"CATCH -A -VALENTINE" Cake!

Ingredients

• ½ cup shortening

• 2 ½ cups sifted cake flour

• 3 ½ tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 ¼ cups sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 tsp. almond extract

• 1 cup milk

• 3 egg whites, unbeaten

• Red food coloring (or 1 box of cherry instant jello).

Instructions

1. Measure shortening into the bowl.

2. Sift dry ingredients together; add to shortening.

3. Add flavorings to milk.

4. Add 3/4 cup liquid. Beat for 1 minute. (Count at least 150 strokes per min.)

5. Add remaining milk and egg whites. Beat 2 minutes.

6. Pour 1/2 the batter into small bowl. Stir in few drops of red vegetable coloring.

7. Alternate spoonfuls of each batter into 2 greased and floured deep 8-inch pans.

8. Bake in a moderate oven, 350 F for 30 minutes.

9. After cooling, frost with buttercream frosting, colored pink if desired. Decorate with candy hearts.

   
   

Buttercream Frosting (Old Fashion)

• Decorative hearts, if desired

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup shortening

• ¾ cup white sugar

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• pinch of salt

  
  

Instructions

1. Mix the flour and milk in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until it forms a smooth paste with no lumps. Place in refrigerator and let cool completely.

2. With an electric mixer beat the shortening, butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the cooled flour paste and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Use to frost any cooled cake. Makes enough to frost one 9x13 inch sheet cake or two 8 or 9 inch layer cakes.

   Easy Buttercream Frosting with Jello

   Ingredients:

   • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

   • 4 cups powdered sugar

   • 1 package (3 oz) jello mix (any flavor you like)

   • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

   • A pinch of salt

   Instructions:

   1. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until it's creamy and smooth.

   2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to avoid a sugar cloud!

   3. Incorporate Jello Mix: Add the jello mix to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until the jello is fully incorporated and the frosting turns a lovely hue.

   4. Add Vanilla & Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

   5. Adjust Consistency: Add the heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. If you like thicker frosting, add less cream; for a lighter, fluffier frosting, add a bit more.

   Tips:

   • Color & Flavor: Different jello flavors will impart unique colors and tastes to your frosting. Strawberry jello gives a pink tint and a fruity kick, while lime jello will add a zesty green hue.

   • Smooth Finish: For an extra smooth finish, beat the frosting for a couple more minutes to add more air and create a fluffier texture.