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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:15:04 -0700

Along with a hearty Fall meal, at my annual pumpkin carving party, I like to serve a pumpkin themed dessert.

In the past I've done ice cream sandwiches and pumpkin bars, but this year I've been all about cakes, so I'll be whipping up a relatively easy pumpkin cake.

The batter is seasoned with orange zest and the frosting is a decadent blend of caramel and cream cheese.

The resulting cake is festive and seasonal and can be made several days before the party. To take a look at the recipe I plan on using, keep reading.

Stun Friends With Martha Stewart's Snake Cake

partysugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:50 -0700

Sometimes I'll be flipping through a cooking magazine and see an item, say a chocolate cheesecake with a ganache glaze and a green sparkly sugar snake, and think, I'm going to make that. The majority of the time I rip out the recipe, add it to the "must-make" stack, and forget about it. But, sometimes the stars align and I do end up making said item. And so is the tale of the snake cake from the current issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Don't be intimidated, this cake is not that hard to make. It's a standard chocolate cheesecake and typical chocolate ganache. The most difficult part is cutting out the snake stencil. Completing the cake is wildly rewarding, I found it more satisfying than actually eating a piece, and regretted not making it for a party where it could be properly displayed and admired. It's perfect for Halloween or a Harry Potter-themed birthday party, so if you're feeling daring, get the recipe and read more.

Snake Cake With Venom Glaze
From Martha Stewart Living

Ingredients

For the crust
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the filling
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoonsunsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 pounds plus 10 ounces cream cheese, softened (from six 8-ounce blocks)
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs plus 1 large yolk
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate (preferably 61 percent cacao), melted and cooled slightly
Boiling water, for pan
For the glaze
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (preferably 61 percent cacao)
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
For the decoration
Snake stencil
Green and red* powdered food coloring

Directions

Make the crust: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in yolk and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and mix in flour mixture, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press dough evenly into bottom of a 10-inch springform pan** to form a 1/4-inch-thick crust. Let chill in freezer for 15 minutes. Bake until firm, about 15 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Leave oven on.
Make the filling: Whisk together granulated sugar, flour, and cocoa powder. Beat cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy, scraping down sides as needed, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add the sugar mixture, and mix until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Add eggs and yolk, 1 at a time, mixing just to combine after each addition. Add chocolate, and mix until combined.
Wrap exterior of springform pan with a double layer of foil. Pour filling onto prepared crust, and set springform pan in a large roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with enough boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of springform pan. Bake cheesecake for 45 minutes.
Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Bake until set but slightly wobbly in the center, about 30 minutes more. Turn oven off; leave cake in oven with door ajar for 1 hour.
Transfer springform pan to a wire rack, remove foil, and let cake cool completely. Run an offset spatula or a knife around edge of cake, and carefully unmold. Set cake on wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
Make the glaze: Combine chocolate and corn syrup in a small bowl. Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour cream over chocolate. Let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth. (Do not whisk too much or bubbles will form). Let cool for 10 minutes.
Decorate the cake: Pour glaze over cake in a circular motion, starting at the center and slowly moving outward toward the edge, to cover entire surface. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, at least 4 hours (or overnight). Cake can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Set snake stencil on cake: Print template. Place it under a sheet of calendar vinyl. Use a permanent marker to trace the outline and the snake design onto vinyl. Working on a cutting mat, use a craft knife to cut along the lines. Work slowly and carefully. The vinyl will dull the knife's blade; change the blade as necessary. Sift green powdered food coloring over snake, avoiding the tongue, Carefully sift red powdered food coloring over tongue.

Serves 10-12.

*I used pink sugar instead of red, because that's what I had on hand.

**I made this in a 9-inch springform pan and had lots of leftover batter.

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Crab Cakes Are an All-American, Unexpected Appetizer

partysugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:00:25 -0700

Since your guests are anticipating an array of grilled and classic appetizers that scream Fourth of July, this weekend, why not do something different? Surprise them with a platter of mini crab cakes! They're a luxurious appetizer and all-American favorite.

