the end of summer. i think.

being on your own for a sunday with all the kids is not so bad when everyone naps, and you know a family get together/dinner is involved later in the day. so you choose to spend naptime making a pretty cake b/c your in the mood to frost a cake. why is that so fun to me? something about it i tell you.

 ruby helped me make some simple flags to fancy it up, b/c after all, why not?

this one is for you pudge and jack. you know who you are. and yes, you can simply use the same batter for cupcakes if you please. the ones i made at the willows included orange zest in the batter, and vanilla frosting + fancy sprinkles i think. for inquiring minds to rest at ease.

vanilla cake:

2 1/2 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

1 stick butter, room temp. 

1 1/2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 t. vanilla extract

1 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. milk

preheat oven to 350

combine and sift dry ingredients. set aside. in bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment blend butter well. add sugar and mix a couple of minutes on medium speed. add eggs one at a time. add vanilla. add a small amount of buttermilk + milk. alternate with flour mixture; ending with flour mixture last. make sure to scrape down bowl and incorporate all flour but do not overmix. 

makes two round cakes, or cupcakes. cook about 25 minutes, until its done. you know. 

on a whim chocolate frosting:

1 bittersweet chocolate bar (4 oz)

2 sticks butter (1 c.)

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. vanilla extract

3 c. confectioners sugar

1 T. heavy cream

splash of left over cold coffee

melt chocolate on double boiler. once melted, remove and add butter (cut up into small pieces). mix very well to smooth out any clumps of butter. add salt and vanilla. add 1 c. of sugar at a time until well incorporated. add heavy cream and coffee. blend on high speed until smooth. 

vanilla frosting:

2 sticks butter, room temp

4 c. powdered sugar

1/2 t. salt

1 t. vanilla extract

2 T. or so of whole milk

whip butter until smooth. add sugar one cup at a time. add salt and vanilla and milk, until desired consistency is attained. dont forget to taste it!