Coca Cola Cake

Has anyone ever heard of Coca Cola Cake?

Ya - me neither.

From the limited information that's out there, it sounds like it's an American thing - very popular in the deep South.  And it's been around forever.  In fact, it seems that the earliest published recipe was found in The Charleston Gazette in August 1952, submitted by Mrs. E.D. Greer.

Then, in 1997, the Cracker Barrel chain of restaurants introduced a modified version of the cake to their menu (albeit at first intermittently, but permanently in 2009).  When people think of Cracker Barrel, they immediately associate Coca Cola Cake with the restaurant.

Or so my research says.

I have no idea if that's true.  Because I've never eaten at a Cracker Barrel restaurant.  Mom!?  Maybe this year?????

Now.  With an old, popular recipe like this, there is bound to be a number of variations out there.  And, in fact, there are.  Some versions have pecans added.  Some versions have marshmallows.  Some versions have both.

The one we're trying today is the Cracker Barrel version.  No nuts, no marshmallows.  Pretty plain Jane.  Although, those are not the words I would use to describe this cake.

 

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter.

 

Then add the Coke.

 

Next in the pool, the oil.

 

And the cocoa powder.

 

While the Coke mixture is coming together, get the dry ingredients ready.

 

Add the sugar to a large bowl.

 

Then add the flour.

 

Annnnnnd the salt.

 

Stir it all together, then add the Coke mixture.

 

Stir in the eggs, add the baking soda.

 

And lastly, the vanilla and the buttermilk.

 

Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch pan and bake.

 

While the cake is in the oven, make the frosting.  Combine the butter, cocoa, and milk in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted.  Add in the vanilla and icing sugar and stir until combined.

 

After the cake has been pulled out of the oven - let it sit for about 10 minutes.  Then pour the icing on  top of the cake and allow to cool completely.

 

Oh man, I loved this cake.  Easy, uncomplicated, moist, a tender crumb, delicious icing. Chocolatey, but not too over the top.  Not too sweet.

It's fricking awesome.

Cracker Barrel serves theirs with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream - which would be delightful.  If you're into that kind of thing.  I actually don't like cake and ice cream.  Mostly because I talk too much and the ice cream melts and then the cake is soggy.  Which makes me sad face.

Either way, with ice cream or without, this cake is a must-do if you want a super-delicious dessert but don't have a ton of time to invest.

Enjoy!

xoxo - Heather

Thin Crust Pizza

If you know anything about me - know this.

I don't like thin crust pizza.

Well, that's not totally true.  I still like thin crust pizza - but I don't APPRECIATE it as much as a soft, pillowy thick crust. 

Until I met this crust. 

I'm not TOTALLY converted - but when I suddenly decide I need to change things up in the pizza department (which is rare), I've been going for this crust.

Compared to the recipe I normally use, this one is quick and simple and fairly un-involved.  The dough is made in a food processor.  You could probably make it by hand if you're so inclined.  But it's so EEEEEEASY in the food processor!

 

In the bowl, combine the flour,

 

Sugar, 

 

and yeast.

 

Then put the lid on and press the pulse button a few times to mix it all together.

 

Then turn the processor to On and start slowly drizzling in the water through the feed tube on the top of the machine.

 

Whir it (that's a very technical term, I know) until well combined and there is no dry flour left.  Then it's gotta hang out in there for like 10 minutes.

 

Then add in the salt.

 

And the vegetable oil.

 

And process (or whir it) until the dough is sticky and shiny and pulls away from the side of the bowl.

 

Now here's where things get sticky.  Literally.  Make sure you oil your hands and the counter where you're going to knead the dough - because you're going to just give it a little kneading.  About a minute, just until the dough is smooth like in the picture below.

 

If you choose to SKIP the oily hands and counter, I can guarantee you that it will be a giant sticky mess and you're going to be really mad at me.  

 



Then things get dicey here too.  The recipe says that you should put the dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover tightly with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.  I've made it early in the afternoon and had it for supper later that evening and it was totally fine.

