Celebration Cake

My family and I enjoy getting together for any and all ocassions to share laughter, love and food. Usually I am the dessert maker. I bring my savory dishes, but they indulge me and become my test tasters. I have two great recipes. One for a Red Velvet and the other for my Lemon Pound cake. So, as I was trying to figure out a new test kitchen recipe for my business, I came up with the idea to put these two cakes together in one. And this was the result.

When I started to assemble the cake it kept getting taller and taller. I was like "holy cow woman" and had to laugh at myself as I put it together. And it was truly my first tall cake. If you have ever been to Cheesecake Factory and seen their tall cakes up front, this was taller. I stood there like the proud cake mother that I was admiring my tower of cake. And the layering began. I went thin on the layers because I didn't think I would have enough. Next time I make this cake I definitely will give more butter-cream in between the layers.

It came out this gorgeous red and cream color. The pecans were the final touch that seemed natural to do at the end. Both cakes were very light, and the complimentary butter-creams for each (lemon butter-cream for the pound cake and cream cheese butter-cream for the red velvet) worked out perfect. Neither I not my family could not stop eating this decadent dessert. This is the best way to celebrate don't you think. :)

A true Slice of Sugar!

Homemade Maple Granola Bars

In an effort to eat healthier I decided to not eat sweets for a while. But I have a wicked sweet tooth. So I made my own granola bar. And let me tell you it is the BEE'S KNEES! It is chewy, naturally sweet and even though very healthy it doesn't taste like a bar of greens. This is the kind of bar that your kids will love. Feel free to tweak the recipe if you are more or less of a health nut, but I definitely will encourage you to try just as it is.

Chewy Maple Granola Bars

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

½ cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)

2/3 cup sliced almonds

½ cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup flax seed

½ cup wheat germ

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup grade A maple syrup

¼ cup molasses

¼ cup olive oil

Pinch of salt (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup dried fruit (mixed fruit of choice)

Spray a 9x9 glass dish lightly with baking spray and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, nuts and flax seed onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  In the mean time in a sauce pot mix honey, maple syrup, molasses, olive oil, salt and vanilla. Stir until well combined and the color is a golden brown.

Once oven mix is done immediately mix with sauce pot mixture and add dried fruit. Lower oven to 300 degrees F.

Place in glass dish and press down to shape. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely and cut into squares. Can be stored up to a week in an air tight container.



Suitcase Cake

So this Tuesday was my dad's birthday and he loves to travel. What better way to celebrate both then to do a suitcase cake for him. I had NEVER tried it before and I was nervous as I always am, but it turned out great! I even shocked the mess out of myself. The man upstairs was really looking out.

He absolutely loved it. It was a Red Velvet cake with a Raspberry Cream Cheese Butter-cream. He took a lot of pics on his new phone and made sure to cut from the back to the front. He saved the front for later. Said that he wanted to preserve it for a little while longer! YAY!!!!! :)

It's On!

Welcome to my blog! I am a HUGE foodie!!! This will be specifically to my sweet side, but every now and again I may hit you with a curb ball and talk savory. I am excited to share some things I have done, tasted and tried. From cooking it to trying someone elses. So look out for goodies to come.