Monday, November 4, 2013

Holiday Suggestion - Christmas Snacking Cake

Even enjoyable work, like decorating the house for Christmas, can get everyone hungry for a little something to sustain energy and Christmas Spirit. This is an easy cake with lots of scope for personal changes and touches.

Christmas Snacking Cake
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated zest of one lemon
Pinch ground nutmeg
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with vegetable oil spray.

Cream together the butter, sugar, salt in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time and beat until light and fluffy. In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Add to the butter mixture along with the milk and mix to combine. Add the vanilla, zest, and nutmeg and stir to mix. Beat for one minute then pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the center is set and bounces back when touched gently. Cool for 15 minutes then ice with lemon glaze (recipe to follow). Sprinkle with toasted nuts, tiny Christmas candies, or leave plain. Cut into squares and provide to your hungry workers as needed.

Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon extract
enough fresh lemon juice to form a glaze

Ideas . . .
Chocolate Glaze - 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, milk to form a glaze
Cinnamon & Sugar Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on warm cake

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