This week Alexis made a grand appearance and was able to spend time with Jameson in the kitchen. While it didn’t exactly turn out how they had anticipated they certainly had their share of laughs. Most families are more thoughtful during the month of December and make note to spend time with family. We are thankful that Alexis gets to spend time with Jamison in the kitchen at least once a month and we make the extra effort to make sure it happens. You only get to experience these years once, and being a parent is so forth it. Find time to spend with each other even when it isn’t holiday season!

Now if you want to find out why the cake didn’t turn out exactly as they anticipated follow the steps below.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 60-70 mins

Servings: approx. 1 dozen

Cake Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 egg whites, room temp
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk or whole milk, room temp

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 pinch salt
1 tbsp whole milk

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES

STEP ONE:

Grease two 8” cake rounds

STEP TWO:

In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside

STEP THREE:

In the mixer cream the butter and sugar. While it is still mixing add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla.

If you are Jamison take a big ole bite out of the butter like it’s an apple. The rest of us just gagged at that thought!

STEP FOUR:

Alternate by adding the flour and buttermilk until the both are fully mixed.

This is where things get a little hairy. I was outside playing football when I heard a bang on the window. Alexis is standing there yelling something about buttermilk. I left her with the powdered buttermilk and forgot to tell her to make it into a liquid. I was in hysterics both on the day of the lesson and while replaying the footage. If you can remember I almost did the same thing with the Halloween Cake!

Alexis tried to improvise (she isn’t one for following directions) and added an unmeasurable amount Egg Nog since we didn’t have milk. I believe I heard her tell Jamison it was to “honor the Christmas spirit”. The result was interesting. Yes I will describe it as “interesting”!

STEP FIVE:

Bake for 30 - 35 mins then let cool before icing.

While the cake is baking whip together the frosting.

Using a mixer, cream the butter. Then add the confectioners sugar slowly.

Add the salt, milk, cream and vanilla. Combine until fluffy.

*Add milk, cream or vanilla to suit your flavor.

**When I gave Alexis the recipe I didn’t read all the way through it and there was a twist. Leaving her again, with a disaster. In the beginning of the lesson I gave her hints of what to do which was driving her loonie! I’ve been known to try to control things, so I went outside to play football. We both should have read through the recipe prior to starting. The recipe called for the mixture to be whisked over a double boiler. I quickly jumped in and created the frosting from the Santa Cupcakes.

STEP SIX:

While the cake was cooling get the fondant ready. Each piece will need to be kneaded and rolled out.

STEP SEVEN:

Once the cake is cooled apply the frosting evenly over the cake. Don’t be afraid if it is not perfect. Remember, it is more about learning and time spent together, not the final perfect Pinterest product.

After it is covered apply the ribbon and polka dots to the cake.