio is often an oasis for lounging and entertaining. And depending on homeowners’ budgets and preferences, a patio can be just as comfortable and stylish as interior spaces. The following are five patio projects that can transform these valuable spaces. Pretty pergola

Ooh la la

A pergola is an open-air (traditionally wood) structure that adds a measure of shade and privacy without completely blocking views of Mother Nature. Installing a pergola over the patio helps define the seating area. Hanging plants can add to the ambiance and string lights can make this a great spot to gather when the sun sets.

Vintage bistro tables and chairs can turn a drab patio into one that calls to mind a Parisian courtyard. Whimsical lighting and accents that you would normally think to see indoors, like a gilded mirror, can add extra appeal. Soften wrought iron and other metals on the furniture by including plenty of flowers and greenery. Don’t forget the candles and a place to stash a bottle of chilling wine.

Patio fire pit Build a fire pit right into the design with the same materials used to create the patio. For example, if the patio is brick or flagstone, build up to create an eye-catching fire pit. Fire pits not only look good, they also expand the time frame that the patio can be enjoyed, offering cozy spots to sit even when the weather chills.

Farmhouse chic

space that caters to guests A large farmhouse style table flanked by benches and some upholstered chairs sets the scene for a dinner amid the fresh air. Watering cans filled with wildflowers and mismatched flatware establish a casual feel for gatherings in the space. For those who plan to cook and serve outside with frequency, invest in outdoor appliances so you’ll never have to miss a beat with guests. The options for transforming patios into stylish gathering spots is only limited by the imagination.

Transform a patio into an entertaining

Frame it in Make the patio a true extension of the inside by putting up walls around three sides of the patio if it connects to the home. Leave the last open to the yard, or consider installing screens to mimic the look of popular lanais. The walls will offer more weather protection, meaning you can invest in high-quality patio furniture to make this a fully functioning outdoor living room. Hang a television that is rated for outdoor use for movie-watching under the sun or stars.

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The basics of

Fertilizing a Lawn Spring marks the return of lawn and garden season. Lawns often bear the brunt of winter’s wrath, so spring is a great time to nurse them back to health, and fertilizing can be an essential component of that process. Fertilizing a lawn can be intimidating. An array of fertilizers, with each seemingly designed to address a different issue, can make homeowners’ heads spin when visiting their local lawn and garden center. However, fertilizing is a very simple task that any homeowner can tackle. In fact, fears about fertilizing are often unfounded and can be overcome with some basic knowledge of the process. Identify which type of grass is in the yard. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that turfgrass is divided into two categories: coolseason grass and warm-season grass. A local lawn and garden center can help homeowners identify which type of grass is in the yard, and this often depends on location. Fescue, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are some

examples of cool-season grasses, while Bermuda, bahia, St. Augustine, and zoysia are considered warm-season grasses. Identifying which type of grass is in the lawn is important because that will indicate when to fertilize. Cool-season grasses are typically best fertilized in early spring, while warm-season lawns can benefit from an application just before especially warm temperatures arrive. Survey the lawn to identify which spreader to use. A small yard or a thriving lawn with only a few bald or unsightly patches may not need a full application of fertilizer. In such instances, a hand spreader can suffice. For larger lawns and areas, a broadcast spreader is the ideal option. Spreaders have multiple settings, and the fertilizer package will indicate which setting to utilize when using the product. Test the soil prior to purchasing fertilizer. The lawn experts at Pennington note that a simple soil test can reveal soil pH and phosphorous and potassium levels. Soil tests can be

purchased at most home improvement stores and lawn and garden centers, and they can help homeowners determine which fertilizer will most benefit their lawns. Water the lawn prior to fertilizing. The experts at Scotts recommend a good watering a few days prior to fertilizing a lawn. Such an approach ensures the soil is ready to accept the fertilizer once it’s applied. Follow the instructions carefully. Detailed instructions are typically provided on fertilizer product packaging. Once homeowners have identified and purchased the product they need, they can simply follow the instructions on the packaging, including how and when to water after application, which can make fertilizing less intimidating. Fertilizing in spring can help a lawn recover from the previous summer and winter, ensuring it’s lush and green when summer entertaining season arrives.

