Stir-Crazy Cake

I have never been a baker, though I have gotten a bit more adventurous since my husband bought me a stand mixer for Christmas.  Still, even those adventures have been more of the cookie-type (and the occasional boxed cake mix).  In fact, never have I ever made a cake from scratch...until this unbelievable recipe that I will continue to make again and again.  Honestly, I was initially somewhat skeptical about this cake that not only doesn't require a mixer, but doesn't even require a bowl!  All of the ingredients are simple enough, and they are all combined in the very pan in which you bake the cake.  This cake is so moist and delicious that I was afraid that I was going to eat the whole thing myself - so I shared with my neighbor and my mother-in-law, who both gave it rave reviews as well.  Had I known that making a cake from scratch could be this easy, I would have done it long ago!

This recipe is one of the many delicious recipes that I made from Weeknight Dinners by Gooseberry Patch, which has quickly become one of my favorites.  For more of our reviews on this fantastic and family-friendly cookbook, please check out our posts for Italian Baked Chicken and Savory Onion Roasted Veggies, which also hail from Weeknight Dinners.

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INGREDIENTS:

• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup oil
• 2 Tbsp vinegar
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups cold brewed coffee or water (I used cold instant decaf rather than brewing a pot of coffee) 
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Add flour, 1-1/2 cups of the sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt to an ungreased 13"x9" metal baking pan.  Stir with a fork to mix.
2. Use a spoon to form 3 wells in the flour mixture.  Pour oil into one well, vinegar into one well, and vanilla into one well.  Pour cold coffee or water over all ingredients; stir quickly with fork until well mixed.  Do not beat.
3. Combine cinnamon and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar; sprinkle evenly over batter.  Bake for 35-40 minutes, until cake tests done with a toothpick.

Difficulty: I never knew making a cake from scratch could possibly be this easy

Time: 10 minutes prep; 35-40 baking
Source: Weeknight Dinners by Gooseberry Patch, copyright 2012

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Italian Baked Chicken

You'd be surprised how much more kid-friendly everything becomes when you give it a catchy name-Meatless Monday or Tex-Mex Tuesday.  This catchy name also provides a handy meal template for each week's meal plan.  Using a meal plan can help you save money, save time, and save your sanity.  I found Gooseberry Patch's Weeknight Dinners to be the essential cookbook for a busy family trying to put varied, quick, and delicious meals on the table.  

I spent a lot of time cooking meals from the Tex-Mex Tuesday and Wednesday is Italian Night sections of the cookbook.  Fast and amazingly appetizing, this recipe became my early favorite.  My husband immediately requested that I make it again.   We've had it three times in a month!  My girls loved the Meatball Stuffed Shells which incorporated their two favorite foods.

Maybe I am a bit sentimental but I really enjoy reading the recipe introductions; they help me slow down.  The memory associated with this recipe is of a mom teaching her children to cook and plan; each child made a dish once a week. I filed that tip away for my kids-as soon as they can reach the stove controls.  This cookbook is filled with family friendly meals, time saving tips, and great bits of food wisdom.

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INGREDIENTS:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fat-free or regular Italian salad dressing
• 1/2 cup margarine, sliced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 t. garlic powder or granulated garlic

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place chicken in a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking pan.  Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan; cook over low heat until margarine melts.
3. Drizzle over chicken.
4. Bake uncovered at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

Time:  10 minute prep; 45 minutes baking time

Source: Gooseberry Patch's Weeknight Dinners, copyright 2012

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