Tag: cake

For the Love of Loaves!

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marbledloaf

Of all desserts, loaves are probably the most versatile! You can have them with a latte in the A.M. or enjoy a slice (or two, no judging) on its own. Not to mention, there are so many combinations you can make. My favourite? A marbled mix with chocolate and vanilla –that way, you get the best of both worlds.

Sometimes when I make them from scratch however, the cake turns out a little too dry, or doesn’t rise as it should. So I came up with a quick and simple solution: start with a box of pre-packaged cake mix, and turn it into your own creation! To make this marbled loaf, here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients:

1 box vanilla cake mix
3 eggs
1 1/3 cup of water
1/3 cup of oil
1 tbsp coca powder
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

loafII

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the sifted cake mix along with the eggs, water, and oil (as in quantities above or according to package instructions)
  3. Mix well eliminating any lumps.
  4. In a greased loaf pan, pour 2/3 of the cake mix.
  5. Add 3 tbsp of cocoa powder to the remaining mix, and pour over existing one in the pan in a straight line down the middle.
  6. Using a skewer or knife, swirl the mix around to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake for about 25 minutes, then quickly sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
  8. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean!

Style is served!

 

The Beauty of Birthdays

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CandlesBirthdays can be tough. A reminder that time is passing by and we have gotten yet another year older, another year farther from the flexibility and carefree days of youth. And maybe that’s why some shy away from celebrations. But don’t be that person. It’s one thing to hide your age but another to ignore its existence altogether! Go out and have fun, be happy on YOUR day (if you’re one for attention then this is the day to push the limit without being the subject of scorn and judgement).

It’s also an excuse to get your friends together, and be surrounded by those who care most –positive energy to last you an entire year, people! But don’t forget to thank them. If they can take a minute to wish you a happy birthday, then you too can show your appreciation. Send thank you cards to those who have brought you gifts, and text or call those who have attended whatever celebration you had planned. Being tired, worn out, or hungover from the night before is not  an acceptable excuse here.

And at the risk of sounding cliche, you too will get better with age just like cheese and wine.  So smile, because birthdays are like a fresh start at life, to explore, love, and grow!

Style is served!

 

Pass Over the Peach Cake, Please

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PeachcakeConcocting new things in the kitchen is always fun –putting a twist on old, overused classics. Don’t get me wrong, vanilla cake is great. But vanilla cake with peach slices and cream cheese frosting is even better (que my latest recipe)! It’s fresh, light, and quick to make. If you know how to count up to 5, you’re set.  You’ll soon see why.

Ingredients:

5 eggs

5 tbsp sugar

5 tbsp flour

1 tsp baking powder

3 tsbp oil

1 tsp of vanilla essence

1 cup of diced peaches (fresh or from

Steps:

Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Separate the eggs, and beat the whites until they form peaks. Add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture regains its more solid structure. Then fold in the yolks, one by one.

Fold in your flour along with baking powder, followed by the oil and vanilla essence.

Add the diced peaches to finish off.

Pour the mix into a greased cake pan and pop it into the oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean ( it really is a foolproof test).

Let cool before adding the icing.

For the frosting:

1 package of light cream cheese, 1 tbsp butter(softened)

1 cup confectioner’s sugar

Mix the cream cheese with 1 tbsp of butter until soft. Add in and mix the sugar, then spread it on the cooled cake.

Slice in and enjoy.

Style is served!