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How to prevent in dogs Lyme disease is a bacterial illness often spread through the bite of the blacklegged tick. A bacterium known as borrelia burgdorferi is carried inside a tick and can be transmitted from the tick’s saliva into the bloodstream of an animal host, whether that host be a person, pet or wild animal. Though it is often transmitted to humans, Lyme disease is less common in dogs, even after they’ve been bitten by an infected tick. A report published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found Lyme disease causes clinical symptoms in only 5 percent of dogs who are affected with the disease. Lameness,

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joint swelling, arthritis, depression, weight loss, and other appetite issues are noted as the most common symptoms. No matter how large or small the risk for dogs acquiring Lyme disease may be, pet owners can employ various measures to prevent the illness from affecting their companion animals.

classes: topical and oral. Topical tick preventatives are liquids placed on the skin or chemicals embedded in special collars. Oral medications are consumed and absorbed by the pet. There are pros and cons to both types, which

Use a tick preventative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that pet owners should speak with their veterinarians about the best tick prevention products for their dogs. Most are broken down into two

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warrants an honest discussion with a pet professional.

home yards mowed to cut down on tall grasses where ticks can hide.

Stick to trails. When walking dogs, keep to clearly identified and cleared trails and try to avoid tick-infested spots. Ticks are found in sandy, wooded and grassy areas. They find their way onto animals by detecting approaching motion and then crawling or dropping on to people or animals. Also, keep

Physically remove ticks. Inspect dogs when they come inside from the yard or after walks in parks and elsewhere. Remove any ticks that you can find. Some may be quite small and hard to detect. Carefully remove embedded ticks to keep the tick’s mouth parts intact. Vaccinate against Lyme disease. Veterinarians offer Lyme disease vaccinations for dogs that are administered yearly. Should an infected tick bite the dog, a vaccinated animal will be less likely to contract Lyme disease. VCA Animal Hospitals says vaccination is recommended

for pets who live in endemic areas or travel to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent. Schedule wellness visits that include Lyme testing. Annual vaccines are necessary to maintain immunity to Lyme disease. Vets often will conduct blood tests to check for the presence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses during wellness visits. Should Lyme disease be present, an antibiotic, typically doxycycline, will be prescribed. Lyme disease affects all types of animals. To keep dogs safe, pet owners can embrace a mix of preventative measures, including physical inspection, lifestyle changes and vaccination.

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The Hive & Garden Country Store sells local honey, bee equipment, jarred goods, local produce and unique gifts.

Come visit us: Tim & Jerri Davis

Owners & Beekeepers Friday 12-6 Saturday 9-6 Sunday 12-6

1926 Anderson Highway easley, sC 29642

Phone: (864) 420-7496 | Email: thehiveandgardencountrystore

“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”~ Laura Ingalls Wilder 12

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BUY SELL TRADE Professional Appraisals

Coins, Collectibles & Antiques

Stop in today. You never know what you might find!

Finders Keepers Antiques & Collectibles Lot’s of new items arrive daily! We Buy, sell & Trade

rare coins | estate jewelry | stamps | collections | precious metals

Rarity Coins & Collectibles

Live & Online Auctions

Call for details or view our auction calendar online.

127 W Main St., Pickens, SC 29671 (864) 507-3368

1234 Washington Street | Somersville Mon-Sat 9a.m.Heights to 5p.m. 000-000-0000 | www.namewebsite.com

We’re Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-8pm

“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.”~ Jenny Uglow

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What to do when parents are

Heated debates with referees and trash-talking players is something one may expect when watching professional sports. But such behavior is not expected of parents on the sidelines of youth sporting events. However, unruly parents are on display with increasing frequency at various youth sporting events. According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials, adult behavior is the reason more than 75 percent of all high school referees quit. About 80 percent of new officials stop after two years on the job. This has led to a shortage of officials across the youth sports landscape. Richard Weissbourd, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, says there may be several reasons behind the uptick in poor parental behavior at sporting events. The media and social media platforms have normalized demeaning and degrading people with whom one disagrees without fear of recourse, Weissbourd says. Also, the behavior could stem from parents wanting to compensate for shortcomings in their own youth sports histories. Others may be motivated by notions that winning is all that matters.