I'm not sure and totally guessing when I say that that looooong sit causes the gluten has time to strengthen or lengthen or get strong or flavor is magically imbued into the dough or something like that.  Honestly, I have no clue.  Sometimes food is so mysterious.

Anyway, after a 24 hour sit or 4 hour sit (cook's choice) take the dough out of the fridge, divide it in half and cover lightly with oil then saran wrap, and let sit on the counter for about an hour. 

 

After an hour or so (a couple of times I forgot about it!) take one of the halves of dough and press it into a circle about 8 inches around - try to press out the dough so the edges are thicker than the middle.  Then start stretching the edges of the dough out into a 10- 11 inch circle.  If you want it a little thinner, it can go to 12 - 13 inches.  It's totally up to you.  I've done it both ways and it's completely delightful either way.

 

Then there's the baking part.  The original recipe says to put a pizza stone in the oven, preheat the oven to 500 degrees F, and let the stone heat for the hour that the dough is resting on the counter.  Which is fine if you don't forget about the dough and it sits on the counter for 3 hours and you can't figure out what that clicking sound is.  I've actually just started the stone preheat part when I go in to stretch out the dough and put on the toppings.  Both works equally fine.

Once the dough is stretched and the toppings are on, bake in the preheated oven for 10 - 12 minutes - to your preference.  I like mine golden and chewy, so I like to keep it on the short back time - but if you like your pizza crispy and dark brown, bake it a little longer.  Just keep an eye on things in the oven - it goes from done to burnt right lickety-split. 

Pull the pizza out of the oven, let stand for 5 - 10 minutes, then dive in.

 

I love how full of flavor, chewy, and wonderful this crust is. 

 

My favorite way to have this particular pizza is with 4 cheeses.  No sauce.  Just cheese.  Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterey Jack.  And if I'm feeling super-wild, I like to slice up a couple of basil leaves and drop those on. 

So yummy. 

I realize this dough takes a little planning - but trust me.  Even if you're a thick crust aficionado - you will more than likely LOVE this crust.

My favorite way to have this particular pizza is with 4 cheeses.  No sauce.  Just cheese.  Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterey Jack.  And if I'm feeling super-wild, I like to slice up a couple of basil leaves and drop those on. 

So yummy. 

I realize this dough takes a little planning - but trust me.  Even if you're a thick crust aficionado - you will more than likely LOVE this crust.

Wanna know a secret?  I catered a party for 30 people in February.  One of the dishes I served was three different types of thin crust pizza.  And this is the recipe I used. 

I had never used it before.

And it was a hit.

Thank goodness. 

And now it's a regular part of my personal repertoire and people always love it when I make it.

I KNOW you will too!

Oh.  One more thing.  Invest in a pizza peel with a handle like this one.  Then - when you're stretching out the dough, flour the peel really well and put the dough on it.  Just make sure the dough isn't sticking to the peel or you'll have a new problem on your hands (yep - it's happened to me).  The oven is going to be REALLY HOT when you put the pizza in.  You can also put the pizza on some parchment paper and slide it onto the stone - or whatever works for you.  I've done direct on the stone and on parchment on the stone and I like it both ways!

My Top 10 Favorite Posts of 2014

Although 2014 was somewhat - slow - in the posting department, the huge factor in the yumminess department was NOT disappointing!

My favorite from this year are do-overs, old-fashioned do-overs, sweetness, and all so amazing!

Some of the ones I chose for this list are the same was what landed on the 10 Most Popular list, some are not.

Here they are in no particular order.

1.  Root Beer Float Cream Pie

Creamy, light, flavorful - this pie would have been totally at home in an old-fashioned malt Shoppe.  And thanks to a little tidbit from my girl Kim - I have since discovered that root beer concentrate can be picked up at Bulk Barn or Michael's.  I totally love this pie.  Pretty it up with some Maraschino cherries and it would be the most perfect summer-time - or summer-time reminiscent dessert!