While I've never met a crab cake I didn't like, when I make them at home, I prefer to use a traditional Maryland-style recipe. My grandfather was born in Baltimore and his cakes are always wildly delicious, but insanely simple. Stirring in too many seasonings takes away from the pure flavor of the crab. Garnished with a dollop of garlicky aioli, these cakes are light and satisfying, and pair with everything from a glass of wine to an icy beer.

They're exceptional with fresh crab; however, if you don't have access to it, Costco sells a stellar can of crabmeat. Get the recipe.

Come Party With Me: High School Graduation - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:30:27 -0700

Nothing says high school graduation like a classic sheet cake with "Congratulations Class of 2009" scrolled across the top in loopy, frosted letters. While you could order an insanely sugary cake with too-sweet frosting from Costco or Safeway, why not take the time to make your grad a homemade confection? This recipe for a rich, dense chocolate cake is simple, straightforward, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It calls for a fudge-like frosting, but if you have another icing you prefer, use that instead. Get the luscious recipe when you read more.

Black Chocolate Cake With Fudge Icing
From Saveur

Ingredients

For the cake:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
For the frosting:
2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
5 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
5 tbsp. hot freshly brewed coffee
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt chocolate in a small heatproof bowl set over a small pot of gently simmering water over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Remove bowl from heat and set aside until chocolate is cool.
Meanwhile, grease an 8" square cake pan with 1 tsp. of the butter and set aside.
Sift flour and salt together in a small bowl and set aside. Stir baking soda into buttermilk in another small bowl and set aside.
Beat sugar and the remaining 5 tbsp. butter together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg yolks, then add melted chocolate and beat until thoroughly combined.
Add one third of the flour mixture, then one third of the buttermilk mixture, beating well after each addition. Repeat process to use all of both mixtures, then pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 40–50 minutes. Transfer cake to a rack to cool in pan, then invert onto a cake plate.
For the frosting: Sift confectioners' sugar and cocoa together in a medium bowl. Stir in butter, then coffee, then vanilla, mixing well with a wooden spoon after each addition, until frosting is smooth.
Ice top and sides of cake with frosting.

Makes one 8-inch cake.

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Charm Loved Ones With a Strawberry Layer Cake

YumSugar — Sat, 02 May 2009 08:00:22 -0700

My guy's favorite dessert of all time is strawberry shortcake, and for weeks now, he's been begging me to make it. Since the beloved berries are starting to turn up at the farmers market, I finally decided to win him over with a luxuriously creamy strawberry layer cake.

Unfortunately, the day I baked this cake, the city of San Francisco had record-high temperatures, something that my cool, whipped cake wasn't so thrilled about - it wound up being a classic case of theirs versus mine.

While I wouldn't suggest making this layer cake during a heat wave with no A/C and a hot oven, I would otherwise highly recommend this sweet, satisfying, crowd-pleaser of a dessert. It's a perfect use for Spring strawberries. To see the recipe, read more.

Strawberries and Cream Cake
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups plus 6 tablespoons sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
3 cups flour
2 pints strawberries, hulled (I would recommend 3 pints)
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 pint heavy cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a large rimmed baking sheet and line with parchment that extends an inch above the rim on all sides. Grease the parchment and set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and 2 cups sugar at high speed, scraping down the sides occasionally, until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the baking powder, vanilla, baking soda and salt at medium speed. Add half each of the buttermilk and flour and mix at low speed just until smooth. Repeat with the remaining buttermilk and flour.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a large rack to cool, then invert and discard the parchment.
Chop half the berries and place in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons sugar, the cornstarch and lemon juice, simmering over low heat. Cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
Using an electric mixer, whisk the mascarpone with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar on low speed, then add the cream until combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and whisk until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes.
Using a serrated knife, cut the cake crosswise into thirds. Set 1 layer on a serving platter and spread half the strawberry puree on top, followed by 1 1/2 cups frosting. set the second layer on top of the frosting and press lightly into place. Spread the remaining puree on top, then another 1 1/2 cups frosting. Place the third layer on top and press lightly. Coat with the remaining frosting. Slice the remaining berries and scatter on top.

