Caramel Cake and bonus Caramel Sauce

March 27, 2012 by Monica in Baking, Cake, Cookbooks, Desserts, Entertaining, Sweets

You would think that after almost a year of baking with Heavenly Cake bakers I would be prepared for any issues that baking and frosting a cake can throw at me. I was wrong; because the baking gods continue to keep me humble by once in a while just hurling a tiny-itsy bitty curve ball that will explode into a curse fest in my kitchen.

It all started when I took a peek at last month’s issue of Saveur magazine and saw they were featuring southern cakes.
Oh my heart did a happy dance when I opened my mailbox and totally skipped everything to read the article and see the pretty cake pictures. I’m a huge fan of homemade cakes;the ones that are passed down from generation to generation. Yes, I do appreciate the fancy cakes. But, the homemade ones hold my heart.

So when I hosted a “Chica Brunch” at my house a couple of weeks ago, and one of the guests was celebrating her birthday, I decided to surprise her with a small cake. Since I knew she had the same love affair with caramel as me, there really was no choice but to make the cake in the article.

ABC - Emergency Blender Cupcakes

March 01, 2012 by Monica in ABC, Baking, Baking Club, Desserts, Sweets

This month’s Avid Bakers Challenge is a quick one. I love quick recipes. The ones that utilize one bowl come together pretty quickly and end up being a delicious treat.

In this recipe, these cupcakes are made in the blender.

Yep, you read it right - in.the.blender. The one you use to make smoothies in. But, in this case, we will use it to make cupcake batter.

And these cupcakes fit all of the above and more. They also fit my desire to send a happy birthday to three of my favorite people today with virtual cupcakes!

Happy Birthday NYBoy 1!

Happy Birthday (belated) NYBoy 2!

Happy Birthday son to be brother-in-Law!

Coconut Cake with Lime Frosting

February 15, 2012 by Monica in Baking, Cake, Desserts, Events, Family, Family Cookbook, Sweets

I’ve written about having a signature cake before here. The one that your friends and family always ask for when you ask the inevitable question, “What cake would you like for your birthday?”

Around these parts it’s always the Tres Leche cake or Coconut Cake.

By now all of you know my love affair with everything that is coconut, and this cake is one of my favorites, more so than the before mentioned Tres Leche and I LOVE that cake. I don’t make them often and I think, unconsciously, I reserve them for very special occasions and that is why my family gobbles them up when the show up at special occasions.

This past weekend we were celebrating the little man’s birthday, and when I asked him what cake he wanted me to make, I was totally taken by surprise when he requested the coconut cake.

I was cautious, since I doubted that this cake was the right flavor that eleven-year olds will go ga-ga over. But, when I told him my concerns and tried to steer him away to a more kid friendly flavor combo, I was quickly told (and I quote) “It’s my birthday, and it’s my cake and if anyone else does not like it, then that means there will be more for me”.

Give it to a child to put it in perspective. We were a go.