Red Velvet Cake

Welome to my blog! This first post was supposed to be a birthday cake for Nini but I missed her birthday. I finally found a new reason to bake and I thought this would be a great way to start.

The hubbin's boss is having a birthday, so a cake is in order. The hubbin works at The Company That Must Not Be Named (henseforth TCTMNBN); those that work there will probably understand. The only rule for today was no cinnamon, so I went back to my old standby, Red Velvet Cake (a favorite at TCTMNBN). And this being a holiday and all, I decided to go easy on the decorating so this in an entirely fondant-free cake. The beauty of the red velvet cake is the ridiculous quanitites of red food coloring that creates the characteristic color. It leaves the batter looking like something from a bad slasher movie.

But the results are totally worth it. I don't give out this recipe (so sorry if you were watching for it, I won't be so stingy in the future but this is my secret weapon in world domination), but it's from the internet anyway so a little searching will find it quickly. The only change I make is adding way more cocoa than the measly two teapsons that the recipe calls for. Today it was however much was left in the Hershy box, but it's generally even as much as 1/4 cup. This gives it a nice chocolaty taste and smell.

The baked results aren't quite as bright as the batter, but they still look pretty nice. Of course it wouldn't be red velvet cake without the cream cheese frosting, right? Add to that a few pecans (that's pronounced puh-con if you were ever informed incorrectly) and some fancy piping with the frosting and you've got yourself a mighty good cake. Who am I kidding? This stuff is incredible!!! Seriously, if you haven't had it, as me to make you some cupcakes. These things are made of of awesomeness. And of course, there is the leftover frosting that is sitting in a bowl next to me at this exact moment. :) So here's the final product, pleas excuse the wonky shell right front and center. That was the last few I was trying to squeeze in and things went horribly wrong.

So Happy Birthday Susanne!

And for all of you from TCTMNBN a big thanks for checking out the blog. I'm going to take a vote for what flavor of cupcakes you'd like next. Leave your suggestions in the comments.