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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Root Beer Bundt Cake



Root Beer Bundt Cake

When company is coming, it is my duty to make a dessert. I love baking and I enjoy trying new recipes. Earlier in the year, I purchased "Baked" by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, who own a Brooklyn dessert shop by the same name. I love this book. I have tried several of the recipes and they all have turned out great. This cake is a chocolate lover's dream. I don't detect the root beer flavor as strongly as the authors describe it but the overall flavor is decadent. It is fantastic with vanilla ice cream.

Note: The icing recipe makes way too much for the cake. I think you can half the ingredients and still have enough.

Cake
2 cups root beer (do not use diet root beer)(I used A&W)
1 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder (I use dutch processed cocoa)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

Frosting
2 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao), melted and cooled slightly
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup root beer
2/3 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

For the root beer Bundt cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Generously spray the inside of a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray; alternatively, butter it, dust with flour, and knock out the excess flour.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the root beer, cocoa powder, and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the sugars and whisk until dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together.

4. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until just beaten, then whisk them into the cooled cocoa mixture until combined. Gently fold the flour mixture into the cocoa mixture. The batter will be slightly lumpy--do not overbeat, as it could cause the cake to be tough.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until a small sharp knife inserted into the cake comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Gently loosen the sides of the cake from the pan and turn it out onto the rack.

For the root beer frosting:
1. Put all the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until the frosting is shiny and smooth.

2. Use a spatula to spread the fudge frosting over the crown of the Bundt in a thick layer. Let the frosting set before serving, with the ice cream on the side.

Comments

  1. This sounds delicious, Phillip. I think I will give it a try for our July 4th family get together. Thanks for the recipe.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  2. Chocolate and root beer, how could it not be delicious? I'm printing the recipe for next time it's 'my turn' to bring dessert.
    Marnie

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  3. Jan and Marnie, I think you will like it. I added a note: The icing recipe makes way too much for the cake. I think you can half the ingredients and still have enough.

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  4. I love Bundt cake--I have a retro burnt orange pan. I'll try the recipe but I tend to drizzle icing over the top, instead of using frosting... :)

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  5. That sounds and looks good and I'm saving this recipe.

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  6. Oh! Oh! Oh! Save me a piece!--Randy

    PS- How well does that mail? LOL

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  7. That looks YUM. :) I will have to try making that.

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  8. I love rootbeer...this cake sounds delicious! gail

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  9. Phillip, I was just thinking how hungry I was for something sweet when I clicked on your blog. Oh, how I wish I had a piece of that cake. And by the way, you can't have "too much" icing. ;)

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  10. Can't wait to try this! Frank is a Root Beer fanatic, so perhaps if I bake this cake, I can justify a few more plant expenditures!

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  11. Yum ... a guy after my own heart in the kitchen as well as the garden! Count me in for this 'sounding perfect for summer' delight! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. These summery cakes are fun, Phillip! I have a couple of recipes using CocaCola that are almost identical as to ingredients, but are baked in a sheet cake pan. With the larger surface area they use all the frosting.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    Word verification spells an actual word - "modern"

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  13. It sounds delectable and, oh so healthy with all that "dark chocolate." :-)

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  14. Phillip, this cake sounds really good. For years I have used Coca-Cola as an ingredient, but never thought of Root Beer. I bet it gives a unique flavor. The icing also sounds like a good one, as well. I am going to put this recipe in my "Must Try" file. Thanks...

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