Battenburg Cake

Tweet

Ever since Katie, Chloe and Liam had the opportunity to visit London last summer, we've been a little obsessed with all things English—from Chloe being in love with all the members of the boy band, One Direction, to Katie reading London travel guides and watching QI, to me becoming addicted to all the BBC shows on Masterpiece Theater. And, we can't wait till the London Olympics begin. We will watch every minute of it including sports I totally hate (weight lifting and boxing) or completely don't get (rhythmic gymnastics and dressage).

Each year for our Christmas Eve dinner, we eat dishes from another country. This year, we had a British feast. I made a Battenburg Cake for dessert. Now, as far as I know, this is not a typical Christmas dessert in England, but you can read the story of how we came to love this cake here. Sorry it's taken nearly five months to post this. Better late than never, I guess.

This cake was so amazing, I'm sure I'll make it again during the Olympics. In fact, I think I'll spread the spirit of the Olympic by trying and sharing lots of new recipes from across the pond. Stay tuned.

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Tweet

We've been making this recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle for a long time. In fact, I think we clipped it from a magazine back during our innkeeper days over fifteen years ago. The bed-and-breakfast inn where we worked had a British Isles theme, and to me, trifle is very British. We love this recipe because it's a real show-stopper, it feeds a lot, and it's incredibly easy to make. If you don't have time to make your own pound cake, just pick up a loaf of Sara Lee's at the store. I promise no one will know.

I'm always surprised, however, how many people here in the States have never seen or heard of a trifle. When I made this one for the office recently, there was maybe only one in the group who knew what it was. I think this needs to change, and I'm willing to do my part to spread the love of trifle. I think I might try making more this summer. Just imagine the endless cake, fruit and flavor combinations.

The trifle always looks spectacular, and everyone thinks you spent hours. They're also afraid to be the first to dig into it. I say to just take a big spoon and go for it—like ripping off a band aid. It's so good the bowl will be empty soon anyway.

Of course, this was for another birthday at work. But, we were celebrating a few months early. Andrew's birthday is in July. I, too, have a summer birthday, and I know what it's like to never be able to celebrate your birthday with all your friends during the school year. I also never liked it when my elementary school teacher would lump celebrating all the summer birthdays onto one day. It's not really the same. Since most of the students, including Andrew will be gone for the summer, we chose a day in April to be Andrew's special day.

Happy early birthday, Andrew! I'll try and remember to send you a birthday greeting on your real birthday. Or, if you happen to be in town, let me know. It never takes much convincing for me to make something to bring into the office. I've seriously got some wild and crazy trifle ideas I'd love to give a try.

And look, they match!

Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Tweet

Two posts in two days?

You better believe I am serious about getting caught up. (especially when it means I get to watch the season 2 premier of Sherlock if I reach my goal)

This cake may look just like the one in the previous post. But, the only similarity is that they both come from the same book, All Cakes Considered. I'm definitely a fan of this book.

I've never had a peach cake, and this sounded really good. And topping it off with a cream cheese frosting enhanced with a dash of ginger made it sound amazing. However, since I was still on my no-sugar kick for Lent, I was just going to have to go on faith.

The occasion for the cake was a lost bet. Or maybe it would be better to say it was a reward for an accomplished goal. To make a long story short and not bore your with the details, the two young ladies below, Erika and Megan, said they could complete a task related to one of our events at work that has traditionally taken weeks for students to accomplish. They said they could do it in four days. I didn't really think it was possible, but I didn't want to squash their enthusiasm, so I offered a cake as a reward. When I got a text informing me they were able to check that assignment off their list, I congratulated them and asked when they wanted their cake. The day they chose just happened to be Megan's birthday. There you have it—two birds with one stone cake.

Well done Erika and Megan!

The cake was a huge hit with everyone. Katie even came by the office to try it. She said the cake is a definite favorite. In addition to the frosting, she loves the cake texture and the flavor of the peaches. I look forward to making this again when I'm not off sugar.

