February is birthday time for me. Doug took me to dinner and dessert at Perry's on Fremont. Then we got to walk around a little without the kids. We celebrated with everyone on Valentine's day. It has become tradition that I make my own birthday cake. (I know a lot of you may think that is silly--it really boils down to me being a dessert snob.) Here is the best chocolate cake you will ever eat. Recipe to follow.
The picture is blurry, but we found the girls sleeping and holding hands. So cute to signify the love in our house this month.
I made pink heart shaped pancakes one night for dinner when Doug was working late. The kids loved them. Although, they don't stay pink when cooked. They turn golden brown and yummy. Next time I will make raspberry syrup or something instead.
Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake:
1 pkg chocolate cake mix
1 pkg instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup oil
4 oz semi sweet chocolate, melted
Combine ingredients; bean on low for 30 seconds.
Beat on medium 2 minutes. Bake 350 for 28-32 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting:
2 cups butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup milk
Beat 1st 3 ingredients until blended; add milk and beat until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.
Ganache and garnishes:
1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled
4 oz. semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Arrange strawberries on top of cake. Place chocolate in small bowl. Heat cream just to boil; pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. I also piped out some decorative designs with melted chocolate and let them set up. I stuck them all around the cake. This wasn't as much work as it looks like. SOOO WORTH IT!
6 comments:
YUM! That cake looks good. (except the strawberries :-) ) I will be making that. Happy Bday! I'm glad you had a great day.
Im going to have to add that to my cook book!!! It looks like you had a fun Birthday!! Happy Bithdy!!!!
Cute pancakes! Great idea! And Happy Birthday!!
too bad you didn't save me a piece!
Mmmmm, chocolate cake. Nothing better than homemade chocolate cake. I made pink pancakes for McKinley and I one night Danny was at work late, too. Funny. She loved them too, me not so much. Danny got after me because he says there's this study that red dye causes kids to be crazy hyper. She was a little extra crazy that night. :) All worth the sweet thank you, mom, look.
Happy Birthday to you!!!! That cake looks delicious I can't wait to make it.
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