Growth comes in so many forms and even when you are not looking. Recently, I overheard women talking about red velvet cake, at the farmer’s market. Okay let’s be honest, I was totally eavesdropping. Anyway, one of them was looking for beets because she wanted to make an authentic, old-fashioned red velvet cake. I said that my recipe was the best (with food coloring) and we started laughing. She asked for my recipe and I quickly said, “It’s on my blog.”.
I was inspired to make my red velvet cake too. I was in the grocery store and wanted to just confirm that I had all the ingredients. I pulled up my blog, on my phone. Wait, what? All the ingredients are carefully listed and then no directions. Ugh! This was one of my first posts with a new recipe template, and I was learning how to input everything. How many of you came here and couldn’t figure out what the heck I was thinking?
So, in the interest of accuracy, I am reposting the red-velvet cake recipe. I’ve included, in the side notes, for making it with beets, instead of food coloring. In this day and age, it is super important to make the healthy choices that feel good for you and your family. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
- 1/2 cup shortening add 1/2 c. butter for beets
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 c. for beets
- 2 large eggs 3 for beets
- 2 1-oz. bottles red food coloring 1 c. uncooked beet puree
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 T. for beets
- 2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. for beets
- 2 tsps. cocoa powder 3 T. for beets
- 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 c. for beets
- 1 Tbs. white vinegar + 2 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cream of tartar and2 tsp. baking powder instead for beets
- 1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1 16-oz box confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare 2 or 3 cake pans with butter, flour and parchment paper.
- Beat shortening, until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, then eggs. Stir in food coloring and vanilla.
- Combine flour, salt, and cocoa powder in medium bowl. In another bowl combine buttermilk, vinegar and baking soda. Don't be alarmed, it will bubble.
- Alternating with buttermilk mixture, add flour mixture to shortening mixture. Beat Well for 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Pour into prepared cake [ans and bake for 25 minutes or until tester comes out, almost, clean.
- Beat all ingredients together until fluffy. It is easier to spread while still soft. Refrigerate before serving
Okay stay with me here this can get a little complicated. Using the ingredient changes noted, on the side, prepare as follows.:
1- Combine beet puree, buttermilk, vinegar, lemon juice and vanilla in food processor, until smooth.
2- Beat together, until fluffy, shortening and butter. Then add eggs, one at a time.
3- Sift dry ingredients together.
4- Alternating with beet mixture, fold flour mixture into butter mixture until all ingredients are well blended.
5- Pour into prepared pans, as above, and bake at 350° for 20 minutes, until tester comes out, almost, clean.