I apologize for the picture above. The cakes I make for the office are usually finished right before I rush out the door to work. I never get a chance to set up a proper photo. Oh well, I think you can still get the idea.

Sour Cream Spice Cake with Orange Butter Frosting

Tweet

I've have sadly neglected this blog. I know, I should be reported for blog abuse.


I've been baking though, and I've been taking photos of my culinary creations. However, I just haven't sat down at the computer to write up the posts.  And once I got behind, I began feeling guilty. And, the recipes kept piling up. I'd look at the computer and think about writing, but then I'd feel overwhelmed. It turned into vicious cycle. It was much easier, and frankly more enjoyable, to go watch Masterpiece Theater than blog. I got hooked (like practically everyone I know) on Downton Abby, I watched all of Little Dorrit and Great Expectations, and I was glued to season one of Sherlock.


Well, I have a bit of free time this evening, I am determined to get one recipe posted. To get the others finished, I've made the goal of getting caught up before season two of Sherlock airs this Sunday. Let me tell you that is motivation enough for me. We've been waiting so long for season two. They left us with such a cliff hanger, and the guy playing Moriarty is creepy beyond belief.


So, among the recipes I have to post are several birthday cakes. Here is one I made for my student Taylor, whose birthday was months ago. I got the recipe for spice cake with orange butter frosting from one of my new favorite cookbooks, All Cakes Considered. At the time, I couldn't try it because I had given up sugar for Lent. However, the smell was incredible, and everyone's reactions proved to me this cake is a winner. Now that Lent is over, I'm looking forward to making this cake again (and there goes the 10 lbs. I lost, too).

Happy Birthday, Taylor!

It was a serious temptation not to take even a little taste of this frosting it looked so good. I had to quickly give the boys the beaters to lick and rinse the bowl and get it into the dishwasher before I lost all self control.

Banana Cake with Fudge Frosting

Tweet

This is Liam.

Liam turned 14 recently, and for the past several years, he has asked for the same birthday cake—banana with chocolate frosting. This year was no different. However, I have never been really happy with the banana cakes I've made. There have been a variety of problems. Often, the cakes don't seem to bake through properly and are a little doughy in parts, Or, the cake turns out more like banana bread, which is also not the texture I'm going for. I want it to be more like cake. And finally, I want the cake to have a lot more banana taste.

I checked out a cookbook from the library, All Cakes Considered. In addition to the banana cake,  I've tried several of the other recipes. They've all turned out really well, and I think I need to buy this book. The banana cake recipe is finally the one I've been looking for—great taste and texture. My only deviation from the recipe in the cookbook was that I used my own frosting recipe, which everyone in my family loves.

Here is the result. I had to include a birthday card Liam received from his grandparents. Liam is a HUGE Beatles fan. The song, "Birthday," was sung or blasted several times throughout the day.

I almost forgot to photograph a slice of the cake before the entire thing was devoured. I did it in such a hurry, so I apologize the photo is not totally sharp. But, you can still get an idea of what it's like.

I thought I'd include this photo, too. The hole in the middle of the cake from the tube pan was the perfect size for a tea light candle. Tomas added the clowns to the cake for his big brother. But, you can see that Liam thought they were pretty creepy.

Misfortune Cookies

Tweet

A little over a year ago, I saw someone on TV makes some homemade fortune cookies. I thought this would be a really cool idea for something to bring into work on Valentine's Day. However, I wanted to do it with a twist. I wanted to make misfortune cookies. 

I went online to find a homemade fortune cookie recipe. I wasn't shocked to find out that my misfortune idea was by no means original. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that one of my favorite food bloggers, Ms. Humble, had already made some misfortune cookies. I decided to go with her recipe.

The cookies were a bit of work, but they turned out well. The only problem was that I had burned  the tips of every single one of my fingers trying to shape the things. I finally had to call in Katie with her famous asbestos hands* to help. 

This Valentine's Day, I wanted to try the misfortune cookies again to hand out at work. However, I found a different recipe that requires a lower oven temperature. I thought maybe I could avoid any third degree burns this time. The cookies had to bake double the time, but my fingers didn't mind.