 

 

2.  Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

 

This would be the perfect recipe to feed someone who thinks chicken is boring.  Sweet, smoky, and tender - this recipe absolutely rocks.  Serve it on egg noodles or rice - or even mashed potatoes if you're so inclined.  Impressive and easy - it's definitely one of my most favorite chicken recipes.

 

 

 

 

3.  Shrimp and Champagne Cream Pasta

 

I'm pretty proud of this dish.  The original recipe is not my own, but (in my opinion) the changes that I made to it DO make it my own!  It's so impressive that you could serve it to company on a special occasion, or to your sweetheart on a special day.  In my case, I would whip it out on a Friday night, just because.  Oh - and Make sure that after you stir in the noodles, you let it stand for a little bit - it thickens even further.  And have LOTS of soft delicious bread.

 

 

 

 

4.  Flapper Pie

 

A very, VERY old recipe, popular in the Prairies of Canada, Flapper Pie is straight out of my Grandmother's cookbook.  It consists of a very simple custard on a cinnamon-flavored graham crust and topped with meringue.  I loved it.

 

 

 

5.  Beer Cheese Soup

 

I love soup.  I love thick, creamy, stick-to-your-ribs kind of soup.  This soup is no exception.  Although not the healthiest of soups around, it is so delicious I can hardly stand it.  And, while I'm not using Wisconsin cheese, it's a Wisconsin tradition to top beer cheese soup with popcorn.  I know it sounds super-weird, but I LOVED it.  And it totally works - don't knock it until you try it.

 

 

 

6.  Garlicky Mashed Potatoes

 

Talk about comfort food at it's finest.  Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic, cheese, and crispy fried onions on top.  I loved it because it's packed full of flavor and it's perfect as a side for when you don't have gravy from a roast.  Seriously do it.

 

 

 

7.  Molten Lava Cakes

 

Once upon a time, I thought that this dessert was something we could only order in a restaurant.  I had no idea how actually easy it would be!  I love this recipe because, while all the ingredients are totally accessible, it's easily adjustable to 2, 4, or 6 servings.  As for toppings, I've served it with powdered sugar, topped it with homemade caramel sauce and pink sea salt, and served it bare.  You could top it with whipped cream, fresh fruits - really, whatever your heart desires.

 

 

 

8.  Sesame Shrimp Stirfy

 

This was one of the first recipes I ever talked about on this blog.  I re-blogged it this year, with pictures, and it is still one of my favorite shrimp dishes.  I like mine on rice - but noodles would be yummy too!  Tons of flavor in an easy stirfry, I totally recommend it.

 

 

 

9.  Spaghetti and Meatballs

 

Spaghetti and Meatballs wasn't something we had too often in my house while we were growing up.  Don't get me wrong - my Mom makes a fantastic meat sauce, but I don't remember her ever making meatballs and pasta.  But that's okay!  It's a good thing that Michelle (The Brown Eyed Baker) has an Italian Grandma who makes incredible food!  The sauce is thick and grabs on to the pasta and the meatballs are packed full of flavor and are incredibly tender.  I totally loved this pasta dish.

 

 

 

10.  Lobster Risotto

 

This was the last dish I posted this year, but it was my absolute favorite from the whole year.  While visually stunning, it's also decadent, creamy, and full of flavor.  The chunks of lobster are tender and sweet.  The green beans have an exciting snap and add the perfect color and texture in contrast to the rice and lobster.  I would make it any day, for any reason.  I suggest you do the same!

 

 

 

So, there you have it.  My favorite 10 dishes of 2014.  All different, all wonderful!  I'm looking forward to what 2015 has in store for my kitchen!! 

 

All the best to you and yours - and I hope you'll stick around!

 

xoxo - Heather



Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2014

We are getting ready to close out 2014 and start a New Year, for which I'm grateful and full of anticipation.  2014 was........    I don't really know how to describe what 2014 was. 

Busy.  2014 was busy.  lol.  Or whatever.

