Cakes and Hats

The birthday went without a hitch, despite the stubborn pizza dough. Boyo loves pizza but not just any pizza he likes homemade pizza which usually means having to make the dough an hour in advance and get all the toppings and all the other stuff that pizzas have. Usually, our pizza dough is done in a jiffy without any problems, but this time around we had to make it twice. The first time around it just crumbled and the second time it was very tough. We didn't do anything different but for some strange reason it didn't want to cooperate.

The cake was simple. Really easy and yummy recipe. I got the recipe from one of my neighbors. It looks super and it tastes even better. You would never know that it was a box cake. Here is the recipe for the Alaska Cake.

1 package of Devils Food Cake (plus all the ingredients that the box calls for).

3/4 semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1 pkg of cream cheese (8oz). Softened.

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 container of frozen whipped topping. Thawed (it takes about 5 hours to thaw in the refrigerator, so plan  ahead).

The most difficult part of this cake is finding a bowl to bake it in. It has to have a mountain shape. I went to my local kitchen store and found a mixing bowl that could be put into the oven. I found that metal bowls dry the cake too much, glass bowls seem to provide a more moist cake.

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the cake mix as to box instructions. Bake at 325 F. Bake for 1 hr and 10min, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let it cool for 15min in the bowl. Run a spatula or a knife around the perimeter of the cake to unstick it from the bowl. Gently turn it upside down onto a plate or cooling rack. Cool completely (about 4 hours)

MAKING THE LAYERS

Trim the large end of the cake to level. You will cut the cake into 4 equal layers. First cut the cake horizontally in half. Then cut each half into two layers.

FILLING

Using a food chopper, chop 1/4 of the chocolate morsels, set them aside. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of morsels into a microwave safe bowl; microwave uncovered, on high for *20 seconds, stir; rep from * 3 times or until chocolate is completely melted.

In another bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, whisk until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate, mix well. Fold 2 cups of the whipped topping and the chopped chocolate morsels.

Using a spatula, spread the bottom layer of cake with about half of the filling, it will be about 3/4" thick. Place the other cake layer on top of the filling, and spreak filling over the new layer. Repeat with all the other layers.

Spread the remaining filling over the outside of the cake, creating a smooth surface.

FROST CAKE

Using the remaining whipped topping, frost the outside of the cake. To make it look all spiky, press the flat side of a knife against the frosting and pull away. Refrigerate about 30minutes.

EASIER CUTTING

Cut the cake into eight wedges from top to bottom, then cut horizontally.

Enjoy!!! We really, really love this cake. It is a little rich but ooooh sooo scrumptious!

Now, life around here is not all about eating...well, it is but we try to squeeze in other activites. I managed to finish a little hat for another one  of my friends. She is in my cycling group and she is due in April and she requested a few little caps for her new little boy and I am more than eager to oblige. It is rare when  people ask me to knit something for them, so this is very exciting.

I followed my own Bundle of Joy (it is on Ravelry too) pattern and created gorrito numero uno (Stacey....pop quiz, what did I just say?).  These little hats work up so fast and I can't help but think that it is almost instant gratification. I already casted on for gorrito numero dos, this one will have cables (did you think I will not include them...they are my knitting stamp, lol).

Comments

[Laura]

The cake sounds so yummy - I'm getting hungry just reading about it, LOL! Very cute little hat! : )

[Jeannie]

The cake looks yummy. I think the smile on little boys face says it all.

The hat is adorable. Where you do find the time to make pizza from scratch, bake a super duper birthday cake, and knit for your friends?

Huggz!

[c]

What a cutie-patootie cake!

[Stacey]

ummm... gorrito numbers one and two? :D I don't know! WAHHHH!

[LizAndrson]

That cake is a definate winner. Now, for Wondergirl's B-day, insert a 12 inch "fashion doll" and decorate the cake like a fancy dress. Voila!
Pizza dough - without a bread machine or Kitchen Aid? Go to Sam's Club. They sell it *frozen* in the Snack Bar. It's heaven sent for homemade pizza, bread sticks, whatever.

[jessica~]

Great cake! The children are so beautiful!!

[Katiebell]

That hat is adorable. I need to learn to knit in the round without a loom! Cake looks very yummy!

[Jenny]

Love the cake! My boys would too :) Cute Mario on top. It looks like your cutie had a great birthday. Have a great day!