Oh hi there. : )
Do you remember those chocolate covered strawberries I made a little while back? I just had to make them again. They’re so lovely and I enjoy feeling fancy through small desserts. Of course, I couldn’t just make the strawberries. No, oh no. I had to do something new and exciting I’ve never tried before.
Thus, I made a cake.
With chocolate covered strawberries on top.
“Let’s face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me.”
― Audrey Hepburn
I must share with you that this cake was made with love.
And cooking with love is of the utmost importance.
“The most indispensable ingredient of all good cooking: love for those you are cooking for.” –Sophia Loren
I love making food. But I love giving what I make to those I care for even more. I made this cake for my mother, and the strawberries for my delightful friend, Rachel. 
These two women mean the world to me, and giving them chocolate desserts doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
Ma doesn’t normally go for chocolate BUT she was nibbling away at these strawberries faster than a field mouse. I had to shoo her away from the kitchen so I could actually finish putting everything together.
Rachel loves chocolate. She’s a little obsessed actually… but I mean… being the best friend that I am: I gave her a tupperware with mini cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries.
“There’s nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” –Charles Dickens
… *sigh*
Do something for the people you love. Whether you tell them, show them, write to them, or make a cake. Do something.
My mom is special to me. And to show her I appreciate who she is and what she’s doing, I made her this cake.
Rachel is so, so close to my heart. Especially as of late. And for a while I didn’t notice just how great she was. But when the boomerang ‘clunked’ me on the head; all I wanted to do was give Rachel a panda sized hug. That might have been a little ostentatious, so I opted for chocolate covered strawberries and a small note.
I’m not saying you have to do something for people who mean something to you. But, for me, I know my mom is special. I mean, I don’t have but one mom. And when I recognise that she’s especially lovely; making a small cake is the way I show my love.
Rachel is a very close friend whom I have known for many, many years. I know I’m not going to find anyone else like her. She’s unique, and deserves way more than a few chocolate covered strawberries.
The point I’m trying to get across is don’t look past the people who mean the most to you. Many people will come and go throughout your life, but very few will make lasting imprints and touch your heart.
These people are little gifts from God.
What were we here for? Oh yes. Chocolate cake.
You let me ramble on again. I’ve told you to stop letting me do that.
Let’s focus on the baked goodies once more, shall we? 
- 1 box Duncan Hines® dark chocolate cake mix
- 1 c. water
- ⅓ c. olive oil
- 3 Tbs. ener-g egg replacer
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 recipe of Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 1 container Duncan Hines® coconut pecan frosting
- 1 container Duncan Hines® creamy chocolate frosting
- ½ c. powdered sugar
- 3-5 tsp. coconut milk
- Grease and flour two 9″ cake pans. (I used a small heart shape pan)
- In a stand mixer, combine cake mix, water, oil, egg replacer, and baking powder. Mix on love for 3o seconds. Increase the speed to medium/high and mix for 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into cake pan(s) and bake according to the direction on the box.
- While the cake bakes you can make your Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
- When the cake is done, cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
- Place your first cake layer on a plate, and cover the top with the coconut pecan frosting. Assemble the second layer over the first and spread another layer of coconut pecan frosting.
- Spread the chocolate frosting over the sides of the cake. (You can pipe this if you really want to get all fancy) Mix the powdered sugar and coconut milk until an icing forms. Pour over the top of the cake, and let sit for a few minutes.
- In whatever way you wish, place the chocolate covered strawberries on the top of the cake.
Much Love,
Katherine Marie
My Bible Verse For Today:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
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