Serves 10.

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Reader Recipe: Simple Apple Cinnamon Cake

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:01:31 -0800

I was looking through the posts on the Food and Entertaining Channel and came across a cake that I thought a lot of you would enjoy. TeamSugar member elleisa recently shared her recipe for a simple Cinnamon Apple Cake. You might enjoy it because it whips up in absolutely no time. It's basically a yellow cake mix with apple pie filling baked into it. Sometimes delicious doesn't have to be gourmet! To check out the recipe, read more.

Cinnamon Apple Cake
Submitted by TeamSugar member elleisa

I threw together this recipe when I was craving for an apple pie but also wanted cake. The apple filling starts out on top but sinks to the bottom while it is baking. Super yummy!

Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 21 oz. can Comstock Apple Pie Filling

Heat oven to 350 degrees for shiny metal or glass pan or 325 degrees for dark or nonstick pan.
Grease bottom only of 13x9 pan and sprinkle lightly w/cinnamon.
Mix butter yellow cake mix as directed on back of box.
Spread cake batter in pan.
Spoon apple pie filling on top of cake batter.
Sprinkle crumb topping on top of apple filling. (recipe @ bottom)
Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Crumb topping:
4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
6 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Mix together with fork until crumbly.

Before:After:

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Reader Recipe: Triple Layer Chocolate Fudge Cake

YumSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 07:01:19 -0700

Is it too early in the morning to talk about a triple layer chocolate fudge cake with ganache frosting? Yah, I didn't think so either. This beautiful cake was posted in the Kitchen Goddess group by TeamSugar member crispet1, and if every morsel tastes as delectable as it looks, we are in for a treat. It's a three layer chocolate cake, with a layer of thick ganache between each one. To check out the recipe, read more

Submitted by TeamSugar member crispet1 from Food & Wine

What an indulgent picture!

Cake:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup hot coffee

Frosting:
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon water

Directions:
MAKE THE CAKE: Preheat the oven to 325°. Line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with rounds of parchment paper. Spray the pans and the parchment paper with vegetable cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk the sugar with the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the eggs and vanilla. In another small bowl, melt the butter in the hot coffee. Using an electric mixer, beat half of the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients at low speed. Beat in half of the coffee mixture, then scrape down the bowl. Beat in the remaining buttermilk and coffee mixtures.
Pour the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until the cakes are springy to the touch. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a rack to cool completely. Peel off the parchment paper.

MEANWHILE, MAKE THE FILLING AND FROSTING: Put the chocolate in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream and corn syrup to a boil. Immediately pour over the chocolate and let stand in a warm place for 5 minutes. Gently whisk the ganache until smooth. Whisk in the butter until incorporated. Refrigerate, stirring frequently, until the ganache is thick enough to spread, about 30 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar with the water and heat for 30 seconds. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Set a cake layer on a cake plate or cake cardboard and brush lightly with the sugar syrup. Spread about 3/4 cup of the frosting onto the cake in an even 1/4-inch layer. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, sugar syrup and frosting. (I skipped this step completely. I didnt want to spread sugar water on pieces of cake, I just didnt see the point.) Spread the remaining frosting around the sides of the cake. Let the cake stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour before slicing.

And then, because Im a genius, I decided to cover the top of the cake with raspberries. Obviously you would wash them in cool water, pat dry, and put the open end facing down on the frosting. Since you are working with ganache, you have to be somewhat fast since it sets into hardened chocolate somewhat fast.

Source: Food & Wine

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Come Party With Me: Anniversary - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:00:14 -0700

There's nothing quite like food to spark a memory. For my parents' 33rd anniversary party, I plan on bringing back the special moments of their wedding by serving carrot cake.

