A treat for my frist blog of 2013.  Yes, I’ve been a little behind in blogging with the end of the semester in December and then a two week vacation to Texas, and now getting back into the swing of school and a shift in responsibilities in ministry, phew I will get back into a routine!  And back into blogging I go. So to start of the year I bring you a sweet post.  I know I normally try to bring you healthy recipes and posts on exercise but sometimes you just need to splurge and bake a delicious treat. I love to bake for others more than I do for myself.  It is enjoyable and if you have checked out my cupcake and cake page you know I love to decorate the sweet treats!

I was excited when I was asked to make a congratulations cake for a new prof where I am doing my Masters of Divinity.  He recently received his doctorate.  Faculty, Staff, and Students of ADC wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS with a cake! I was thrilled to be asked to make the cake even if I didn’t really have the time I said yes anyway!   It’s hard for me to pass up a baking opportunity especially when cupcakes are involved.

I baked red velvet cake and made a 9 x 13 slab.  I decorated the cake with cream cheese icing and used buttercream icing for the cupcakes.  For me, the fun part is always the cupcakes!  I purchased a cupcake book while on vacation and was flipping through it the other day and got the idea!

For the tassels I used sugar belts and separated the red, white, and blue colors.  For the top of the hat I found Valentine chocolate bars and cut them to the proper size.  The Bulk Barn dissapointed me with not being able to find the proper sized chocolate in bulk so I had to settle for their chocolate bars.  They redeemed themselves when I was able to return a few items.

Red Velvet Cake

• 1/2 C butter, softened
• 1 1/2 C sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 C buttermilk or sour milk
• 1 tbsp red food colouring
• 2 C all-purpose flour
• 1/3 C cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp white vinegar (DC Cupcakes says to use Apple Cider Vinegar)

1. Heat oven to 350, grease and flour 13 x 9 pan
2. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla, beating well
3. Stir together buttermilk and food colouring
4. Stir together flour, cocoa and salt
5. Add alternately to butter mixture with buttermilk mixture, mixing well
6. Stir in baking soda and vinegar
7. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 30 – 35 min or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
8. Frost using your favourite icing

What was the best cake that you received and what was the occasion?