Cake Time!

Okay, this turned out pretty darn good, if I may say so myself. As noted in a previous posting, I used Smitten Kitchen's recipe (http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/07/best-birthday-cake/). I did not; however, use her frosting recipe, as it called for sour cream, and I didn't think that it would taste right after a day or two of sitting out on the counter. And, oh yeah, it might make us totally sick. Totally fine if you're having a party and you know the cake will be eaten quickly, but not when you're having a party of 3 like we did (that's right, I'm including you, little Sammy). So, I used this recipe from America's Test Kitchen (using Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips):

Foolproof Chocolate Frosting from the Episode: Everyone's Favorite CakeThis frosting may be made with milk, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate. Cool the chocolate to between 85 and 100 degrees before adding it to the butter mixture. The frosting can be made 3 hours in advance. For longer storage, refrigerate the frosting, covered, and let it stand at room temperature for 1 hour before using.Makes 3 cups to frost one 9-inch 2-layer cake

20tablespoons (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter , softened (60 to 65 degrees)
1 cup confectioners' sugar (4 ounces)
3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
Pinch table salt
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces milk chocolate , melted and cooled slightly

In food processor, process butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Add corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Scrape sides of bowl, then add chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, 10 to 15 seconds. Frosting can be used immediately or held.

I didn't use a food processor b/c, well, I don't have one. I used my precious, my Kitchen Aid stand mixer and it turned out just fine. The key is to not overbeat it. Same goes for kids I hear - don't beat them too much or they'll turn against you. I'm going to be a good mom.... Anyway, Alex brought out his inner cake boss and helped frost it, and by helped, I mean he frosted the whole thing b/c I started making a mess of it. All in all, it turned out pretty lovely. The cake is really light in texture and not at all too sweet, which is a good counter to the *very rich* frosting.

Bon appetit!

I'm 30 and Huge!

Woah..this is me at 25 weeks, 1 day. I was really taken aback by how big I'm getting - lawsie! Maybe it's the dress, but really, I'm getting quite large. But it's all good because it's all little Sammy. Well, maybe a few dessert treats here and there, but it's mostly Sammy boy. He enjoyed the birthday today - kicked around a bit today at work - I think he was practicing his scissor kicking, b/c that's what it felt like. And hopping around after I had some birthday cake. The little guy is tuckered out now, though. We have a doctor's appt tomorrow morning, so we should get to hear his heart beating, which is definitely something to look forward to! I love hearing that thump thump - it's honestly the best sound in the world -dare I say better than the sound of a champagne bottle being uncorked. Yeah, definitely better than that. Cake post to follow shortly...

it's the final countdown...to 30, that is. 10 more days. i'm feeling really good about turning the big 3-0. and sammy boy is excited, too. he told me so. he's really excited about the cake i decided to make for myself.

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/07/best-birthday-cake/#more-3882

it's from smitten kitchen, one of the food sites that i visit, but then stupidly forget to make any of the recipes. not this time, my friends. no way, no day am i passing this beauty up.

sadly, i won't be able to share w/ you guys, since, well, you live far away, but i'll let you know how it goes after i've eaten the whole thing in one sitting. mwaahahaha..

must. make. this. immediately.

oh, lawsie, this recipe for watermelon lemonade sounds delicious right about now -

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/07/watermelon-lemonade/

there's a "moderate heat wave" in seattle this weekend, which is just a joke, as the high's won't get above 87. these folks don't know what hot is. then again, i've kind of forgotten, but i know it's not defined as 85 and breezy.

anyway, little sammy boy, a.k.a. mcnugget, is doing well. moving around - he seems to enjoy turkey burgers and strawberries, as those items have drawn out the most rolling/dancing in the past couple of days. what sammy wants, sammy gets, so pass the strawberries and burgers!

happy 4th, y'all!