For the misfortunes, I sent a message to Jeff, a friend of mine, through Facebook. He's one of those that posts completely hysterical and witty status updates, so I thought he could come up with some really good misfortunes for me. And, I was right. Within an hour, I had about twenty new ones to add to my list.

Once again, the misfortune cookies were a big hit at work. I received lots of compliments on the taste. Almost everyone also loved the misfortunes and had a good laugh. However, I admit there were a couple that from the looks on their faces seemed not to appreciate the humor. Oh well... I still think I want to do it again next year and possibly make it a yearly tradition. I'd even like to experiment with different kinds of flavorings and try dipping them partially in chocolate with sprinkles, crushed candies, etc.

*This may be even more proof that Katie is a vampire. I'm not sure. We already know that her skin is pale (alabaster as she calls it), she's a complete insomniac, she loves her meat rare, and her special power is that she can find anything anywhere ("Hey Mom, where are my shoes?" "Have you seen my keys?") Some may think this is just a little family joke, but I am beginning to wonder.

Below is a list of the misfortunes I used. If you can think of one to add to the list, please let me know for next year. (Disclaimer: Several of the misfortunes were found online. However, I found the same ones in several places, so I have no idea who came up with them first and whom to credit.)

1. SHAME ON YOU FOR THINKING A COOKIE IS PSYCHIC.
2. YOU NEED A MINT. LIKE, BAD.
3. SOMEONE AHEAD OF YOU IN LINE WILL PAY WITH A CHECK.
4. ERROR 404: FORTUNE NOT FOUND.
5. THIS COOKIE FELL ON THE GROUND.
6. PIGEON POOP BURNS THE RETINA FOR 13 HOURS. YOU WILL LEARN THIS THE HARD WAY.
7. YOU ARE FAR FROM LAZY. YOU PUT IN A HARD DAY’S WORK…EVERY WEEK.
8. AT THE RATE YOU GIVE PEOPLE HEADACHES, YOU SHOULD BUY STOCK IN EXCEDRIN.
9. AVOID LARGE, HEAVY OBJECTS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
10. IF YOU LIVE A LONG LIFE, IT WILL BE A REMARKABLE TESTAMENT TO YOUR FRIENDS’ AND RELATIVES’ SELF CONTROL.
11. I’M WATCHING YOU. YOU CAN’T ESCAPE.
12. ARE YOU WEARING THAT OUTFIT JUST TO BE FUNNY?
13. YOU WILL DIE ALONE AND POORLY DRESSED.
14. YOUR FRIENDS REALLY DON’T LIKE YOU.
15. LOCK YOUR DOOR AND NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE AGAIN.
16. IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, NOBODY WILL BE SURPRISED.
17. EVERYONE IS LAUGHING AT YOU BEHIND YOUR BACK.
18. THE END IS NEAR AND IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT.
19. IF YOU READ THIS, YOU WILL DIE.
20. IN TIME, YOU WILL OFFEND EVERYONE YOU KNOW.
21. WHEN YOU’RE CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM, YOU DON’T HAVE FAR TO FALL.
22. YOU WILL FIND HAPPINESS, THEN QUICKLY MISPLACE IT.
23. CHOOSE THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. THAT’S ALL YOU CAN HANDLE.
24. THE FORTUNE YOU SEEK IS IN ANOTHER COOKIE.
25. A MISPLACED COMMA WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU.
26. YOUR DECISION TO STUDY THE HUMANITIES WAS A WISE CAREER DECISION. IT HAS LET TO AMAZING ART CHOICES FOR YOUR CUBICLE.
27. DON’T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH. YOU’LL BE SO DISAPPOINTED WHEN YOU FIND OUT THAT SOMEONE HARD-BOILED THE EGGS.
28. ACT AS IF IT WERE IMPOSSIBLE TO FAIL. PRETEND THAT YOU DON’T SEE PEOPLE LAUGHING AT YOUR FAILURE.
