BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

    
     Not only was yesterday our Nation's Independence Day, it was my friend's birthday (and mine, the day before!). Our families and friends got together to celebrate all the special occasions, and I was in charge of desserts... 

    
 In honor of our Nation's birthday...



"Fruited Plains" Layer Cake
     (This cake is so light. It's perfect for a hot summer evening!)


1 white cake mix
3 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups whipped cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 quart sliced strawberries (save one pretty whole berry)
1/2 pint fresh blueberries


(Basically follow the instructions on the cake mix box...but use whole eggs (instead of just egg whites) and use milk in place of the water). Mix the batter and pour into a Demarle at Home Deep Round Mold or two greased and floured 9 inch round pans. (DO NOT USE OIL, BUTTER, or NON-STICK SPRAY in the mold!) Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick, when inserted into the middle, comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan...


While the cake is baking,  whip the cream in a chilled bowl,  until peaks begin to form. Fold in the powdered sugar. Chill until ready to use.


Unmold the cake onto a separate plate, flip it over, level the top, then flip it onto the serving plate, flattest side up.


With a serrated edge knife, slice the cake into 2 layers. Set the top layer aside.


Spread whipped cream on the top of the first layer. Cover this layer with sliced strawberries, allowing the berries to overlap the edge (so it will show when topped with the next layer).


Top with the next layer of cake, flat "uncut" side on top. Spread with whipped cream, then top with blueberries (LOTS). Add a generous dollop of whipped cream in the center of the cake and top with the whole strawberry. 


Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.


(I had originally planned for this cake to be a 4 layer dessert...using 2 cake mixes and 4 cups of heavy cream, but the second cake was not cool enough in time. Actually, the size was perfect...and I had an additional cake to prepare for our personal use.)


*** I also made "George Washington's Cherry Pies on a Stick". But that's for another post.


Here's a little tease...

I'll share this next week.....

Jane

Check out Foodie Friday...there are some fabulous recipes posted this week....