Saturday, May 2, 2009

Sweet Things

Would someone in my town PLEASE open a bakery like this one? I discovered it via Nienie's blog and am drooling with envy (and just because everything looks so amazing). Every town needs a great bakery, and I love the look of this one. If my sister and I lived in an alternate universe (in which we weren't married and raising kids) I can see the two of us doing something like this. But having worked in a bakery for years, I know how much work and time it requires to own one, and thus I would not consider such an endeavor as there are other high priorities in my life who might suffer from neglect. These little people would miss me, and I'd miss them. But oh, can't someone else live this little dream for me? I promise to drop in for a cupcake on a weekly basis, even when I'm trying to drop baby pounds!

In other sweet thoughts, is there anything more inviting in spring than strawberry shortcake? I seriously doubt it; (although anything with lemon curd might come in at a close second). I was taking dinner to some friends the other night--the perfect excuse to make a real dessert in the middle of the week--and as I drove past our roadside strawberry stand, I knew what it had to be. Get your berries at the grocery store if you must, but if you can manage to get them on the same day they were picked, this dish will be elevated from delicious to divine.

Here's my favorite recipe (at the moment) for the cake part of this baby. It's a pound cake with a cake mix as the base, so it whips up quickly and perfectly every time. You can put it in mini-bundts like I did, in one big bundt, or even in a couple of 8 inch layers. It calls for sherry (the alcohol cooks out); as we don't drink and I don't really like to keep liquor in the house, even for cooking, I buy cooking sherry in the vinegar section of the supermarket. That way I don't have to worry about a babysitter trying her first alcohol while she's here:). You could probably also use white wine if you have that around instead (which I don't), and if you want a non-alcoholic substitution, you might try orange juice. It would change the flavor, but I'm sure the outcome would be delicious.

Sherry Pound Cake
  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sherry (or substitute)
  • 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
Butter and flour your pan, or use Pam with Flour to spray them well. Mix all the ingredients well and bake in a 350 oven. How long depends on what kind of pan you use-- a full-sized bundt will take about 50-60 minutes; the minis will take more like 25-30. Let it cool on a rack. In the meantime, slice up those berries and put just a touch of sugar on them and a little lemon zest if you so desire. Put them in the fridge to get soft and juicy. If you take the time to whip the cream yourself, you won't be sorry, but if you must you can buy the can--just don't use "whipped topping", please. That's not real food, you know!

Now, go track down these ingredients and enjoy some with the people you love most. And please think about opening that bakery soon.

15 comments:

Judy Stohl said...

Oh Michal!! I was going to get ready for bed (three hours time difference) but decided to quick check my blogs I read every night. Now I am starving to death (not really) for a yummy strawberry dessert. Dennis is coming this week and his birthday is Sunday (on Mother's Day). Thanks for the recipe - we will make it for his birthday. I miss you! We could do a bakery for cupcakes together!!

TheQueen@TerrorsInTiaras said...

Mmmm...we had strawberry shortcake last night to celebrate our oldest's piano recital. But I cheated and bought the spongey cakes by the strawberries, and they tasted pretty much like sponge. Next time, I'll make this, or the lemon pound cake I love to have with it.

Mimi Nowland said...

Why do you tempt me so?

Molly said...

I'm not gonna lie, The Sweet Tooth Fairy is divine! Kimmie and I went there this afternoon, and I'm glad it's not too close to my house or I'd be there daily.

Tamara said...

YUM! This makes me want to go pick some strawberries. Thank you!

(also, i like the new layout!)

Hansen Family said...

I am so glad you posted the webiste of the bakery! I had heard about it from some random blog and have wanted to try it out. I knew it was on University Ave, but couldn't remember exactly where. I am so excited to try it out!

Angela said...

Just started my diet yesterday and now you are making my mouth water! Trying this next time I feed the missionaries!

An Ordinary Mom said...

This sounds divine! What would a good substitute for sherry be?

(And I can't believe you are due in 9 weeks ... wow!)

Rebecca Blevins said...

YUMMY! That looks so, incredibly good!

I'm hungry. Seeing that picture and hearing about lemon curd makes me positively famished!

Tami said...

That dessert looks fabulous! Are you growing strawberries this year? I started a little patch last year and this year it is looking huge. The strawberries just melt in your mouth. 1000 times better than store bought. Looks like you are staying busy as usual.

PS Great news, having 5 kids isn't too bad. I know that it won't be for you no matter what beacause you are supermom. But after a little rocky start I have been pleasantly surprised! It actually constantly amazes me how much joy each child can add to a family. Good luck with everything!

Christine said...

I re-made the recipe- for my friend who has a winery - I made it with a red velvet cake mix and red wine- with cream cheese frosting. It was yummy. :)

Christine said...

Hey- Down East Basics has a bunch of maternity t-shirts on sale for $5- thougth I'd pass it along to my maternal friend. https://www.downeastbasics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=407

Carolyne said...

I need a good cupcake bakery too! I saw those cupcakes on nienie's blog, and I just about died! They look fabulous!

Your strawberry shortcake looks delicious! It's on my very long list of things to try!

Anonymous said...

"Sweet Things"
Thats what mothers are.
And you are one of the sweetest!

Love,
Papa

mindyluwho said...

I just spent the last 10 minutes browsing The Sweet Tooth Fairy. Now I want a cupcake! However, your shortcake looks divine and I just might have to go get me some berries tomorrow and make it!