Are you interested to know which 10 posts you looked at the most? Let's count them down from the bottom to the top.  (yes - I just referenced one of the most popular songs of 2014)

10.  Buttery Honey Beer Bread

Yum.  This quick bread is sweet, savory, and perfect for sopping up stew or soup, or slathering in butter.  The edges are a little crisp - but the inside is a big, soft, crumb. 

 

9.  Beer Cheese Soup

You guys.  This soup.  It is so full of cheese and beer that I can barely stand it.  It's creamy, rich, and totally amazing.  Seriously - it's so worth it.  And don't knock the popcorn.  It's weird, but it totally works.

 



 

8.  Blueberry and Caramelized Shallot Pizza

 

I know it's a little weird. But it's different and sweet and savory and fun!  But for real - don't put it on a whole wheat crust.  Unless you're into that kind of thing.  God that lighting was terrible.  I hate high efficiency bulbs. 

 

 

7. Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers

OMG.  I try soooo hard to eat healthy, but I HATE it when it's boring.  These are NOT boring.  Flavorful and juicy - chockfull of delicious stuff.  They kinda make me "like" healthy food.

 



6.  Skinny Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

 

Woo!  Another "healthy" recipe, that I could actually get behind and insist on having in my kitchen!  Doesn't it look creamy and sinful?  It's really not. 

 

 

 5.  Shrimp and Champagne Cream Pasta

Oh boy.  I'm so in love with this pasta.  I love the creamy decadence.  I love the pasta.  I love the shrimp!  Perfect for impressing visiting company - or that special someone in your life.  Or if you just want to treat yourself.  I find that it thickens after it's been sitting for a bit - so let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

 

 

4. Garlicky Mashed Potatoes

I'm a MAJOR comfort food junkie.  It makes me wildly happy.  These potatoes are no exception.  Full of garlic, cheesy, creamy, and topped with crispy French fried onions - it's the perfect side for when you don't have any gravy and just need something a little different.  Like with ham.  Or meatloaf.  Or Swiss steak.  Whatever your heart desires.

3.  Root Beer Float Cream Pie

When I first started following food blogs, I had no idea about all the "stuff" we can't buy here in Canada.  Biscoff, root beer concentrate, bottled key lime juice, Pilsbury Funfetti cake mix.....  The list is very long.  I brought home root beer concentrate from Florida when I'd been there on a trip with my Mom.  I've made a few things already (the guys I work with are slaves for the Root Beer Float Cookies!), but this Root Beer Float Cream Pie is out of this world delightful.  Dress it up with Maraschino cherries and you've got a winner dessert on your hands that even root beer non-fans will gobble up.  I LOVE this pie.  The only thing is....  You really need root beer concentrate to make it.  Sorry 'bout that.  You can do it without - but I don't think the flavour will be as good.

 



2.  Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

 

This recipe rolled around and around and around on Pinterest.  And when I finally decided to make it, it was absolutely awesome.  Sweet, smoky, tender.  Perfect on egg noodles or rice.  It's been added to my all-time favorite chicken recipes.  Also - it's so easy I could cry.  It was gobbled up by my 4-year old niece, and her Dad too.  Just keep an eye on the red pepper flakes.  If you get too carried away, it'll be too spicy!

And the number 1 most visited recipe for 2014 is.......  Creamy Italian Chicken

This recipe was one I looked at and looked at.  Hummed and hawed.  And decided to give it a whirl.  There's always a frozen pizza in the fridge if it's terrible.  Turns out - it wasn't actually terrible!  Although I thought it desperately needed some color.  Like - if you stirred in peas at the end.  Or added some parsley.  Or whatever.  I served it over rice, but had it on buns the next day and it was perfectly delightful as a hot sandwich!

And there you have it!  Your top 10 of 2014! 

Thank you so much for a wonderful and amazing year!  Best of luck to you and yours in this coming New Year!

xoxo - Heather

PS - stay tuned for MY Top 10 favorites of 2014.