Baking with Love

Ever hear the old expression, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? I think that is certainly true, and my husband will agree. There are lots of love put into daily preparing food. Just think of how many times you desired your favorite meal, and mom delivered, when you were sick and a friend made soup, and when you lost a loved one, and a neighbor brought food to your door. Some may think a small gesture, but really a true expression of love.

I often remember, growing up, there was food on the table. My mother working away over the stove on tired feet. She would make a couple dozen cupcakes for the Valentine’s Day party at my school while I filled out all my little valentine cards for classmates. After the cupcakes had been frosted, she would let me adorn each one with a heart shaped candy. This Valentine’s Day, show some love in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be over the top as if a chef prepared it, it’s just the thought that counts! If you have a recipe you would love to share, email kdcole1120@gmail.com

RED VELVET CAKE

INGREDIENTS

❏ 1 c. butter, softened
❏ 2 1/2 c. sugar
❏ 6 large eggs
❏ 3 c. all-purpose flour
❏ 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
❏ 1/4 tsp. baking soda
❏ 1 (8oz.) container sour cream
❏ 2 tbsp. vanilla extract
❏ 2 (1-oz.) bottles red food coloring

DIRECTTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla; stir in red food coloring. Spoon cake batter into three greased (with shortening) and floured 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour). Spread cream cheese frosting between layers and on top of cake.