recipes {yellow cake & chocolate frosting}

i realize i've kind of been on a recipe kick lately, but i can't help but share a good recipe when i've got one!! anyway, on valentine's day i made a fabulous cake for mark & i to enjoy. this recipe is one of my good friend's favorites & has quickly become one of mine as well. this cake isn't overly sweet so it's perfect for those of you who love treats but hate the sugar comas that often follow.

the perfect yellow cake

>> what you'll need

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, sifted after measuring

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

>> directions

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. grease liberally and flour two 8-inch cake pans. {i used 3 6-inch cake pans}

2. in a large mixing bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

3. add butter, milk and vanilla. beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, occasionally scraping sides of bowl. add eggs, beat for 3 more minutes.

4. pour batter into prepared pans, dividing equally among both. bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. {mine were done at around 25 minutes when split among 3 smaller pans}

5. cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. turn out and cool thoroughly on wire racks.

& now for the frosting...

chocolate frosting

>> what you'll need 

1 cup sugar

4 large egg whites

3 sticks plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened {i prefer salted butter}

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup cocoa powder

**this recipe makes a lot of frosting! it is the perfect amount if you wish to add some decorative touches like i did or have some leftover, but if you'd rather simply frost the cake then 2/3 this recipe & you will have a more appropriate amount!

>> directions

1. whisk egg whites and sugar together in a large metal or glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. whisk occasionally until you can’t feel the sugar granules when you rub the mixture between your fingers.

2. transfer mixture into a bowl for an electric mixer or you may use an electric hand mixer. whip until the egg & sugar combinations turns white and about doubles in size.

3. add the vanilla and continue to whip until incorporated. 

4. add the butter a stick at a time and whip until you have a fluffy & well combined frosting!