Granny Kellett's Jam Cake

Several years ago for Christmas I got a cookbook called American Cakes.  It has been a very fun book.  The book is organized and grouped chronologically.  The author writes about the history and back ground of each recipe, and then shares a recipe for each cake using measurements and techniques modern readers can replicate.

I have baked a number of cakes from this cookbook.  I baked the tunnel of fudge cake for my last birthday.  For by birthday two years ago, I made the hummingbird cake.  The first cake I made was the cherry upside-down cake.  I made it with my mother at Christmas just after receiving the cookbook.

Chocolate Cake with Blueberry Pie Filling

I got back on Monday from a vacation to Scotland.  I went with my family.  My parents, sister, an aunt, an uncle, and two cousins went.  

We traveled around in an eight passenger van.  We drove the van ourselves.  I even had the opportunity to drive.  It was a big van on small roads.  I think we did pretty well.

Tunnel of Fudge Cake

Yesterday was a such a beautiful day.  It was warm and breezy.  I went with some friends to a botanical garden in a neighboring city.  It was a perfect day for such a trip.  

The orchids and azaleas were in bloom.  Orchids are my favorite flower.  The roses bushes were still naked.  I think they must bloom later on in the season.

Cake Mix Banana Bread

I have gotten into the habit of mailing my nieces and nephews candy for major holidays.  I create little crafty bags or boxes.  Last year I made orange jack-o-lantarn bags full of candy for Halloween.  

For Christmas, I decorated boxes of Milk Dud's to look like snowmen.  I enjoy doing it.  It lets my nieces and nephew know that I am thinking about them.

Lemon Lover's Cake

It is starting to feel like Fall around here.  This last weekend, I went to Pennsylvania with a couple of friends.  I wore a jacket almost the entire time.  It was brisk.

One of my friends and I went white water rafting.  It was a rush.  I have done white water rafting before, but this was the most exciting section of river I have ever rafted.  It seemed like the rapids were almost constant.

Confetti Layer Cake

I am originally from Utah, but I currently live in the Washington DC metro area.  Utah has a state holiday called Pioneer Day.

Pioneer Day is celebrated on July 24th.   It is a significant holiday in the state of Utah.  There are parades, barbecues, and fireworks.

Orange Soda Cake

Earlier this week, I spent a couple of days in Boston.  It was a work trip, and I didn't get a chance to do any sight seeing.  

Luckily, I have been before so I am not too upset about not seeing anything touristy.  There are a few things I would still like to see there.  I have heard they have a fun science museum.  I went to the art museum, but I could go back and spend at least another day there.

Hummingbird Cake

My birthday is in March.  Making my birthday cake is a pleasure.  I start thinking about it a couple of months in advance.

I naturally prefer chocolate desserts, but this year and last year, I changed it up a bit.  Last year I made carrot cake cupcakes, and this year I made a hummingbird cake.  Yum!

Honey Bun Cake

I have had a tiring few days.  I am attend a four day technical training class.  The first couple of days were a welcome change of pace.  I like learning, and it's enjoyable to commute to a new area.

Today was my third day, and I am spent.  The material gets increasingly difficult, and I don't have much time to absorb the information.  I should come back to my apartment and practice for a couple of hours, but I'm too tired.  I think after writing this post, I'll vegetate in front of the television.

Cherry Upside-Down Cake

This is another dessert I made over the Christmas holidays.  It was a gluttonous time for me.  This was my favorite dessert that I ate.  That is high praise, because I ate desserts and treats for a week straight.

I have a few podcasts that I listen to regularly.  One is entitled "Stuff You Missed in History Class."  In November, I listened to an episode where they spoke to a woman about a novel she wrote on American cakes.  The book is aptly entitled, "American Cake."

Banana Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

My bike tire burst while riding my bike to work yesterday.  I'm not sure what happened.  It was sudden and dramatic.  Luckily, I was only a few blocks from work.  I was able to walk the rest of the way.  

I pushed my bike to a bike shop after work, and the repair man fixed it in about 20 minutes.  I thought I would have to leave it overnight, but I ended up riding it home.

Vanilla and Cookie Crumb Bundt Cake

I like bundt cakes.  The don't require fancy decorating, and they can be transported easily.  I made this bundt cake about two weeks ago and brought it to work.  I ate a slice for breakfast.  I have a insatiable sweet tooth.  

I can eat sweets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I would be much healthier if I didn't like chocolate and desserts so much.  Sugar is my downfall.

Chocolate Coffee Cake

I got my haircut today.  I usually go to really cheap places like Hair Cuttery.  I'm not picky, and I don't like spending loads of money every few months to get my haircut.

I have needed my hair cut for a while, but I have been busy.  I'm leaving for a work trip tomorrow, and I wanted to get a haircut before leaving.  I was lazy today and decided to just go to a nearby salon.  With tip, I ended up spending $80.  It is a nice cut, but it's not that nice.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

I made these cupcakes a few weeks ago for a friend's birthday.  She requested chocolate cake.  Chocolate is my favorite too, so I was happy to oblige.  

Cupcakes are perfect for parties.  You don't need plates or utensils.  You don't even need a knife.  Add a few sprinkles, and they look festive.  There is no need to even a cake layer or crumb coat.  

  

Norwegian Almond Cake

So, what do you know about Norway?  A couple of weeks ago, a friend held a Scandinavian themed potluck.  I brought this Norwegian Almond Cake.  People also brought cheese, Swedish meatballs, and a berry tea, among other things.

I'm not sure if this is an authentic dish.  According to Wikipedia, Norwegian desserts often have berries and cardamom.  The site also mentions Krumkake, a thin rolled caked with whipped cream, and Julekake, a spiced leavened loaf cake coated with cinnamon and sugar.  There was no mention of almond cake.

Banana Bundt Cake with Peanut Butter Filling and Peanut Butter Glaze

I made this banana bundt cake a couple of weeks ago for a brunch.  I told the host that I would bring cinnamon roll, but I noticed another person had offered to bring cinnamon rolls too.  In the end, two people brought cinnamon rolls.

I have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls, but three pans of rolls would have been a bit much.  This cake is a dessert, but it's appropriate for brunch because it is a bundt and has minimal frosting.  How do you like my logic?

Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I usually eat chocolate cake for my birthday because it is my favorite.  I wanted to change it up this year, so I decided to make carrot cake.  Even though carrot cake contains no chocolate, it is a wonderful cake.

I like my carrot cake full of yummy treats like walnuts, coconut flakes, raisins, and pineapple.  I also like noticeable pieces of carrots.  Some recipes use carrot puree, but I like to know I'm eating carrot cake.