Preacher's cake

I just have to say I loved this cake! I was moist, flavorful and just plain delicious! I can't wait to make it again. It has crushed pineapple that gives it the flavor and moisture. It was great for a summer treat but it would be great any time. Go visit Good Food Gourmet for the recipe! Below is my cream cheese frosting. I like it because it has a strong cream cheese flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream together until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in 4 cups powdered sugar.

Royal Icing for decorating

My baby was turning 2 and in love with giraffes. I am not an artist and was at a loss as how I could make something I would be happy with.  After talking to my very talented artist/ cake decorating sister, she suggested using royal icing to make it.  I haven't worked much with it so I was unsure but willing to try it out.

First I found cartoon clip art that was about what I wanted, sized it and then printed it off.  Next I made a batch of the Wilton Royal Icing. I split up the batch into different bowls according the amount I needed for each color. I used the Wilton color gels for all the colors except brown, I used the Hershey's Extra Dark Unsweetened Cocoa to get the desired dark brown.

To begin drawing your design, place wax paper over the printed design. Tape down to your surface, I used a cutting board to make it easier to move for drying. Next pipe the outline using at 3 or 4 tip and allow to dry for several minutes. Then fill in each area, allowing the icing to flow and fill each section. I did go back over the outline a second time to better show the details.  Set aside in a warm, dry place for at least 48 hours. They need to be completely dry all the way through. Otherwise it will be hard to peel the wax paper off.

When it is time to place the decorations, gently peel the wax paper off. If you look really close at the tree, it broke but ended up adding to the details. The bigger the design, the more fragile it will be. Carefully plan your placement on the cake because you won't want to move it once it is on the cake.  Then set it in place and finish decorating.

Enjoy a beautiful creation!

Duck Dynasty cake

My family doesn't have cable or satellite, so we were slow to board the Duck Dynasty train.  We love to watch it as a family, which I can't say that about most shows.  I love that they are religious and people I'd actually like my kids to learn from. They are good, hard working people.

I decided to surprise my son with a Duck Dynasty cake. I found a great tutorial here.

My beard turned out too gray and the headband should have been bigger.  I used royal icing instead of fondant. It turned out good enough, so try your hand at it!

Our superhero's birthday!

My hubby usually doesn't care much about what kind of cake I make for his birthday.  This year I got inspired by these superhero plates.  It was lost on my kids until we showed them classic Batman episodes.  I just baked and frosted a two layer cake.  I just choose a box mix and add an extra egg and a instant pudding  packet.  Then bake according to box directions.

I printed and cut out the Superman symbol. Gently set it on the cake and trace it with a toothpick.  Then fill it in with a frosting filled bag.  Everyone was pleased with the results, especially since it was a crazy, busy day!

Chocolate-Covered Oreo cake

This cake is delicious!  This is the second time I made it and it is still so yummy!  The kids were so excited to have it again.  It didn't turn out so pretty but my efforts to reduce calories were successful.  I would recommend making it for a large group since you will finish what ever is left.  Consider yourself warned!

Chocolate-covered Oreo Cake, serves 12

(Adapted from Hungry Girl and Kraft Recipes)

Cake:

1 box moist type devil's food cake mix

1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt

1 cup water

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the dry cake mix and yogurt in a medium mixing bowl.  Slowly add 1 cup water.  Divide the batter evenly into greased 8 inch round cake pans.  Bake according to the times listed on the cake mix box.  Cool on wire racks.

Ganache:

2/3 cup semi-sweet or 60% cocoa chips (I loved the dark chocolate!)

1/4 cup butter

Combine in a small glass bowl.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until butter is melted.  Stir until smooth and let cool.

Filling:

8 oz. softened cream cheese (I substituted fat-free.)

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups whipped topping

12 Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed

Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl.  Fold in the whipped topping and Oreos.  Place one layer of the cake on a plate.  Spread the filling on the bottom layer.  Place the top layer on the filling.  Smooth the filling on the side.  Pour the ganache on top.  If desired, add additional Oreos on top for decoration. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.