Twenty-three years ago today, I was born. Which, I suppose, makes today my birthday.
I have to admit, this year has been a pretty amazing one. I am so lucky to have the most wonderful, loving, and supportive family I could ask for, incredible and reliable friends both here in DC and around the country - who I love like family, a pretty spectacular boyfriend, a job I enjoy, my health - which I realize every day is an amazing gift, and, as a result, so much happiness. I'm so grateful for all of my good fortune.
I can only help that this next year is as wonderful as the last!
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| photo by Amanda Farr |
Speaking of incredible friends - my coworker, Amanda, was so nice and made me a beautiful birthday cake. It just so happened to be exactly what I wanted! I purchased malt milk powder a few month's back with the hope of trying to make malted chocolate chip cookies, but I just haven't gotten around to it. When I saw this recipe, I was really hoping Amanda would help me out by giving it a try. What am I going to do when she leaves DC!?
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| photo by Amanda Farr |
The only recommendation Amanda had was to use a little more malt powder, as you couldn't really taste it. It tasted amazing - like pound cake with chocolate frosting - and I was so excited to get to celebrate my birthday with my amazing coworkers.
Tonight I'll get to celebrate with many of my friends in DC and in a few weeks I can celebrate at home with my family! Thank you to everyone for a great year and many more to come!
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| photo by Amanda Farr |
Tonight I'll get to celebrate with many of my friends in DC and in a few weeks I can celebrate at home with my family! Thank you to everyone for a great year and many more to come!
Basic Yellow Butter Cake
From She Wears Many Hats
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups flour (I used all-purpose)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (I used salted)
1 cup milk, divided
4 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly whisk together first 4 ingredients; flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.
Add butter and 3/4 cup milk and beat together until just combined. Stop to scrape sides down a couple of times. Do not over beat.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs, remaining milk and vanilla extract together. Gradually add to flour/sugar/butter, and mix until just combined. Again, do not over beat.
Divide batter into two greased and parchment lined 9″ baking pans.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.
Chocolate Malt Buttercream Frosting
From She Wears Many Hats
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter (again, I used salted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup malted milk powder
7 tablespoons milk
Instructions
In a mixer, beat butter and vanilla extract together until smooth.
Add in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, malted milk powder, lightly mix.
Gradually add in milk, one tablespoon at at time until smooth.