It's always been my dad's favorite kind of cake, and at their wedding, the cake was classic carrot with smooth, finger-licking-good cream cheese frosting. Instead of making an elaborate wedding-style dessert, I'll simply put together an easy layer cake.

If you love this carrot confection too, check out the recipe and read more.

Classic Carrot Cake With Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

For cake:
1 cup pecans (4 ounces)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 pound carrots, peeled and coarsely shredded
For frosting
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°. Butter two 9-inch cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment. Butter the paper and flour the pans.
Make the cake: Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, until fragrant. Cool and finely chop the pecans.
In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
In a small bowl, whisk the oil, buttermilk and vanilla.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar at high speed until pale, 5 minutes.
Beat in the liquid ingredients. Beat in the dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in the carrots and pecans.
Divide the batter between the pans and bake the cakes for 55 minutes to 1 hour, until springy and golden. Let the cakes cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then unmold the cakes and let cool completely.
Make the frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese at high speed until light, about 5 minutes.
Beat in the vanilla, then the confectioners’ sugar; beat at low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Peel off the parchment paper and invert one cake layer onto a plate. Spread with a slightly rounded cup of the frosting.
Top with the second cake layer, right side up. Spread the top and sides with the remaining frosting and refrigerate the cake until chilled, about 1 hour. Slice and serve.

Serves 8-10.

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Celebrate Summer With Ice Cream Cake

partysugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:50:49 -0700

One of the first things I ever made was ice cream cake. I was 13 and decided that for my 14th birthday I wanted an ice cream cake. Instead of getting one at Baskin Robbins, my best friend and I made our own. It was a surprisingly simple and satisfying success. Essentially all you need is a boxed cake mix, a container of ice cream, and a little creativity. Since July is National Ice Cream Month, it's the perfect time for everyone to experiment with ice cream cake. To inspire you, here are a few of my favorite recipes.

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Lemon Custard Cakes Are Lusciously Delicious

partysugar — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:00:05 -0800

Every once in a while, I'll be browsing a food magazine and come across a recipe that I simply must make. This recipe for lemon custard cakes from the February issue of Bon Appétit is the perfect example. After gorging on decadent chocolate desserts for Valentine's Day, I was desperate for a light, refreshing treat.

These simple cakes are delightful; they're like lemon bars without the shortbread cookie crust. The texture is between a thick pudding and moist cake. The intensely fresh lemon flavor is tart, but in the most wonderful way. Don't skip the whipped creme fraîche topping. Its silky smooth creaminess balances out the zesty citrus.

Although the recipe calls for Meyer lemons, I used regular ones. To get started on these individual cakes now - they need at least four hours to chill - read more.

Lemon Custard Cakes
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup all purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 1/3 cups whole milk
2 large eggs, separated
1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice or regular lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon peel or regular lemon peel
1 8-ounce container chilled crème fraîche*

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter eight 3/4-cup ramekins or custard cups.
Whisk 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, flour, and pinch of salt in medium bowl to blend.
Combine milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon peel in large bowl; whisk until blended.
Add flour mixture to yolk mixture and whisk custard until blended.
Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in another large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar to whites and beat until stiff but not dry.
Fold 1/4 of whites into custard. Fold remaining whites into custard in 2 additions (custard will be slightly runny).
Divide custard equally among prepared ramekins. Place ramekins in large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake custard cakes until golden brown and set on top (custard cakes will be slightly soft in center), about 27 minutes.
Chill custard cakes uncovered until cold, at least 4 hours, then cover and keep refrigerated. Custard cakes can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Using electric mixer, beat crème fraîche in medium bowl until softly whipped.
Run small knife around each custard cake to loosen. Invert each cake onto plate. Place dollop of crème fraîche atop or alongside cakes and serve.

Makes 8 cakes.

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