As most of you know, I’m remodeling my new kitchen. Since my other house hasn’t sold, I left a LOT of my stuff in the old house so I don’t have to move it twice. When I needed to make a cake for a dear friends’ birthday, I lamented the fact that my cake decorating supplies were still in my turquoise kitchen. So, I improvised and as it turns out, I think this is the best cake I have ever made. I know I know, you’re feeling like I’ve ditched mocha cake for the tantalizing seduction of fresh strawberries. Emme thinks it’s just because I’m on this high protein diet that I think it’s so good. What does she know? She’s only 9 and likes Justin Biebers’ music.
Never mind the fact that I can be a little dramatic. This is without a doubt the best cake I’ve ever eaten. Period.
Here’s what I did. I baked a white boxed cake in two 9 inch pans. I baked those per box directions. Then I mixed 3 sticks of butter with one stick of Land O’Lakes margarine. Do not, under any circumstances, substitute just any ole margarine. You must use Land O’ Lakes and if you don’t, I can’t be held responsible if you don’t think this is the best cake you’ve ever eaten. Next, add 2 pounds plus 2 cups of powdered sugar and 2 T. of milk. Add the sugar slowly and mix as you go. Alternate the milk so that you don’t end up with powdered sugar all over your face. Then—and here’s the key to the perfection—-add 1/2 cup of homeade strawberry freezer jam. If you don’t have HSFJ then you must make some. Strawberries should still be fresh and easy to get and just follow the directions on the sure-jell box to make the jam. Besides being the best jam you’ve ever eaten and the best cake you’ve ever eaten, your sister will offer to keep your kids for the weekend just for a jar of the stuff. I promise.
Now, add the jam to your icing along with a pinch of salt. Take a deep breath and then taste it. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Just relax. You’re not dreaming. It really tastes that good. Now, spread this fluffy dream of heavenly perfection onto your cake, add a layer of fresh strawberries between the layers, and then have your cute little 9 year old make strawberry flowers for you. If you’re feeling particularly nostalgic about your 4th grade memories, you can pipe LYLAS onto the cake using a ziploc bag.
And that, my friends, is how I made the best tasting cake in the whole entire world without my cake decorating supplies.
p.s. I went to all this trouble to write this post for you stat because I want you to have time to make it for Memorial day—and I really do LYLAS!
(love ya like a sister)
pss. I’ve lost almost ten pounds on the Ideal Protein Diet. I’m taking the weekend off for Memorial Day and have every intention of making this cake to eat all by myself for my family. I ate a small sliver of it today and almost hyperventilated. It will not disappoint.
psss. I know, 2 posts in one day. Don’t faint but that’s how urgent it is that you make this cake.
by edie
28 comments