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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...

Mounds Cake



It was a rainy Fourth of July but we had a great day. I'm not a big fan of noisy fireworks anyway so I was perfectly happy shut up inside on the cozy sofa where I got caught up with the last season of "Dexter" and did some baking.  One of Michael's co-workers, a great lady who is no longer with us, used to make a wonderful Mounds Cake (like the candy bar). He didn't get the recipe (or if he did we lost it) but I have put together a good one, comprised of bits and pieces from other recipes I've read.

This is a basic Devil's Food cake with the filling added between the layers. I've also made the cake with three 8" layers (and the filling between each layer) or you can do two 9" layers. The frosting comes from Maida Heatter's Cowtown Chocolate Cake. I have since made the cake with a ganache frosting and it is delicious.

Cake

6 oz. unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk 

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 9" pans (or three 8" pans).

Whisk together the flour and cocoa powder and set aside.

Cream together the butter, sugar, salt, baking soda and vanilla for about 5 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, until mixed. 

Add the flour mixture 1/3 at a time, alternating with the milk and ending with the flour. Scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Cool completely on wire racks.

Filling

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups coconut
24 large marshmallows, cut into small pieces
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a saucepan, stir the milk, sugar and marshmallows over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Remove from the heat and add the coconut and vanilla. Allow to cool.


Ganache Frosting (or you can use the frosting here)

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate (you can really use any type of chocolate you like)
8 oz. heavy cream

Chop the chocolate into small pieces.

Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. 

Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.

Whisk the cream and chocolate together until it is smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. (Note: If the ganache is too runny, you can always add more chocolate or add more cream if it is too thick).

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. YUM! I make a similar cake. Love choc and coconut! :o)

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  2. Ohmigosh, Phillip, a Mounds cake - who knew? My favorite candy bar and I can just imagine how good that cake is. Great baking!

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  3. Hi Phillip,

    Oh my goodness!!! I would die to have this right now!!!

    Ooooohhhhhh!!!!

    I will be right over!!

    Hugs and Love to you and Michael!!

    Gerri XOXOXO

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  4. It looks better than the candy bar - oh a lot! Which...I...think...I have one downstairs! See you later. :)

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  5. That is just mean...that loooks sooo goooddd.

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  6. I just know this yummy cake would make me sick!!!

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  7. Phillip, I'm now starving. I love coconut so this will be my birthday cake in September. I think I can make it gluten and dairy free, and it will be delish. Say hi to Michael for me too. Waving from OK.~~Dee

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  8. Hi Phillip! I’ve been looking for a Mounds cake recipe. This looks perfect. And scrumptious. I’m making this especially for my brother’s birthday. This weekend!

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