Have a mentioned yet (this week) how much I love Home Ec? It is the best! Last Thursday was my turn to host Home Ec, it was also my friend's birthday (mom to Emily's friend and homeschool partner). We couldn't let the opportunity pass us by. So, the girls learned the fine art of sewing zipper pouches, one being a gift for the birthday girl, to keep her tiny knitting tools and notions. We also made Cathleen's incredible cake. Following that cake link will take you to the only pumpkin cake recipe you will ever need. It was sublime. I never knew pumpkin cake held such esteem.
We did reinvent the frosting a bit, simply because I didn't have all of the ingredients and had to work with what was on hand. In my baking I don't like to use confectioners sugar, but once a year (around the holidays) a bag does seem to work itself into our home. I use a little for a traditional recipe or two, and then it sits collecting dust in the pantry. I pulled it out to make this frosting, which called for three cups, and discovered I only had one. Hmm... time to get creative! What we (me and the girls) came up with is without a doubt, the best frosting I have ever made. And I not-so-secretly take a bit of pride in my frosting making skills. This is a good one. Thank you Cathleen for the inspiration!
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/3 cup soft butter
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- grated zest of one orange (I grated more for garnish)
Toss all ingredients into a mixing bowl. If you have a standing mixer such as a kitchen aid, use that with paddle attachment. Mix on medium low for a minute or so to combine. Then take it up to medium high for several minutes, mixing until light and fluffy. Done! The orange flavor intensifies even more after a few hours.
This frosting has me thinking about Moosewood's Six Minute Cake, my go to recipe for chocolate cake. Who doesn't love a good chocolate orange combination? I think I've got Emily's birthday cake for this year all figured out...
