Do you have a Valentine tradition?
Carolyn has one that she has been observing for the past 50 years. She makes a Maraschino Cherry Cake for her family. She uses heart shaped pans to bake the cake in and serves it to her family to celebrate Valentines Day. When she was asked, “Is there a special reason why you make this cake?” her reply was simple: “Because it is good!!” Here is the recipe for Carolyn’s family’s traditional valentine cake. Maybe you will want to make it for your family on Valentines Day too.
Carolyn’s Maraschino Cherry Cake
2-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening or butter
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons almond flavoring
4 egg whites, unbeaten
18 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
Sift flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in to a bowl. Combine juice and milk. Add 3/4 cup of this mixture with the flavorings. Beat for 2 minutes. Add the remaining liquid and the egg whites. Beat for 2 more minutes. Add the cherries and the nuts. Blend. Bake in two, deep 9 inch layer pans (heart shaped ones if you have them) at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
For the icing, beat together 1 cube butter, 1 box powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons maraschino juice, vanilla and almond flavoring. Chopped cherries can be added to the frosting. Carolyn usually garnishes the cake with the cherries instead of adding them to the frosting.
No matter how you spend it, the Reese family wishes you a delightful Valentines Day.
2013 Road to California Entry
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