Let's be honest. I've started writing this post about twelve times. I've deleted it twelve times. I feel like I'm in a movie where a writer types a few pathetic words on the page, pauses, and then rips the paper out of the typewriter with a huff, crumples it into a ball, and then throws the ball towards the corner of the room where a lone trash bin stands among piles of crumpled balls of paper.
It makes me wish typewriters were still en vogue so that I may be that cool. But, sadly, I hardly remember ever using a typewriter, as I am a child of the 80s and 90s, using clunky computers emblazoned with the multicolored Apple logo and floppy disks.
For now, the delete button on my gorgeous MacBook will have to suffice.
With that out of the way, you will have to understand why this post is going to be short and sweet - and probably not funny (also, as a note, I cannot make witty titles anymore, as I am trying to increase traffic to the blog, and titles like "Ja Bloo Ble, Me la Poo" will not easily come up in a Google Search for some odd reason).
Stephanie, from Confessions of a City Eater (click for recipe), chose the cover recipe from Baking: From My Home to Yours. We've all been yearning for this cake. And for good reason. This cake is good. Dorie knows the way to my heart: Chocolate, complimented by chocolate, with some chocolate added in for some texture.
The icing was interesting and definitely something that I've never made, or even tried, before. It was a bit too sweet for me, and I think if I make it next time, I will reduce the amount of vanilla, but I did want to dance in its pillowy nature.
My boyfriend said, "I feel like a lot of stuff you make is too sweet. You know why? Because your hands are made of sugar."
Rarely does my boyfriend speak with a cheese of this nature.
That said, I really did not like the frosting. The light, billowy nature was interesting and light, but the aftertaste of the cream of tartar combined with the syrupy-sweet flavor was just too much. Next time I make this cake, I will use this recipe for cream cheese frosting, which I will forever use on any cake, no matter what it is, because it is amazing.
My favorite part, however, was decorating the cake. This cake is an impressive looking cake, but lets face it, it is what I like to call "An Artistic Mess". I slathered marshmallow frosting on the cake with wreckless abandon. I then took crumpled cake and smacked in onto the side with no rhyme or reason. We all know my decorating capabilities. This was no dragon with boobs, my friends. This was a work of art.
A work of art that I need to get out of my house immediately, because this is a cake that will be the downfall of my diet. I worked out for 90 minutes yesterday and still gained a pound because I couldn't keep my hands off of the cake. I can't pawn it off on to coworkers, as I did just bring in these red velvet cupcakes and I fear they will organize a revolt on me as a retaliation for the weight they have gained since I began employment at the company.
Devils Food is the perfect name for this cake, because it will be the death of my diet.
Click here for more ... if you dare.
Oh my, your cake looks amazing! You're right, this cake definitely is well named! I made cupcakes and gave some away but ate more than I should.
Posted by: Leslie | February 17, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Your cake looks great, very tasty!!
Posted by: Marthe | February 17, 2009 at 08:47 AM
You're funny, even when you say you're not!
Love the cake! Looks fab! That frosting looks Fluf-fy! nice!
Posted by: Sabrina | February 17, 2009 at 09:02 AM
The cake looks gorgeous. Hopefully you can find someone to help you eat it. =)
Posted by: Di | February 17, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Your cake looks amazing, glad you loved it!
Posted by: Andrea | February 17, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Ha Ha Teanna....I still laughed even if you are trying to increase traffic. BTW what's your secret weapon? Great job on the "cake art." I think your last photo looks beautiful and don't worry about those coworkers. Its a free country, at least the last time I checked. Those calories the "enjoy" are so totally worth it.
thanks for your nice comments and yes I love living on the edge.
AmyRuth
Posted by: AmyRuth | February 17, 2009 at 10:48 AM
My husband put a cheesy baking line on my Valentine's Day card that cannot be repeated. I think your BF's line is smoooooooth. Oh, and I hope that you don't abandon your witty post titles! Maybe you can use them as subheadings? Your cake looks incredible. I'd have to rush it out of the house too!
Posted by: Cathy | February 17, 2009 at 10:55 AM
What a great cake. It looks so moist! My favorite part was smashing the cake crumbs on!
Posted by: Michelle | February 17, 2009 at 10:58 AM
You did such a great job.
Your boyfriend is so sweet.
Posted by: chocolatechic | February 17, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Your photos look great, Teanna! Why did I have the same problem writing my post? I couldn't think of a single witty thing to say about this cake. Oh well, there's always next week!
Posted by: Melissa | February 17, 2009 at 11:36 AM
The layering looks great. Nice job. This TWD thing is like that commercial for weight watchers where the furry hunger monster keeps popping up with donuts and cookies all day throwing them at people and dancing around.
Posted by: Sara | February 17, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I love the thickness of your frosting! It looks so nice and billowy.
Posted by: Steph | February 17, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Your cake looks fantastic, well done :)
Posted by: farah | February 17, 2009 at 12:56 PM
This looks just lovely! Nice!
Posted by: iahawk89 | February 17, 2009 at 01:12 PM
I am butt-ass old because I can remember typewriters. Briefly, but I still remember them!
I am also dieting (going to South Beach in April) and this cake will be my downfall, I know it. But I don't care . . . I will make it tonight!
I love that bottom pic . . . it wants to climb out and hop on my hip. ;)
Posted by: Sugar B | February 17, 2009 at 02:01 PM
This cake forced me to grill tofu for dinner but it was worth it. I liked the frosting but I think I have a high tolerance for sweet the way some people have a high tolerance for the hooch.
Posted by: Kelly D | February 17, 2009 at 03:01 PM
Your cake looks great ! I've been avoiding my scale since a very (too) long time !!I bet your colleagues gained some weight !!
Posted by: natalia | February 17, 2009 at 03:13 PM
So funny! I wrote about typewriters on my post, too. But I actually made it all the way through law school using the things. My daughter found my old typewriter and was enchanted, I tell you. This cake is sitting in my fridge calling to me. Totally evil.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy (n.o.e.) | February 17, 2009 at 03:42 PM
You haven't lost your touch --- you still make me laugh! Beautiful job on the cake!!
Posted by: Linda | February 17, 2009 at 03:49 PM
I really, really should have sent the leftovers of this cake to work with my husband, as the remains are calling my name... And I haven't done 90 minutes on the treadmill! (I guess I'll have to add that to my "to do" list, 1. Don't eat cake. 2. Exercise. 3. If I do eat cake, exercise MORE.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 17, 2009 at 04:50 PM