Tag Archives: cake

American to French: Exploring the Five Types of Buttercream Frosting

American to French: Exploring the Five Types of Buttercream Frosting

In the first two weeks of April, there are two birthdays in the house which means two cakes and two frostings. Whether its cakes or cupcakes, I typically lean toward buttercream frosting as the topping choice because it’s easy to whip up and generally a crowd-pleaser especially with kids.

Buttercream frosting is a classic and versatile icing that is commonly used in baking. It is a rich, creamy, and buttery topping that can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. But it’s not one size fits all with buttercream frosting. There are several different types of buttercream frosting, each with its unique taste, texture, and appearance.

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Scenes from Saturday + Cake & Coney Island

Last week we spent part of the school spring break down in Charleston. It was a charming city and very walkable. And we walked. And ducked down alleys and side streets and tried to take in as much as we could. This led to questions. Quite a few questions from the girls.

When was sugar invented? Why did they paint those houses those colors? What kind of name is Harris Teeter? And many more.

For a long time, I found it mildly frustrating or annoying to have a why child. (Sidenote: of all the parenting industry insanity, I do find the phrase why child rather delightful). A why child isn’t content with simple explanations or the first answer. And this can be a bit frustrating when trying to explain things adequately to a toddler. But now that they are a little older? It’s quite enjoyable to try to answer the girl’s questions as completely as possible. It can lead to further conversational nooks and crannies that you never saw coming.

And curious is better than complacent and annoying is better than ignorant.

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Scenes from Saturday + Gucci & Snack Cake

After I pushed the girls out the door and they made the bus by the skin of their teeth yet again, I went upstairs to get dressed and found both their lights on, one bed unmade, clothes on the floor and…the list could go on. You get the idea. I’ve told them a million times and yet…still a mess.

I got dressed and went to my desk mildly fuming and….found picture frames still not hung up. A computer still running Windows 7. A fish tank that could be cleaned. Plants slowly dying on the bookshelf. How many times had I been told or told myself to do these things and they still weren’t done?

That was my Dad epiphany this week. Like most weeks, it wasn’t all that profound but jeez kids spend a lot of their days getting commands, demands and requests thrown at them. Maybe cut them a little slack. Or at least a little understanding. Maybe finally hanging up those pictures will show them it’s hard for me too but I’m trying. Worst case, Michelle will have one less thing to do on a Saturday.

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Quick & Easy Chocolate Dump It Cake

quick and easy chocolate dump-it cake

Sometimes old school is the best way. The NY Times might have revived it a few years ago, but this recipe dates back to the 30’s or 40’s. If you need a quick, easy, and reliable cake for a dinner party or birthday this is the recipe to use. It all gets ‘dumped’ into one bowl, poured into the pan, baked, and frosted.

You need to allow for cooling time but the hands on-time is less than an hour to have a sweet, moist, chocolaty cake sure to please just about anyone you’ve invited to your party. Or just your family. Or, okay, just you. Continue Reading

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Scenes from Saturday + Easing into Vacation Week

I have a race later today. 10 miles. In February. In New England. Can’t wait.

One the biggest challenges I had with my Addison’s diagnosis and then the knee arthritis was being forced to slow down, and then, stop for a bit. I know many people have a tough time, for various reasons, calling them themselves an athlete. I had a really hard time not seeing myself as an athlete. For as long as I can remember sports and fitness were a daily part of my life. It was a huge piece of how I viewed myself, viewed the world, and approached my place in it. It wasn’t the only way, of course, but it was a big part to suddenly be missing.

I’m trying to teach the girls, or at least show, them that confidence is born out of doing hard things. So a 10-miler on a brisk February morning should be a good example. Their thing might not be sports, but the principles still apply. Rise to meet a challenge, don’t bring a misery mindset. I think we often mistake needing courage, confidence or self-esteem in order to try hard things. This feels backwards to me. We need to embrace a challenge and seek out difficult tasks to explore our own psychology and how we respond. Would I have the courage to take on fourth grade math, glitter slime, or the self-esteem for kitchen karaoke without it? I’m not sure I want to find out. Continue Reading

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Quick & Easy Dark Chocolate Mini Cake

Quick and easy might also describe how fast this cake disappeared in my house!

Yesterday was Michelle’s birthday and after the excess of Easter, including a decadent three-layer carrot cake, she claimed she didn’t want any cake on her birthday. There was no way I was going to let that stand. Life is too short not to eat cake on your birthday. 

But I could see her point, too. I definitely like my desserts, almost as much as the kids, but sometimes a little can go a long way. Thank you, Dessert for Two for introducing me to the world of mini cakes last year.

For a family of four, a mini cake is the perfect thing for a mid-week celebration where prep time might be short or for keeping that celebratory pomp and circumstance but without being left with an entire cake to eat. Continue Reading

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