Disney and Devil's Food

We're back! We got home Saturday night from California. Just above are all the kids at a gas station on the drive home. Poor Sam got a cold and is sick and miserable.

I knew there were bound to be lines at Disneyland during Fall break. What I didn't anticipate were the lines packed full of Mormons. There was a blue sea of proud Cougars, resplendent in knee-length shorts, CTR rings, and Y hats covering many thinning pates. A perfect storm of Mesa, AZ and Utah County Mormons on Fall break.

Ross and Jane were fearless, riding every coaster in both parks. Sam didn't really have the stomach for the faster rides, but he did attempt Space Mountain, though he hated every second of it. The Haunted Mansion-turned-Nightmare Before Christmas, and Grizzly River were a big hit with everyone.

Instead of blogging since I've returned, I've been recuperating (reading my book in my bed, wearing yoga pants all day, generally neglecting my appearance). Jake beat me to the laundry again. The man is a genius with dirty clothes.

Yesterday was Jen's birthday! I made her a cake and took it over. Andrew and the kids got home from Disneyworld last night.

Here is the cake: This is my own recipe! (Well, sorta...)

Kelly's Devil's Food Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

1/2 c. shortening

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 c. sour milk or buttermilk (I put 1 tbsp. lemon juice in 1 c. milk and let it rest for 20 minutes if I don't have buttermilk)

2 c. sifted cake flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt (scant)

1 tsp. vanilla

2 squares unsweetened baking chocolate

2-3 drops red food coloring

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter (not margarine)

2 tsp. vanilla

2-3 tbsp. milk

Cake: Beat shortening, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk, soda, salt, vanilla and flour: mix. Add 2 squares grated unsweetened baking chocolate, melted in 1/2 c. boiling water. Beat mixture. Add food coloring. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Cool and frost.

Frosting: Heat 1/2 cup butter over medium heat until light to medium brown. Watch carefully, it turns quickly! Cool (I stick it in the freezer). When it is solidified, in a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar cool brown butter and vanilla. Beat in milk until smooth and spreadable. Add more sugar and regular butter if you need more frosting.