Saturday, January 23, 2010

Tinkerbell Themed Birthday Cake




I made this 3 layer cake for my neighbor across the street. It is for his daughters 2nd birthday party. It has a bottom layer of vanilla cake, a middle layer of strawberry cheesecake with real strawberries. And then a top layer of strawberry cake. She wanted a Tinkerbell theme , or fairy theme, so that is what the colors are based on.

Apple Butter Spice Cake


Buttermilk and apple butter contribute to the moistness of this simple, one-bowl cake.


Ingredients


1 tablespoon butter

1 cup apple butter

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

3 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon salt
 
Preparation


1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch square cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2.Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; swirl the pan until the butter turns a nutty brown, about 1 minute. Pour into a large bowl. Add apple butter, brown sugar (breaking up any lumps) and oil and whisk until smooth. Add raisins, buttermilk, egg and vanilla; mix well. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and salt; whisk until just combined.

3.Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 311 calories; 7 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 27 mg cholesterol; 58 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber; 373 mg sodium; 156 mg potassium.



4 Carbohydrate Serving



Exchanges: 4 other carbohydrate, 1 fat


Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles


These peanut butter-pretzel truffles satisfy your craving for something sweet and salty.


And it's really a simple process!
 
Ingredients


1/2 cup crunchy natural peanut butter

1/4 cup finely chopped salted pretzels

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted (see Tip)


Preparation


1.Combine peanut butter and pretzels in a small bowl. Chill in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 20 balls (about 1 teaspoon each). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze until very firm, about 1 hour. Roll the frozen balls in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: To melt chocolate, microwave on Medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving on Medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted. Or place chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir until melted.

Nutrition

Per truffle: 64 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 1 mg cholesterol; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 53 mg sodium; 65 mg potassium.