it was all too real to me

Finally, a weekend that I can relax AND get things done around the house!
That's right, it's SPRING CLEANING time, and I'm almost done.
I've been so busy with school lately, that I've completely neglected my poor apartment. I hate cleaning as much as the next girl, but sometimes 'ya gotta do, what ya gotta do'.

I even felt good enough and had the time to bake two cakes. I was proud of myself, because I made them both FROM SCRATCH!! I had never done that before, I have always used mixes, but I love a challenge. I made one for my good friend, Tiffany, and one for my boo, Aaron. Both of them have given me great reviews, so I decided to post the recipes that I used for you all to see.

Vanilla Cake:

2 sticks butter, softened
1 3/4 c. sugar
3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
4 eggs (separate)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. milk

Beat yolks, sugar and butter. Add flour, milk, baking powder and vanilla. Beat egg whites slightly. Add shake of salt. Turn into other bowl. Mix. Pour in square aluminum pan. Flour and grease. Bake at 350 degrees until done, 40-50 minutes.

[If you do two or more layers, which is what I did, it only takes 25-30 mins to bake]


Chocolate Icing:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups confectioners’ sugar

In a large bowl, combine butter and cocoa; beat until well mixed. Add in the milk, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.

I topped them with sliced Almonds. Adds a nice texture.

My best friend, Matt, has started a blog. If you get a chance, check it out and welcome him to the world of blogging.