Brook's Blog > My Grandmother, a cake and a birthday

When I was a kid, my grandmother, Margaret, always baked my sister and I our birthday cakes.  Every year, I would look forward to the four-tier, beautifully frosted masterpiece on the creamy milk glass cake stand.  When I had my son, my grandmother gave me her cake pans and the cake stand she had been using since her four boys were small.  Now, every year, I bake my kids’ cakes in the same pans, and use the same cake stand that my father grew up with.  I have even taken my grandmother's favorite recipes and added my own spin on them.  Everything I know about baking comes from her.  

This past year my daughter requested a fairy-garden party.  We picked nasturtiums from our neighborhood and used pearl sprinkles for decoration.  Each layer (her design) was a different color.  Being the perfectionist that I am, I really have to suppress my urge to control the process of decorating her cakes now that she wants to participate.  It is now really a joint effort and a job I cherish.  

My grandmother's favorite dairy-free chocolate cake (adapted from Hershey's classic recipe).  This version is moist, a bit denser than box cakes and so delicious.

    * 2 cups organic turbinado sugar
    * 1-3/4 cups organic whole wheat flour
    * 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    * 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    * 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
    * 1 teaspoon salt
    * 2 eggs
    * 1/2 c unsweetened soy milk
    * 1/2 c coconut milk
    * 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    * 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract- the best you can find because it makes all the difference
    * 1 cup boiling water


Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans (or in my case, the 4 cake pans from Grandma).  You can also bake in a sheet and frost right in the pan.  Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl and mix well. Add eggs, soy milk, coconut milk, oil and vanilla and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be super thin so don't panic). Pour into prepared pans.  Bake 30 to 35 minutes.  Frost when cool with dairy free fudge frosting.  Yes, I have a recipe but I will give it to you later.

This makes a great cake to bring to a dinner party.  Your friends will be so impressed.  It is really easy to make compared to how incredible it tastes!  Good luck!