Monday, November 21

baking days …

Well, the holidays are upon us, and so is my urge to bake something every single day.   I’ve managed to hold back until now, but the oven mitts are off. 

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This little cutie pie is something that was so easy to do.  I just took my regular chocolate cake recipe which makes two 8 inch layers, and poured it into three 6 inch pans instead.   Bake for 25-30 minutes instead of 35 minutes (keep an eye on it, the time will depend on your oven), and then let them cool as normal.

Trim the rounded part off of two of the layers, saving the nicest, least rounded layer for the top tier.   Then just pipe on the frosting with a large star tip.  I smoothed the top layer and topped it off with a gum paste rose I had made a while back.  But any flower will do, even a quick piped butter cream flower of your choice, or just make a little swirl.  Not my best frosting job, but this was just a practice run.  (Somehow, the kids never mind trying out my experiments!)

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You can frost the whole cake as usual of course, but this way is a good choice for someone who loves chocolate cake but not a ton of frosting.  

The frosting is my usual with a little tint of pink and some raspberry extract added in.  A sweet treat to begin the week.

Enjoy!

Best,

Stephanie

16 comments:

  1. YUM! I could go for a piece of that right now!! Can't wait to see what else you bake :)

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  2. oh man. i love your baking photos. they always look like i could just reach over and take a bite. that looks so good stephanie.

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  3. wow does that look good! i have such a sweet tooth! your family is lucky to have you!! xo suz

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  4. Yum! I'll share it with you!
    I am baking too. Did my sweet potato and apple dish. One down 3 to go!

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  5. YUM :-) I am hoping to resist such things as this during the holidays... doing good going to the gym most days so I might let myself indulge just a little ;-)

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  6. Looks delish!! Now, if I can only sub the white flour for almond flour I'm there!

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  7. Wow, that looks beautiful and delicious! And your cupcakes in the previous post look like works of art! You really are talented.
    Yes, a sandy beach and a drink with a little umbrella in it sounds wonderful about now. Major exhaustion on this end too. I really need a piece of that yummy looking cake...you know, to give me some energy!
    I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.
    XO

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  8. Even your mini-cakes are works of art, Steph. You make it sound so easy with the frosting and flower and all. I think my sweet-tooth hubby would eat this whole thing in a day!

    Looking forward to seeing more of your holiday baking binges. :o)

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  9. How yummy and sweet - have been trying to lay of the treats before the big day and failing miserably! Do you eat everything you bake?
    xxoo

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  10. STEPHANIE!!!!!! My husband is sitting here and his attention was IMMEDIATELY diverted to my computer screen...he is a CHOCOLATE LOVER!!!!! WOW, this is beautiful! I love to bake as well, but my teaching job has left me exhausted. I am starting my Thanksgiving vacation and I am sooooooooo excited!

    THANK YOU for your visit my dear. It is so good to see you! Many blessings to you! Anita

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  11. This looks so stylish and delicious!
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.com/

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  12. Yum. Us non-bakers can only watch and drool.

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  13. all these baked goods are making me feel horrible for not baking anything this season... ha!

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  14. Stephanie, I'm in awe! When do you find the time to create such a gorgeous, delicious cake?

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  15. Hi Stephanie: I just caught your comment on North of 25A. I grew up in the same area and notice your parents also live nearby. Your cake is glorious. Look at my post, before my last Paris post to see my friend's cakes. They are insane. We have a terrific faux tortoise shell chest giveaway on Art by Karena, take a peek.
    Best,
    Liz

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  16. Beautiful! And so perfect for the season! I am definitely baking this beauty! Stop by, I am having a great Christmas giveaway!

    Barbara

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