29. A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR HELPS THE MEDICINE GO DOWN. A SPOONFUL OF IPECAC HELPS THE MEDICINE AND THE SUGAR COME BACK UP.
30. YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION WILL SOON BE IMPROVING, WHICH ISN’T NECESSARILY SAYING MUCH.
31. SO SORRY THAT YOU MISUNDERSTOOD. DOWNSIZING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR WAIST SIZE.
32. YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG, BUT NOT ON YOU.YOU REALLY APPRECIATE SEEING IT IN OTHERS.
33. YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL YOU WEREN’T A CHILD STAR. THEIR LIVES ARE MORE MESSED UP THAN YOURS.
34. YOU DON’T LOOK AS GOOD AS YOUNG ELVIS, BUT YOU DON’T LOOK AS BAD AS OLD ELVIS.
35. BE GLAD YOU’RE NOT BETTY WHITE. THE GOLDEN GIRLS HAVEN’T FARED WELL OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
36. SOMEONE SHOULD WRITE A SONG ABOUT YOUR LOVELIFE. WAIT, ADELE ALREADY DID.
37. IF YOU ADD “IN BED” TO THE END OF THIS FORTUNE, YOU WILL BE CURSED.
38. USE YOUR CHARM AND PERSONALITY TO OBTAIN YOUR WISHES. IT MAY OR MAY NOT WORK.
39. IF YOU ATE THE COOKIE BEFORE YOU READ THIS, IT WAS POISONOUS. IF NOT, JUST KIDDING…GO AHEAD AND EAT THE COOKIE. NO, SERIOUSLY, EAT THE COOKIE.
40. TASTES LIKE CHICKEN MEANS IT’S NOT CHICKEN.
41. THE CLOSEST YOU’LL COME TO EXPERIENCING GLEE IS TUESDAY NIGHTS ON FOX.
42. THINK BEFORE YOU EAT. FOR EXAMPLE, “WHAT DID THAT FORTUNE COOKIE EVER DO TO ME?”
43. THE SENTENCE YOU PLAGIARIZED IN THE 11TH GRADE WILL BE YOUR DOWNFALL.
44. WHEN PEOPLE TELL YOU YOU’RE HOT, THEY MEANT YOU’RE NOT SMART.
45. THAT CARLY SIMON SONG WAS ABOUT YOU.
46. LEARN FROM THE BRADY BUNCH OR YOU ARE DOOMED TO RELIVE THE TIKI DOLL PART OF THE HAWAII SPECIAL.
47. EVERY PERSON IS THE ARCHITECT OF HIS/HER OWN FORTUNE. YOU SPECIALIZE IN SAND CASTLES TOO CLOSE TO THE WATER’S EDGE.
48. YOUR FORTUNE IS, “COME ON, GET HAPPY.” THAT BAD NEWS? YOUR FORTUNE EXPIRED IN 1974 WHEN THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY GOT CANCELED.
49. YOU WILL FIND A SMALL PIECE OF PAPER TODAY IN YOUR COOKIE.
50. HELP! I’M STUCK INSIDE A FORTUNE COOKIE FACTORY.

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

Tweet

A coworker had six packages of cream cheese just taking up space in her refrigerator. Imagine?! That would be inconceivable at my house. So, she gave the cream cheese to me knowing full well I could put them to good use.

I clipped a recipe fifteen years ago for a Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake. I thought it was finally time to give it a try. I had enough cream cheese to make two cakes. And not only did we have house guests to bake for, there was another birthday at work.

Remember this joker? Well, it WAS actually and truly his birthday this time.

Here's Richard, one year older and wiser, with his Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake. Sorry, I didn't get a close up photo of a slice. I was pretty messy with my cutting.

Still, Richard, I advise you watch your back come April 1.

If you love cheesecake and are slightly addicted to chocolate like I am, this recipe is perfect for you. It's very easy to make, and it was a big hit at work and at home. Even my two boys, who are rather picky when it comes to cheesecake, devoured this one.

Plus, I just realized that Valentine's Day is only three days away. I just maybe making this again!