My dear husband turned 46 so I whipped up one of my special cakes for him. When I say "special" I really mean more like "special needs." Honestly, I really shouldn't bake things.
Despite the fact that this cake appears to be fine it's actually completely sunken-in in the middle of each layer. I covered the sunkenness with the frosting and blueberries. My baking is so predictably disastrous that I've gotten quite creative in my salvage techniques.
~ Once I made a cake that never rose and came out of the over looking like a large pancake.
~ Once I made a cake that collapsed into an enormous crumb pile as soon as you touched it with your fork.
~ Several times I've made a cake that completely adhesed to the sides of the pan with barnacle-like strength.
In each of these cases I was using a BOX CAKE and I followed the directions. Is used to cry, now I just laugh and shake my head. The kids shake their heads too and say "Wow, Mom. You've done it again."
Hmmmm... I think you made a good save, 'cause it sure looks pretty.
ReplyDeleteIn my honor, the children named our 'home bakery: Ugly Delicious!' I have many disasters in my baking history, too!
No tears, we can laugh together!
Oh darn-and so soon after the garden incident! It does look lovely and I bet it was delish. Don't let the flops (sorry too strong of a word) the less than perfect attempts deter you-maybe try one from scratch next time? It's great that you can laugh about it-a fun memory with the kids!
ReplyDeleteThank you both - yes, I'm definitely finding it rather funny now. It's like I'm defying the odds every time.
ReplyDeleteRebecca - maybe I should try from scratch. I mean it can't get any worse, right?
Oh no! But the cake looks wonderful and summery and delicious, we'd never have know it sunk if you hadn't told us. I bet it tasted good and that is all that matters. I too have had many a "domestic fail" as my good friend calls them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you can't tell - guess I'm getting good at hiding the "domestic failure" evidence :)
DeleteJenny...
ReplyDeleteTry following the high altitude instructions on the box next time. You live in Montana....I live in
Colorado and I always use the high altitude adjustments with great success. And if you're baking from scratch...well add a little more liquid, a bit more flour, and a little less sugar. Usually a no-fail system. Sure looks yummy anyway.
Happiness to you,
penny x
Thanks Penny. I don't know why I've never done the high altitude adjustments before!! I guess I was thinking you had to be perched in the Alps or something. I will definitely try that next time.
DeleteWow! This is one gorgeous cake. Love how you arranged the blueberries and added the pretty greens too.
ReplyDeleteYummy. I may have to try this.
The greens are mint.
DeleteHey, Jenny, I made a cake when we lived in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteIt was angelfood...without wings.... When it came out of the oven it was perfectly puffed up and browned. I tipped it upside down to cool as I normally would and turned my attention to other things until I heard a plop behind me. The whole thing had dribbled out of the pan....
Your cake, however looks pretty and yummy :) Gracie <3
Oh no! Angel food is my favorite kind of cake so that would've made me very sad.
DeleteHello - I have nominated you for a Sunshine Award. Details on my blog. Please don't feel you have to take part, tagging is not for everyone, but it's just to say I really like your blog! Gillian x
ReplyDeleteHey thanks Gillian. I'll pop over and check it out. xoxo
DeleteYour cake looks delicious and I bet it was, sunken or not. Today I made an Ariel (the Little Mermaid) cake as requested by my birthday girl. Note to self - avoid faces on cakes in future. She looked like a drag queen.
ReplyDeleteI laughed so hard when I read this. I can just imagine your daughter's drag queen cake. Oh my. I think you're super brave for trying, (although you're far more of an expert in the kitchen than I am). By the way, my cake was okay tasting, but really not all that great. :\
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