{delightful} 13 year old's birthday cake

photo by ann west

It is my daughters 13 birthday this weekend. Do I want to cry or cheer??? Ok I am a little torn about her reaching this milestone. Our relationship is changing ... sad to see my young little girl grow but I soooo love the depth of our relationship now. A teenager. She deserves a wonderful cake at the very least. I am looking forward to spending some time making this cake. I hope I can let the memories flood in and the anticipation of what comes next excite me. She is an awesome girl... fun, creative, sensitive, loving. I love her dearly and I hope it shows. This one is for you my dear daughter of 13.

yellow cake with chocolate icing by ann west

yellow cake -

cream together :

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter soft

2 cups sugar

add & mix well:

4 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

sift together:

1 1/2 cups cake flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbls baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk ( I like to bake with whole buttermilk) add in 2 tsp vanilla

Alternate mixing into the butter mixture the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture and mix well. Pour into prepared cake pans. (Let the Birthday girl lick the bowl). Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. Don't over cook.

chocolate ganache frosting...

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate

1 cup heavy cream

2 tbls sugar

2 tbls light corn syrup

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla

I based this recipe on one that I got from epicurious. I think they said it was Chef, Ed Kasky's. I decreased the amount of chocolate for cost and added vanilla because (chocolate and vanilla make the ultimate pair). If you have never frosted a cake with a ganache... its time. It is lovely to spread - it goes on like silk. This recipe makes just enough for a 9 in double layer cake. I hope you enjoy!