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Children are the biggest losers when parents misbehave at youth sporting events. Rather than having fun in sports with teammates, youth experience unnecessary stress and anxiety about the game. Some are too anxious to compete in events for fear of losing. Others are being affected by pressure-induced statements thrown in, such as, ‘I know you are going to win today.’ Some kids are embarrassed by their own mothers and fathers yelling at them to do better, or demeaning other players and coaches. Youth sports leagues are starting to take inventory of unsavory parental behavior at kids’ sports events. While it’s one thing for parents to be invested in their children’s success, it’s another to allow it to lead to inappropriate or intense behavior that is far from sportsmanlike. Here’s how it may be possible to change patterns. Share a new perspective Oftentimes sports events, particularly at the high school level, are recorded and/or streamed for viewing later on.

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Problematic parents can be called in to view recaps of their behavior which may be caught on video to see that they may need to tone things down. This could be an embarrassing wake-up call. Rally for changed policies Youth sports leagues and schools can be petitioned to implement stricter policies for dealing with parents who are out of control at sporting events. Restriction from attending games could be one avenue, particularly for repeat offenders. Model good behavior Coaches and officials can remain calm and collected even in the face of aggression directed their way to illustrate to players how to behave. Furthermore, actions like congratulating the winning team and not supporting cheating or making illegal maneuvers during play should be reinforced. Lend an ear Sometimes parents act out at games not because of the game itself, but some other stressor that they may have going on in their lives. Mitigating the situation may come down to listening to a problem and providing a healthy outlet for that frustration. Reducing incidents involving out-of-control parents at sporting events is becoming a larger priority as issues continue and fewer coaches and officials are inclined to volunteer heir time.

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Kitchen Ambitions –

Dive into a garlic-infused meal Shrimp dishes are quite popular. These scouring crustaceans are found in many oceans and come in various sizes. While most know that shrimp can be tasty, they’re also good to eat for a number of reasons. Shrimp pack 20 grams of protein into a 3-ounce serving, all for around 84 calories. Shrimp also contain phosphorous, iodine, magnesium, and zinc, which are important minerals for health. In addition, shrimp are rich in DHA and EPA, essential omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce a person’s risk for heart disease. Also, shrimp may boost cognitive health by way of astaxanthin, an antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage. Now that it’s understood why shrimp are beneficial in diets, it is time to explore new shrimp recipes to include into future meals. This recipe for “Camarones al ajillo (Garlic shrimp),” from “Spain: Authentic Regional Recipes” (Fall River Press) by M. Teresa Segura is based on a Spanish peasant dish featuring fresh, plump shrimp and lots of garlic. Experiment with the amount of garlic to appeal to one’s own taste buds.

Camarones al ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) Ingredients • 2 pounds raw extra-large shrimp • Juice of 2 limes • ½ teaspoon dried oregano • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin Spanish olive oil • 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • Lime wedges, to garnish Directions Remove the heads from the shrimp, but do not peel. Wash and pat dry the shrimp and place in a shallow glass dish. Add the lime juice and oregano. Cover and chill for 2 hours. When ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a skillet and gently fry the garlic for 1 minute, stirring, making sure it does not over brown. Serves 4.

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Quick and easy Greek-inspired sandwiches Summer vacations from school will have children clamoring for tasty lunches to help them refuel for another round of backyard swimming or frolicking with neighborhood friends. The same foods served time and again can get boring pretty quickly. Offering up new options doesn’t have to be complicated, and parents may discover an array of foods and flavors that their kids will enjoy and ask for in the future. Such can be the case with Greek-inspired gyros. The fillings can vary depending on the ingredients available in the house. For “Turkey Meatball Gyros” from the “Taste of Home: Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands) by the editors of Taste of Home, the meatballs can be made the night before or in big batches and frozen to be used as needed. The yogurt sauce in this recipe is reminiscent of traditional Greek tzatziki, which is fresh and flavorful.

Turkey Meatball Gyros Ingredients • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper • 1 pound lean ground turkey • ¾ cup (6 ounces) reduced-fat plain yogurt • ½ cup finely chopped peeled cucumber • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion • 1½ teaspoons lemon juice • 8 whole wheat pita pocket halves • 2 cups shredded lettuce • 1 cup chopped tomatoes Directions In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, egg and seasonings. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 16 balls. Place meatballs on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake uncovered at 400 F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, onions, and lemon juice. Line pitas with lettuce and tomatoes; add the meatballs and drizzle with the yogurt sauce. Makes 4 servings.

