Chocolate Cake with Fudgy Frosting and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

For this cake, I used Betty Crocker's gluten-free chocolate cake mix. I had to work all day on Saturday and make this cake for Mother's Day on Sunday. I didn't have time to mess around so I used a mix. One of sisters is gluten-free and I wanted her to be able to partake but you could really use any chocolate cake mix (or from scratch, of course!)  

The stars of this cake are the fudgy frosting and the chocolate-covered strawberries. The key to making chocolate-covered strawberries (or any fruit) is to dry the berries thoroughly after washing. This is key - moisture is chocolate's enemy and will cause the chocolate to seize (become chunky and gross). Melting the chocolate in a double-boiler or in a bowl set over a pot of hot water works well for dipping. I melted some white chocolate chips in the microwave for drizzling. White chocolate chips scorch easily so it's important to heat in increments of 10-15 seconds and then stir to finish melting. 

  

 Easy Fudgy Frosting
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli)
1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1.  Melt chocolate chips over a hot water bath. You can use this chocolate to dip the strawberries.
2. Combine melted chocolate, butter and salt in mixing bowl. Mix on low until butter is melted and combined.
3. Add powdered sugar. Mix on low until combined then beat on high for a minute or so.

MayDay Parade 2013

 Bearded man wearing a tutu? Check. Little dog wearing a tutu? Check. Dreads everywhere, tie-dyed everything, hacky-sack, tall bikes, and giant puppets and community activism at its best? Check, check, check, check, check, and major check.

The MayDay parade is always one big lovefest and this year was no exception. The Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre holds workshops every year and the whole community gets together to create this amazing event. This year was the 39th year for the festival!

The weather cooperated (we had snow just two days prior!) and it was a beautiful day for a parade. I'm grateful to all the volunteers and people who work so hard to put this awesome event together every year.  

http://hobt.org/mayday/festival/

Caturday - The Phantom Meow-ness

 May the Fourth be with you! It's Star Wars day so I bring you this special Caturday post. Originally, I thought there was something jedi-like about this picture of Simon. Now I'm thinking it's a little more Jabba the Hut, with all of the blanket folds. What do you think?

Caturday - Spring Edition

This is my sister's kitty, Lion-o. He loves coconut water. Apparently he also loves coconut ice milk but he's not getting any today. For humans only.

Orange Roses and Bird (Drawing)

Sorry for the lack of Caturday posting yesterday. I had to work all day (blergh) and had an event to go to last night. Maybe I'll make up for it with two cat pictures next week?

Anyway, here's one of my latest MS Paint drawings that I did at work. I probably won't have too many more of these since my job has changed and I have less down time. I love turquoise and orange together!

Maybe someday there will be actual real live flowers growing outdoors. I'm staring to doubt that we are going to get any spring here in Minnesota. We might just jump right into summer. My sister pointed out today that the summer solstice is exactly two months from today. What?! I know that can't be true because I am staring out the window at a yard full of snow and slush.

Caturday - Simon's New Specs

 Here is Simon's latest disguise. Time to make up a caption! 

What do you think?

Spring Has Not Sprung

Here is a little drawing I made at work the other day.

C'mon, Spring!