Monday, March 9, 2009

Root Beer Bundt Cake


This week's recipe is Root Beer Bundt Cake on page 87 of the "Baked" cookbook. I made it over the weekend and I have a few comments.

First, I was disappointed that the cake didn't taste like root beer at all. We used Mug brand root beer, so I don't know if using a different root beer makes a difference (maybe Barq's or IBC would be better?). But my husband and I couldn't taste the root beer, and the flavor didn't "intensify" by the next day. You might want to try adding a little bit of root beer extract or making it with root beer schnapps. Second, go easy on the salt in the frosting. And the frosting makes a ton so lay it on thick!

Overall, the cake tastes great as just a chocolate cake, but the root beer flavor was lacking.


And now for Cami's questionnaire:

Q: When did you start baking / cooking?
A: I've been baking and cooking since I was a kid, and I've always liked it. Although, I've been much more excited about cooking since a couple of years ago when I got a cookbook that I love. I never used to use cookbooks, but now I love a good cookbook (good = hard back, lots of full-page pictures, and healthy-ish) I also wasn't much of a baker (beyond cookies) until recently.

Q: What is your favorite kitchen tool?
A: I'm not sentimental about my kitchen stuff, but I like my metal measuring cups, my bamboo spatula, and my large Cutco knife.

Q: Do you have a favorite spice? If so, what is it?
A: Black pepper. Makes just about everything taste better.

Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Recent favorite - Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: We want our next big vacation to be to Hawaii. I recently watched a special about the history of the Polynesian Cultural Center, and now I really want to go see it. Also, I hear Hawaii is amazing. :)

Q: If you had to change your first name right now, what would you change it to?
A: It's never occurred to me to want a different name. But if I HAD to change my name... I'd change it to Nelly since Max calls me that already anyway.

Q: Where do you currently live?
A: Chicago

Q: Where are you from?
A: Las Vegas

Q: If you could eat one thing for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I'd get sick of anything I'd have to eat for every meal. But if I had to eat the same thing for every meal, I'd probably pick black beans and brown rice. Cause it's filling and healthy.

3 comments:

Melissa said...

This is fun. I don't have the book yet so if anyone could email me the recipe or post it that would be great. Also Danielle just wondering what cook book you really like that got you into cooking. I like to bake more than cook, but I do think a good cook book makes a difference. Thanks

Danielle said...

The cookbook that really started my love for cooking is "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook". It's aimed at tasty healthy eating.

I haven't actually made anything out of it in awhile, but it's a great cookbook. You're welcome to borrow it some time if you like.

Melanie said...

Looks like a yummy cake, especially from your picture!! I'll have to sit this week out, as I don't have a bundt pan, and root beer is difficult to come by here, and expensive. I've had Coke cake, and it didn't taste like coke either. Maybe soda pop just gives it a good texture? I don't know. I enjoyed your questionaire!