Brooklyn Blackout Cake

originally published feb 19, 2015

You know that scene in Matilda where the kid is forced to eat that whole entire cake? And you know how it's kind of disgusting and glorious at the same time? There are 2 types of people that watch the movie. First the person that feels nauseous at the idea of eating anything after that scene, and second the people that think "man Bruce, I wish you had left me a chunk"

I think we all know where I fall in that scale.

Well this cake is the condensed version of that glorious cake. Seriously Cooks Country--this is at the top of ridiculously dark and moist chocolate cakes in all of America. And I think it is a little dangerous that you are just proliferating stuff like this in cookbooks in my house. Because we all know I will eventually make it and then consider the pros and cons of eating the whole thing myself Bruce Bogtrotter style. Luckily one slice was enough to give me a chocolate hangover. Well one slice and licking the pudding bowl clean...

As always America's test kitchen makes good recipes, but here are my kitchen notes:

• The cake batter method is crazy, but really easy. Just go with it.
• I used brewed Pero in place of coffee. You can also sub water.
• I used 9" cake pans. The cakes baked to the top, I'm not sure how the batter would fit in 8". They also took longer than 35 minutes.
• This cake is best after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight
• Decorating? So easy! I want to crumble cake and cover every dessert with it.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake

Pudding:

1/14 cups sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups half and half

1 cup milk

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake:

1/12 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

3/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder

1 cup brewed coffee, room temp.

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the pudding:

Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, salt, half and half, and milk in a large saucepan.

Set the pan over medium heat and add chopped chocolate.

Whisk constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture begins to bubble, 2-4 minutes. The mixture should be the consistency of pudding. Do not over heat or it will curdle.

Stir in the vanilla and transfer pudding to a large bowl.

Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold. 4 hours to 1 day

For the Cake:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, grease and flour 2 8" cake pans. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Off the heat whisk in the coffee, buttermilk and sugars until dissolved. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla then slowly whisk in the flour mixture.

Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 30-35 minutes.

Cool the cakes in pans 15 minutes, then turn on to a rack and cool completely

Assemble:

Cut each cake in half horizontally. Crumble one of the cake layers (half of a cake) into medium crumbs and set aside (this will top the cake)

Start with one layer on a flat serving platter--spread 1 cup of pudding over the cake. Top with another layer of cake and add 1 more cup of pudding over that. Finish with the last cake layer, then spread remainder of the pudding over the cake. Sprinkle the cake crumbs over the top and sides of the cake pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.

Refrigerate up to 2 days.

WIWOW: Chocolate Cuddles

originally published feb 18, 2015

Ansel hit 3 months this week. He also started his first tooth! We have been celebrating by constantly holding him--this little guy can't get enough. Literally it is all he wants to do. So swaddles, wraps, and rocking chairs have been my daily projects. Like a week long ocean cruise in stormy weather, I have been in constant motion.

In the edible realm of life Mr. Wood and I are finishing up this Brooklyn Blackout Cake. It was ridiculous enough that I feel it necessary to share the recipe with you. We haven't had anything this rich in recent memory. So look forward to that! 

WIWOW: Routine

originally published feb 4, 2015

They say there comes a point with a baby that things get back to normal. That is a joke, a really cuddly adorable joke. I don't even want things to go back to normal, Ansel is too lovely for that. Well, sleep would be nice. What is really going on is that a point comes after the new baby where you realize for your sake and the household's sake you must enter into some sort of a routine. Week by week you can add more in until you have a fully functioning home and social life or whatever. 

So here are somethings that I'm squiggling in between the hours of staring, feeding and rocking my baby boy. 

• Sketching again. I really enjoy making art, but it is the first thing to go by the wayside whenever things get stressful. But I like having something to work on just for me. So to motivate me I've been following some art journal prompts which have been fun. It takes me more than a day sometimes, but working through them is my only goal.

• Yoga! It feels so good!
• Planning menus: I love and hate this. I just don't want to think about it sometimes, but I love looking at a plan, following it, and having all the groceries I need. But, I was thinking a valentine menu would be fun, so I've been cruising the internet for ideas. Like these fancy pants menus. Right now I'm thinking something like this chocolate black out cake? But it doesn't look festive, and I hate making layer cakes for just the 2 of us. But I like to eat cake. At the rate I'm going my valentine dinner will be just cake. I'll tell you how cake dinner goes next week.
• Sweeping. That is serious serious stuff.
• Eating girl scout cookies that Mr. Wood was persuaded into buying at work, forgetting the piles of baked goods I've already made this week. Albeit I eat america's obligatory treats happily.

