Let’s get this Cake Slice business out of the way first. Since I wasn’t the best Cake Slice Baker this summer, it was really important to me to end our twelve months baking from Sky High: Triple Layer Cakes with a strong effort. So, in spite of a very busy week, I made time to bake a Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake because I didn’t want to blow off yet another month, and because the picture in the cookbook looked so darn pretty. Things, however, went wrong in a big, big way. After filling and crumb-coating the cake, I carefully lifted it into the fridge for its big chill. Sadly, the foot of the cake pedestal snagged on the edge of the fridge shelf and all three layers went flying into the fridge, which was littered with dry carrot leaves from an earlier project. After some crying and swearing, I picked off the crumbling greenery, shoved the layers back together, threw away the large chunk that had broken off the top, and decided to persevere. I frosted it, tried to make it look its best, and loaded it into the car. Despite going incredibly slowly and taking every turn at a probably-annoying-to-other-drivers crawl, the whole thing fell over again and wedged itself against the passenger-side door. I had to open the door very slowly while wiggling my hand and arm into the car so that I could catch the cake, pedestal, and dome before they shattered in the gutter! And it didn’t even have the decency to fall on the side that was already missing a sizable chunk. Maybe I was hardened to it by the time I tried it, but I didn’t think it tasted good and threw away most of my piece.
Next month, we start baking from an all new, not completely full of layer cakes book! Hooray! And if you want to join, I think the powers that be are accepting new recruits. The information is at the end of this post by Katie of Apple & Spice, where you can also find the recipe for the cake, which lots of people other than me liked a lot!
And now, for Sweet Melissa. Sweet, sweet Melissa. I can’t begin to say how much I love this cookbook. If you haven’t been persuaded to buy The Sweet Melissa Baking Book yet, you must have a heart–nay, a stomach–of stone! This week’s recipe for Orange Scented Scones was chosen by Robin of Lady Craddock’s Bakery. This recipe has made a scone-lover out of me! I usually find scones a little on the heavy side, but Melissa Murphy’s recipe produces light, airy cakes that are pleasantly crisp on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside. As per the advice of our lovely hostess for the week, I doubled the amount of orange zest in the dough. I also made a glaze with powdered sugar and the juice from my zested orange, and poured that over the top of each scone after they had cooled for about 5 minutes. They were simply heavenly! And after the chocolate cake debacle, I think I deserved a little baked heaven!
You can find the recipe for these delicious Orange Scented Scones here, at Robin’s blog.
I’m sorry to hear about your cake slice disaster. It was obviously not meant to be. Onwards and upwards!
Oh, the topping on the scones sounds wonderful. I just added the orange bits into the scone itself.
oh I m really sorry about the disaster cake. I always get very stressed when I have to deliver cakes especially high ones. the scones look delicious 🙂
Sorry to hear about your cake; I would have cried too. Your scones do look light and airy
Darn that cake! I feel for you. Those scones sound like they saved the day! YAY scones!
OH no! Your poor cake. wow. That cake just didn’t want to be.
At least your scones turned out without a disaster. They look great!
Oh no! So sorry about the cake disaster 🙁 I hate it when that happens to me. Ruins my day.
Your scones, on the other hand, look fab 🙂
Katie xox
Oh what a horrible thing to have happen! I am so sorry for your disaster! Your scones however look fabulous.
Your scones look really good. Mine were so flat.
Sorry about the cake! It’s something we can all relate to 🙂
Oh, the cake story is so sad, it sounds super-yummy. I’m curious, what do you use dried carrot leaves for? Your scones look absolutely perfect, though, I’m glad you had a positive baking experience.
First, please do use the salsa recipe. I forgot to add in the recipe that freshly chopped cilantro gets added when you open and jar and are ready to eat.
I feel terrible about your cake. What an aweful experience! I have had several catastrophes like this in the past and know the sinking feeling well.
Best of all, your scones turned out wonderful and you loved them! What a nice turn around in the kitchen =).
I agree, heavenly!
So sorry to hear about your Fudge Cake disaster. When it rains, it pours, doesn’t it. I’d probably not have enjoyed eating it either, after that much hardship. Kudos for persevering after the fridge incident!!!
Your scones look beautiful. It was my first time making scones and this recipe is a keeper!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
The glaze sounds awesome! A very resourceful way of not letting any of the orange go to waste. Yum.
Hi Melissa!
I’m so sorry to hear about your cake woes- it is unbelievably frustrating when things go awry in the kitchen, especially after all that hard work… I met my match with a layer cake this week too- at one point I decided I was the worst baker in the world and felt absolutely defeated. But I forged forward despite the many problems that came up along the way, and in the end, I finally had a cake I was proud to present my mom for her birthday. But I can totally relate to cake disasters, and I empathize wholeheartedly!
But on to your GORGEOUS scones. Fabulous job, they look beautiful and super delicious! Weren’t they fantastic?
I also wanted to thank you for alerting me about The Cake Slice Bakers opening up for new bakers with the start of next year’s book. Guess who’s the newest member? I’m so excited, and can’t wait to get started. Now we’ll have SMS and Cake Slice baking in common- how fun!
Hope you’re doing well, and having a great start to your weekend! Look forward to hearing from you soon 🙂
<3,
Joy