Easy Breezy Vanilla Cake Recipe

Recently I was in need of a vanilla cake recipe (completely from scratch) - one that could be duplicated with ease and have very similar results. For any of you who have not yet baked from scratch yet, let me say that it is so hard (especially with cake) to have it turn out the same way more than once. Exact amounts of ingredients need to be used, and still things can sink, burn, be flat, too dense, etc.

I ran across this gem, and saw that the reviews were through the roof. I decided to give it a try, and have already made 3 batches in 24 hours. 

You will need:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of milk (it was suggested on the recipe to use 3/4 cups instead. I did and it was worth it!)

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, grease and flour the bottom of your cake pan (this is meant for a 9*9 pan or cupcakes, but can be easily accommodating to other sizes). Please make sure that the grease/flour mixture is only on the bottom as this helps the cake rise. If you're worried about the ability to remove the cake once it's done, just let it cool a few minutes and then take a knife gently around the edges of the cake. It will, I assure you, easily pop out. 

Now it's time to cream together the butter and sugar. Then add the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla. After that has mixed, combine the flour and baking powder and add to the liquid mix. Then, add the milk.

If you're making a cake, bake this for 30-40 minutes, for cupcakes it takes about 20-25 minutes. The way to know if the cake is done is not only by the tried and true toothpick test (insert pick into the middle of the cake and remove, if comes out clean it's done) but also by touch. If you can touch it and it springs back up, the cake is ready!

For a very easy (and pretty) topping to your cake I have a delicious cream cheese and strawberry recipe.

You will need:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup of whipping cream (or purchase pre done)
• 1/4 pound of powdered sugar
• Strawberries

Combine all of the ingredients, except for the strawberries, in a mixer until it is thick and creamy. If you are making your whipping cream from scratch (best taste ever!) make sure to whip it first before adding everything else (just place the liquid in the bowl and mix on high for about 3 minutes, or until peaks form). After it is thick and tasty, spread on top of cake and place cut strawberries on top in whatever design you choose.

Disney Junior Treats

One of my wonderful, long time friends (Holly) came into town for a much needed girls day, and also planned a cooking activity for my two kids. It was found on the Disney Junior site, and so cute that I felt I must share it with all you.

The first part of the meal Holly found was a veggie skateboard. According to the website is meant to be made with mini cucumbers, carrots, and Swiss cheese. We couldn't find mini cucumbers and switched things around a bit. So, to make these delightful creations simply clean and cut the largest part of a few carrots (the number of carrots depends on how many skateboards you would

like to make. One carrot can make up to two skateboards), these are the wheels. Then, lengthwise cut a cucumber to make the board. Place the cucumber on top of the carrots, and then cut designs in the Swiss cheese, and place it on top of the board for some extra style. Both of my kids loved these, and they were completely eaten within the first few minutes of them being placed on the table.

Next, we made adorable Mickey Mouses April Fool's Cupcakes. Below are the ingredients:

• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 pound lean ground turkey
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup shredded asiago cheese
• 1/4 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons fat-free milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees, and lining a cupcake pan with 8 liners (we were actually able to get 9 cupcakes out of this recipe).

Next, place the potatoes in a pan of cool water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium high heat and continue cooking until potatoes are soft. Then drain and set aside.

Now it is time to mix the turkey (we used beef), egg whites, bread crumbs, cheese (instead of asiago I used cheddar), tomato sauce, and carrots. Use hands for mixing :)

After everything is mixed, place the meat mixture into the cupcake liners, make sure it mounds over the top so that it is taller than the muffin tin. Bake for about 22 minutes, or until completely cooked.

For the potatoes, use a mixer and add the milk, salt, and pepper until light and fluffy. Once the meat is done cooking (and cooled), scoop mashed potatoes on top for a frosted look, and enjoy!

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Chocolate Dip

As mentioned on our show, I recently made some Mickey cookies (which I will have a vlog posted here soon with the recipe and instructions) dipped in chocolate. I was originally going to wait and post the instructions for the chocolate with the vlog; however, in thinking about it I feel I'll just share it now as this chocolate can be used for anything. I have actually used it as a cake filling as well as a dip for cookies. It can also be used to cover fruit, and is super easy (and quick) to make.

You will need:

• 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 double boiler (if you do not have one, simply use a sauce pan, but monitor melting constantly)

Recipe found on Cooks.com

Start by mixing all of your ingredients together: If using a double boiler, set to medium/high heat, if in sauce pan set on low. Continually stir chocolate as it melts, and make sure it is spread evenly, and not clumping at the bottom of the pan. Chocolate should be sufficiently melted after about 2 minutes, and can be removed from the stove top. Now, dip in cookies or fruit and set aside on parchment paper or a cookie rack to allow the chocolate to firm up.

Another use for this chocolate is to pour into a mold and freeze for a mini chocolate treat.

Enjoy!

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