A few weeks ago a big chill came to Portland and its surrounding areas. Everyone started freaking out about the snow and ice we were going to get – everyone but me, that is. You see, I know better. I know my state, and I know that in the particular area where I live, snow is a rare thing. We’re more likely to have freezing rain and ice, which can, of course, be dangerous, but will usually melt away pretty fast. Why? Well, because it’s always raining here, and, of course, the temps will drop, and then we’ll get the ice. But within a few hours to a day, the temps will have receded out of the freezing and into the warmer.
I like snow/ice days, though – they get me in the baking mood. And since my husband stayed home from work (to be on the safe side), and because it was really cold, I figured this was the perfect day to do some baking.
If anyone reads my posts from Catz in the Kitchen, then you know I have a strong love of cake. It runs deep, people. Cake and I are like two peas in a pod. I love it in any form – with frosting or without, plain or glazed, one layer or multiple… you name it. We’re BFFs.
Pound cake is one of my favorites because it’s a blank canvas. You can dress it up or leave it dressed down, and it always tastes good. It’s also an easy treat to wrap up and give to someone you like, because you can find loaf pans that you can bake with and then use to deliver to others! #winning
For example, this Sparkling Cider Pound Cake. The cider makes plain old pound cake something special. Just make sure to pour the glaze lightly and let it harden before wrapping it in plastic, or you might have a mess on your hands!
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup shortening
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ cup sparkling cider
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup sparkling cider
- Cream butter, shortening, and sugar together in a large bowl.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, flour, and baking powder and stir to combine. Add alternately with ½ cup sparkling cider to the wet ingredients and beat until well incorporated.
- Pour into a greased and floured 9 inch by 5 inch loaf pan. (If using disposable loaf pans, grease them to prevent sticking)
- Bake at 325 degrees for about 60-70 minutes or until the top is golden brown and until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5-10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and cider until the mixture is smooth. Pour over cooled pound cake.
Used In This Project:
- Diamond Hang Tags • I chose the “Iconic Christmas” style in stone.
More Holiday Gift Ideas:
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Simmering Spices Homemade Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti Pumpkin Apple Bread
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Chels is a native Oregonian who dreams of living with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She's a wife and stay at home mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she's not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading, bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores. But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at Catzinthekitchen.com.
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