foodie fridays: all occasion cake

Indulge in the versatility of the all-occasion cake, a delightful treat suitable for any celebration or gathering. From birthdays to weddings, this versatile dessert is sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Milestone.

Hmmm. I aways thought that was two words. Interesting.

Today marks a very important milestone for CGM, she turns one.

Can you believe it? Where did the time go? How did I manage to keep this thing going? Is anyone even reading? Bueller?

To tell you the truth, I started CGM right after I discovered my friend Jamie’s witty and hilarious blog, Meet the Gibsons. (She’s fantastic by the way). I had heard of blogs, but given my ignorance and suspicion towards social media, I gave little attention to the blog world.  Mr. B even wrote a blog back in 2007 and I was like, yeah that’s weird.

After much due diligence, I decided to come out of my shell and begin my blog voyage. I remember when I told Mr. B that I was going to start blogging he asked me, why? A legitimate question at the time because no one just starts a blog out of the blue, or do they? Hmmm. Anyways, I had to reply with an honest answer and said, “I want to tell our story.”

My first post was random and awkward. Wow…really awkward. I had no clue what I was doing, who I was speaking to, and frankly, how to write. Voice. What voice? You have to have a voice when you write? Pssh. Whatevs.

I honestly think that after a full year of blogging, I am starting to have a clearer picture of who I am as a writer. Each day is a challenge, but that’s what makes it fun.

I truly enjoy creating and writing each and every post. I think one of the best things to come out of this blog, besides sharing my crazy self with the world, is learning about photography. I am head over heels in love with taking pictures, which is funny because when Mr. B and I went to London our Junior year of college over spring break, he stopped and took pictures of everything. I was completely annoyed at the time as well as embarrassed. And now, I take pictures of the most random stuff like water bottles and sneakers. Funny how things change.

But I guess that’s what it’s all about.

Learning, growing, and challenging yourself each day to be better.

Well, here I am. 316 posts to date. A Facebook page (which I still can’t believe I have), Twitter account, Foodie Fridays, and the drive to continue to do more.

In honor of today’s milestone and my parents’ wedding anniversary (Hi Mom and Dad!), I thought we should have cake. Oh, and not just any cake. This is the only cake recipe you will ever need. Oh yeah, I just said that.

My mom made this cake for my brothers and I for our birthdays when we were little (okay, she still makes it for us), so I thought it would be fitting to share this recipe with you today. After all, you can’t celebrate a milestone without a cake. Duh.

Alright, the 4-1-1 on the cake:
– batter can be made in less then 5 minutes
– double layer
– frosting from a can (you betcha!)
– sprinkles (a must)

Do I have you convinced yet?

I promise this cake will make all of your childhood dreams come true. For me, it’s my personal Disneyland. I think it’s funny how a piece of dessert can contain so many memories and bring such joy.

“Memories, like the corner of my mind…..”

Anyways, I hope in the one full year that I have been blogging I have made you smile, laugh, question and grow. I can’t wait for another year because I think the best is yet to come.

So lick the icing off the spatula, put your feet up, and celebrate this milestone with me with a face full of cake.

Cheers!

All Occasion Cake 

Serves 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups water
1-2 tablespoons sour cream
2 containers Betty Crocker’s Home Style Fluffy White Frosting
sprinkles, garnish

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time until well incorporated. Add vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients alternately with 1/3 cup water at a time creamed mixture, incorporating well. Add sour cream at the end.

Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 9 inch baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely and frost with fluffy white frosting! Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Conclusion: Elevate any event with the all-occasion cake, ensuring every moment is sweeter and more memorable. Whether it’s a birthday bash or a wedding reception, this versatile dessert is the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.