Strawberry Shortcut Cake & Happy Blogaversary to Mommy's Kitchen

I was feeling a bit under the weather when my 1st Blogaversary came and went. Getting on the computer was the last thing I wanted to do. I don't know but this cold hit me hard this time.

I'm feeling so much better now, so I wasn't going to let this special day go un noticed. Everyone please join me as I say, Happy 1st Birthday Mommy's Kitchen!!!!

I cant believe it has already been a whole year. Last June I started my recipe blog as a outlet and a hobby for my favorite recipes. I never imagined it would turn into something so big and special in my life.

 I have had a lot of positive things happen to me because of my blog. I never knew so many people were interested in simple family favorite foods. I always wonder who is reading my blog and if all the hard work I put toward each recipe post is worth it.


Well, from time to time I get such wonderful emails from readers telling me just how much they love my site. It really makes it all worth while. I am so glad that my site has helped out so many people that want to learn to cook. 

I was lucky enough to have someone teach me how to cook, so really that's all I want to do for others. Lets celebrate with.....

"Strawberry Shortcut Cake and a Cookbook Giveaway"

To celebrate my First Blogaversay I'm giving away a cookbook!!!!!

" The One Armed Cook "
Superb recipes that can be made with a whisk in one hand and a baby cradled in the other with most recipes prepared, start-to-finish, in 30 minutes or less. I know all of us mommy's are so busy how about a little help with some new recipes. No time to cook, but still need to feed your family? The One-Armed Cook has the solution! More than 120 delicious and easy recipes. For your chance to win this cookbook just comment on this post, it is as easy as that. I will randomly choose a comment and announce the winner on

Monday, June 8Th!!
Contest open to US Residents Only.
If you do not have a blog account please leave a email address so I can contact you in the event that you are the winner. Also stayed tuned because I have another big giveaway I am so excited about coming up really soon.

Last Chance To Enter is Midnight June 7th. (central time)

Now onto the cake.............

Adding sugar and brandy to macerate the strawberries.


sliced strawberries, pouring on the jello, add those wonderful macerated strawberries. And finishing it off with a topping of Fresh Whipping Cream.


Let chill for at least 4 hours and serve.


I saw this cake on Down Home with the Neely's another one of my favorite shows. Gina had me wanting to make this cake from the start. I thought it was the perfect treat to celebrate this special day. This cake is really just a new twist on a old family favorite. You cant even tell that brandy was added to the strawberries they turn out so nice and juicy.

 

The Neely's Strawberry Shortcut Cake

1 (18.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons cognac
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin (recommended: Jell-O)
Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Follow cake directions as written on cake mix box. Remove from oven and cool cake completely. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine strawberries, cognac and sugar. Let macerate 20 minutes. Invert and release cake onto a decorative platter. Whip cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla at medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. Do not over whip.

Mix gelatin as directed on box. Refrigerate gelatin mix but do not let it harden, it should cool to a liquid consistency. Using a straw, poke holes all over the cake. Pour gelatin into holes and spread over the top of the cake. Spread layer of macerated strawberries on top of cake. Spread layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, making pretty swirls and ripples. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Recipe source: Down Home with the Neely’s "A Southern Family Cookbook"