--Shannon

Winter Days

originally published feb 4, 2015

We have had our official first blizzard of the year. Michiana is great because whenever the weather even hints snow, every T.V. channel has this scroll bar at the bottom with all the urgent news and estimated times of the snowfall. We take weather over here so seriously we are willing to cut off the bottom of night time television just so we can constantly know what is going on. Subtitles do not work on these days.

Anyways, it was as big one. Shoot I don't know. 1 foot of snow? 3 feet? 

Google says 12.3".. so there is the official record.

But, snow days are the best days! And I want to reflect on some things that are giving me the happies.

1. Snow makes the Michiana monotony of gray day after gray day a little more interesting. The whole world is currently sparkly and white!

2. Because: These guys!

Mr. Wood loves to study and hold Ansel in the mornings. Look at those chubs! It's almost always a party when you have that much baby chub.

3. Also, sunshine. The sunshine after a storm is so beautiful and warm. We don't have many windows, so any sunshine we can get is amazing. See my dirty windowsill with view of neighbors half-finished renovations looks ah-MAZING

4. Finally, Sunday night traditions. This year before "Downton" we have a new tradition. The great British baking show!  So aesthetically pleasing, that I can't handle myself. To prepare for the prettiness that is: people with English accents baking dobos tortes in pastel kitchens set up in a garden of an antique estate--I make my own treat. Usually something I haven't made. This week? A strange pie brought to me via npr. Atlantic Beach pie. It was lovely, very easy, and an excellent 2nd breakfast.

I hope you are finding happy in your life, but if you are running low this pie might help.

Ansel: 2 months

originally published jan 20, 2014

2 months:

You've gained almost 4 pounds this month dude! And that is approximately 4 pounds of cute.

Right now you

Hate:

• Sleeping
• Playing on your tummy
• Going to the ear doctor (which we do too much)
• Baths

Love:

• Cuddles
• Making faces and giggles
• Saying "hi" 
• Punching your own face
• Kicking
• Grunting, especially from 5:00 am to 7:00 am
• Stinkering

 

You are getting amazing chubs! 

Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Yes, I know it is almost february, but in 20 years when future posterity is reading this, they won't mind right? 

So the Wood family had a lovely Christmas vacation. For us it was gloriously long, and to have Mr. Wood home so many days in a row was the best Christmas gift.

Christmas Eve we skyped with family, and made an overly ambitious meal--that was totally worth it. Ansel wore this lovely outfit including a jumper from Mr. Wood's first Christmas on earth. The food was great, we tasted our first "Spumante" juice--which was actually amazing.

Christmas day was a lot of fun. Ansel didn't know what was going on, but he danced with us, and watched us open presents (which he hated--the paper ripping was like nails on a chalkboard for his little ear membranes). This Christmas was special as our first away from family--but the packages and cards we got from our loved ones over in the west made the morning so amazing! We loved everyone's quirky little reminders of how awesome of a friend/family member they are.

We also took advantage of the long break to visit my sister and her family in Rochester New York. We spent one glorious 50 degree day visiting Palmyra. Here our some pictures of the sacred grove. The sunshine and cold air felt soo good, I could of walked around all day.

Ansel loves to walk and sleep and get little kisses and rubs on his fuzzy little head.

The cutest silliest little people in the world:

The view from the hill Cumorah 

We didn't want to leave, because family time is the best time. But we did, and on our way back the cold started creeping in, and we stopped by Niagra falls. Verdict: Amazing! Town? Totally creepy. Did people really go off the falls in barrels? Or is that just a myth perpetuated by PBS documentaries? There is like a ton of rocks.   

Till next year!!

Homemade Clementine Soda

 I am a sucker for homemade soda. My favorite for winter time? When you can't eat another cutie, and they are getting slightly shriveled? Clementine! (or mandarin really what is the difference?). Making soda syrup is really easy, and requires almost no attention. Keep it in the fridge, get a bottle or can of club soda and you are ready to go. My favorite thing about homemade soda is that I can adjust the sweetness to my liking, and I can add cream! Italian soda remix! And I don't have to drink a whole can, which is a skill I lost somewhere around 15 years old.

Macerate the oranges by smashing them in 1 cup sugar. This will help pull out the juice, and make it so you don't have to simmer the syrup as long. Then add enough water to barely cover the oranges, a few orange peels and simmer it away.

