This morning I got up at my usual time to go run to yet another pitch black morning. Is it true that during the fall and winter months have earlier mornings? I hope so... I need to stop treadmill running if I want to be ready for the 5k. Everyone knows the treadmill is nothing like running on pavement... so I'm hoping it cools down soon. It's just too hot to run outside right now. Even at 5:30am in the morning.
After breakfast I was sitting in the living room with the kids and the Today show had Maroon 5 on as their concert artist of the week? All the sudden Alex screams in his loudest voice, "DADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" thinking he somehow thought Jon was home I said, "No baby your daddy is not home yet." He then furiously points to the tv and screams, "DADA DADA!!!!!!" He thought the lead singer of the band was somehow daddy. Which I thought was extremely hilarious! I started laughing so it made him start to cry which I felt bad about. At first I kind of entertained the thought, "hmmm.. I guess Jon does look kind of like Adam Levine." lol! But then I remembered.... that Alex also points to Matt Lauer and says DADA. so.... maybe not so much. lol.
On another note, last night I made a homemade chocolate cake with homemade butter cream icing! Let me just state as a disclaimer before I post recipes... that this cake is addicting... and it needs to leave my house. lol. I was originally going to make it as cupcakes where Jon could take them to work knowing my horrible horrible sweet tooth as well as his.... but he didn't want share and convinced me to make a layer cake. So I did. and oh my gosh it is so great! I'm making it for my sisters birthday dinner on Sunday because I am so so proud. :-P Here we go! Recipe first:
Cake:
Icing:
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
- 2 tablespoons milk
For me, I used to separate cake pan rounds instead of the sheet cake pan... just because I of course was not making a sheet cake.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar and baking soda. Stir in the eggs, vanilla and buttermilk. Set aside.
Here's what this looks like. While making this cake I kept saying to myself.... hmmm what an odd way to mix ingredients for a cake. But I think the way you mix and add makes the cake more moist. Here's what this looks like:
kinda like a thick dough I guess?
In a saucepan combine butter, oil, cocoa and water. Bring to a boil and stir until smooth
here's a picture:
kinda looks gross... and lets be honest.. if you tasted it it would be!. No sugar that was in the other ingredient mixture remember?
Slowly blend into the flour mixture. Pour into prepared pan.
Picure? why yes of course!
mmmm! Baking away!!
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
Now these baking directions are complete nonsense. I had to bake these cakes much MUCH longer than 20 minutes. Now you are probably saying to yourself... "But Carolina, those cake pans are deeper than a sheet cake pan of COURSE you would have to bake it longer." No friends... I'm talking double the bake time for these beauties. It was not the deepness of the pan although considered. Just bake the cake for the alloted amount of time the recipe calls for and make sure the middle is cooked. I had to cook my cakes for an extra 14 minutes. Just sayin.
"Well Carolina?" You may be asking.... "What did your homemade chocolate cakes turn out like?" Good question. Here's a picture. :-P
Now for the icing!! The icing was sooo fun to make! It takes a little elbow grease but is so worth it in the end I promise!!!
In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer
here's what that looked like :-P
*sigh* the start of something wonderful.
Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often.
This "gradual" thing they speak of is pretty important. Here's a picture:
I think this is after about two cups of confectioners sugar. mmmmm!
When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.
They aren't joking folks but take heart! The milk makes it beautiful and fluffy again! Here's a picture:
There it is... in all its glory. The most loved icing on the planet and with good reason! Better Crocker you aint got nothin on this stuff! Here's a pic of the cake iced. Jon did the majority of putting the layers together and icing the cake. He's much better at meticulous stuff than I am.. mainly because I don't have the patience for small things and he does. Here it is in all it's wonderful splendor!
It was so good!!!! Here is a picture of what the inside looked like. After we both had a slice. :-P
Jon LOVED and I mean loved it. He told me that the cake was VERY impressive to be made completely from scratch and I had to agree. :-P
Here you are guys!! I hope you enjoyed it!! till next time. xoxo.
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