Memorial Day Weekend Cooking

Some last minute cooking ideas

Root Beer Cake 

Cook's Notes: I was intrigued with the ingredients in the recipe. In addition the directions seemed a bit different than the usual cake baking steps. My adventurous cooking spirit spurred me on to take the plunge. Oh, my, this cake is moist and will satisfy anyone who has a chocolate craving. The cake sort of soaks the flavors the longer it sits. After the cake cools wrap in plastic wrap and the root beer flavors will intensify. Root beer brings out the depth and richness of the chocolate while imparting its own unique flavors.
A word of caution: Pour root beer slowly to get the measured amount of liquid to avoid the foam.
Recipe comes from http://www.browneyedbaker.com/

Root Beer Bundt Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups root beer (do not use diet root beer)
• 1 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1¼ teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

Root Beer Fudge Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 ounces dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
• 1/4 cup (4 ounces) butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup root beer
• 2/3 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2½ cups powdered sugar

Cake Directions:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Generously spray the inside of a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the root beer, cocoa powder and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Use a whisk to blend and then add in the sugars. Whisk until sugars are dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together.
• In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. Then whisk eggs into the cooled cocoa mixture until combined. Gently fold the flour mixture into the cocoa mixture. use a whisk to blend batter. The batter will be slightly lumpy, which is okay. Do not over beat it, as it could cause the cake to be tough. If there are air bubbles in batter bang the bowl on the counter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes. Use a skewer inserted in center to test for doneness. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Gently loosen the sides of the cake from the bundt pan with a butter knife and invert pan onto serving plate to cool completely.

Root Beer Fudge Frosting Directions

• Add all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix on medium until combined and satiny smooth. 
• Add root beer by the tablespoons if needed to get right frosting consistency.
• Use a spatula to spread the fudge frosting over the cake in a thick layer. Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts. Let the frosting set before serving. Store leftovers wrapped well or in an airtight container at room temperature.
  

Serve the cake with Apple Cheddar Spinach Quesadillas

These quesadillas are quick, simple, vegetarian and family friendly.  

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Cheddar Cheese
• Baby Spinach (stems removed)
• Dijon mustard
• Thin apple slices

Directions:

• Spread mustard on one side of flour tortilla
• Top with slices of cheese, spinach leaves and apple slices.
• Place another flour tortilla on top.
• Use a panini maker to cook or a frypan.  

Serve immediately.