I like to add vanilla and cream to my sodas. They really are so bright and refreshing--which is often exactly what winter meals need. Enjoy

Clementine Soda Syrup

1 lb clementines
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 lemon
water

1. Peel clementines and slice in half against the segments (so it is easier to get juice out)
2. In a medium sauce pan combine sugar, salt, clementines, and few torn up peels. Smash with a wooden spoon until oranges give up their juice.
3. Add enough water to barely cover oranges (1-2 cups)
4. Simmer over medium-low heat till liquid clears and becomes thick and syrupy 10-20 minutes. Stirring and smashing the orange segments occasionally.
5. Test the consistency by dipping a cold spoon in the syrup. As it cools it should come to the consistency of maple syrup. If it is too thick, add more water.
6. Take off heat, let cool then strain out orange remains.
7. Add the juice of one lemon, stir.
8. Serve with club soda, to taste.
9. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Ansel Lee

originally published jan 1, 2015

November 15th 2014

5:50 P.M. (probably)

8 lbs 14 oz

21.5 inches

Time to celebrate! Lets Stay up all night! Drink a ton of milk! throw up on our clothes! etc

Maybe I'll tell my birth story later. But for now this is my first blog post since the baby, so typing with one hand, and cradling/binky  balancing with the other makes me feel like I just successfully tightrope walked across two large buildings.

Photos: 1 month

Life: 4 more days

originally published nov 8, 2014

Of course we know he won't actually come on the 12th. How often does that happen? But, in all honestly I would gladly take him if he came yesterday.

 I was huge for halloween. A huge person with a cold. I don't have a picture actually, but I'm sure you can imagine. However, my costume didn't prevent me from eating candy, and staying up past midnight watching Nosferatu. I don't think that movie counts as a horror movie, unless the horror rests entirely on his creepy fingers. Also, did anyone even think of running away from him? Maybe something was lost in translation.

It also snowed, which was a little scary. Mr. Wood took some pictures for the occasion.

  With the little snow flurries there weren't many trick or treaters out. Which was a little disappointing, but what can you do?'

   So the seasons are definitely changing here, just like our lives. Soon a babe will be here and I will show you all the pictures. But for now we are trying to enjoy our last moments as a relatively mobile childless couple. It feels like my birthday! Ladies in the ward took me out to dinner, and girls nights are always so appreciated and more needed then one realizes. Mr. Wood took me to Five Guys for a dinner, a walk around the mall and a look at the little pet shop puppies (neither of which convinced babe of the awesomeness in the world that he should come see). We also went to see a movie at the theater. Fancy right? 

   Mr. Wood and a friend are currently hammering away to get the new floor down in the bedroom. With everyone around me offering niceties and help I feel thoroughly pampered. The baby is probably feeling pampered too, because he is getting too comfortable in the womb. 

   So as we float on this wave of anticipation I invite you to join a long. Tell us what do you think, when will the first born come? How much will he weigh? How long will he be? What will his name be?

  All will be revealed in good time. Until then, here is another picture of the seasons to come, and you should all come over for pies and things.

all pictures courtesy of Mr. Wood this week !

WIWOW: Slowing down and hurrying up

originally published oct 23, 2014

I currently get a great satisfaction by slowing down and resting, for a cause! That being said I also feel that distinct urge to hurry up and get every little thing ready. So one thing at a time.

Okay, for this "What I'm Working on Wednesday", here is the actual project that is getting some attention this week. That glorious robe that will cover my backside while I walk around the maternity ward at the hospital. Mr. Wood and I finished our baby class (yes we took the fast tracked version) and were rewarded with a tour of the maternity ward. All I can say is two words: Jacuzzi. Tub.

Yeah--as in jacuzzi-tub. Don't be too jealous. I'm hoping I actually get to use that. Glamming it up, labor style.

So the robe:

Hopefully it gets to come with us to the hospital, if not you won't see me beating myself up about it. Like with many stages in life pregnancy is full of moments of triumph/excitement, often quickly followed by a sneaky snide little monster comment.

Example: (snide comments represented in italics, because they think they are always better than other comments)

"We got a carseat!!"

"It has been 2 months and you still haven't taken the carseat out of the box, come on..I mean really?"

"Our baby is going to be so cute! And have our big noses!"

"Really? Noses? Why aren't you reading up every piece of literature learning to control your bodies labor pains so you don't have to douse your baby in modern medicine? You won't care about noses when your baby comes out soaked in anesthesia."

"Actually I think the baby's nose will be way cute."

"Yeah? Well what about how the bassinet sheet you have doesn't match your curtains?"

Anyways. I know you know what I'm talking about. Luckily I don't have real life snide monster comments from people (thank you). Also, when I imagine my little snide monster commenting in italics it is easier to realize how ridiculous and snobby she is. I think sometimes it is good to just brush off the inner monster comments. But sometimes it is good to recognize them. There is no weakness in recognition. I should take the car seat out of the box, but I shouldn't get weighed down by monster voice, because how long will that really take? 10 minutes max right?  Like 6 to find the scissors and some more to cut the box open?

In other news, Autumn is beautiful here, as promised. Mr. Wood and I went out for a walk this Sunday at St. Patricks park in South Bend. It was beautiful and smelled wonderful. Even on a gray day we were filled with the beauty of nature. Till next week.