Spicy Margarita Ingredients • 1 lime wedge • 2 jalapeño coins, seeds removed • 2 ounces blanco tequila • ½ ounce orange liqueur • 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed • ½ ounce agave syrup • Salt and jalapeño coin (optional)

Directions Rub the rim of a rocks glass with lime wedge, dip the rim in salt to coat (if desired), and set aside. Add the jalapeño coins to a shaker and gently muddle. Add the blanco tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup, plus ice, and shake until well-chilled. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a jalapeño coin if desired.

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Cook up a classic Philly sandwich Cheesesteaks are decadent sliced beef sandwiches covered in gooey cheese and served on crusty rolls. According to Philadelphia’s official tourism site, Pat Oliveri invented the cheesesteak in the 1930s. Oliveri was a hot dog vendor who decided to grill beef from the butcher and put it on an Italian roll. A cab driver smelled the creation and asked for the sandwich. Word spread about this new concoction, and soon lots of customers were coming by for their own. Oliveri opened up Pat’s King of Steaks on 9th Street soon after. Cheese was added later to the sandwiches in the 1940s after a suggestion from manager Joe Lorenza. Cheesesteaks have become synonymous with Philadelphia. In fact, there is a fierce rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s, which is another cheesesteak restaurant that opened across the street from Pat’s in 1966 and claims they were the first to add cheese to the steak. Fierce loyalties to both of these restaurants stand today in Philadelphia. However, a person doesn’t have to take sides when he or she makes cheesesteak at home. This recipe, courtesy of chef Robert Irvine and the Food Network®, is easy and quick.

Cheesesteak Ingredients • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil • 2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened • (4) 9-inch sub rolls • 2 pounds shaved beef, such as ribe eye or sirloin • 12 thin slices provolone Directions In a large saute pan or griddle, heat the oil over medium-high heat for 1 minute, and then add the onions, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook the onions until caramelized, stirring throughout the process, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and keep warm. Spread the softened butter on the interiors of the rolls and cook, butterside down, on a griddle until browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the rolls, add the raw steak to the griddle and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook briefly, shedding the meat into small pieces with two metal spatulas. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Portion the meat into 4 piles, and top each pile with 3 slices of the provolone. Continue to cook until the cheese melts (putting the lid and adding a little water to the pan can help with this step). Cover each pile with a browned roll, and slice a spatula under the meat to pick it up with the roll. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Irish Coffee Directions Preheat your Foynes Irish coffee glass by filling it with boiling water for 5 seconds, then pour the water out. . Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of Irish whiskey into the warmed glass. Fill the glass to within 1 centimeter of the brim with hot, strong black coffee. Stir well to dissolve all the brown sugar. Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the coffee. Do not stir after adding the cream; optimal flavor comes from drinking the coffee and Irish whiskey through the cream.

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Directions For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and lightly coat with cooking spray. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until light brown and fragrant, 7 minutes. Set aside 12 pecan halves to decorate the remaining pecans. Set aside 1 cup of the chopped pecans to use in the batter; reserve the rest for decorating the finished cake. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Whisk in the oil until well combined. Add the grated carrots, vanilla and 1 cup chopped pecans, and mix well. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes are nicely browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges with a spatula, turn the cakes out and let cool completely, right-side up, on the cooling rack, about 2 hours. Remove the parchment before frosting.

Carrot Cake

with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients • Cooking spray • 2 cups pecan halves • 2½ cups all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1½ teaspoons cinnamon • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • Kosher salt • 4 large eggs • 2 cups granulated sugar • 1 cup vegetable oil • 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 1 pound carrots) • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Frosting • 1 pound cream cheese, cut into cubes, at room temperature • 2½ cups confectioners’ sugar • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • Kosher salt • ¼ cup heavy cream, cold

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For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, scraping down the side as necessary, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and ½ teaspoon salt; gradually increase the mixer speed to medium-high, and beat until the sugar is incorporated and the frosting is fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. With the mixer on medium-high, add the cream a few drops at a time until it’s all incorporated. Continue beating for 1 more minute until the frosting is slightly lighter in color and creamy. To assemble: Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate, and spread 1 cup of the frosting over the top. Top with the other layer, and use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Arrange the 12 whole pecans on top of the cake like the numbers on a clock face, and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans in between. Serves 10.

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