The "Cake Bible"

Many of you know that I LOVE to cook and bake. So, for Christmas Ben got me a cookbook called the "Cake Bible." There are 130 different dessert recipes in it. Last weekend I was looking through it, since I have yet to use it because we have been so busy with our adoption. There are so many great recipes; but I realized there are several that I would never think to make. I'm sure they are great, but they would never be the one that I would pick when I chose a recipe to make.

So, I decided to bake my way through the Cake Bible. And before you say anything... yes I realize this is like the move "Julie and Julia" and no that is not why I am doing it. In fact, I haven't even seen the movie (although, admittedly I might not have thought of it otherwise). It's really a way for us to try all the recipes, and I'm sure there will be several that we will really like that I would never have thought to make. The plan is to make one per week going in the order laid out in the book (alphabetical) to make sure no recipe gets missed. Ben has graciously agreed to rate each recipe.

In addition, the idea is to make each recipe as directed - no shortcuts (i.e. I actually have to sift the dry ingredients) or substitutions (i.e. if the recipe calls for superfine sugar, no using regular granulated sugar). I'm hoping not to have to order too many ingredients! :)

This little project (again, NOT trying to copy the move... even though I agree that it certainly seems like it) started last weekend with the Almond Cake. This is a good example of one that I would NEVER have picked out to make.

The batter was so much lighter and fluffier than any cake I had made before - could be that I actually sifted the dry ingredients and didn't cut any corners :0)

VERDICT:

Although the ingredients are a little expensive (mostly the ground almond) and somewhat obscure (unless you know what you are looking for) the cake was actually pretty easy/basic to make.

A little plain looking, but it has a wonderful texture that is light like an angel food cake but actually dense and filling like a pound cake at the same time (I realize that sounds a little odd, but it's hard to describe any other way... I guess I'm going to have to work on my descriptions). A great almond flavor, especially if you like almonds - although I'm not a big almond fan and I still really enjoyed it.

Overall, Ben gave this one a score of 7. Although I will say that my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law both raved about it. I definitely think it was worth trying, it far exceeded my expectations of an "Almond" cake.

And just because... here is a picture of Reeves first ride on a carousel.

And before you think "why isn't she on the horse with him"... they wouldn't let me. Apparently that's aginst the rules - although it seems safer to me.