My new favorite baby: Steamed Chocolate Cake

Sunday was UDubb's baby shower.

I don't know if I've really expressed it, but I adore my sister-in-law.  And I am beyond excited for my new little niece.  I'm excited for UDubb, because I think she's going to really enjoy having a little girl and all that entails.  I'm excited for Thatbrother, because he is going to be such a great girl's daddy.  And I'm excited that this new little princess is going to be spoiled beyond belief by our family.  We've very low on girls in my family, so this will be a nice change. 

UDubb's shower was just as adorable as she is.  Her friends went all out in decorating in a very shabby-chic way.  Since the baby's nursery is pink and grey, they used those colors to set the stage.  The food was fantastic, with a make your own mimosa bar, sandwiches, salads, and an ombre pink cake made by one of her friends. 

The pink cake was a nice touch for a girly shower, but in truth, UDubb loves chocolate.  I was pretty surprised there wasn't a chocolate cake, a rich, fudgey chocolate cake.  Personally, I like my chocolate cakes less rich, which could be why I'm such a fan of red velvet, which has just the barest hint of chocolate.  This steamed chocolate cake is right up my alley.  It's not overly sweet, and the steaming ensures it's not overly dry.  Just a nice, spongey cake that is chocolate without being overwhelmingly so. 

I made mine using a pyrex dish with a lid, but any lidded mold will work.  The idea is based on Boston Brown Bread, which is a loaf cooked/steamed stovetop.  It's a concept that doesn't seem like it sound work, and yet it does.  Every time I use the method I expect I'll end up with a liquidy consistency, but that's not what happens.  Instead, it's exactly what you would expect from a cake - without heating up your entire home with a hot oven.

Steamed Chocolate Cake

1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate

3 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1. Butter a 1 qt mold that has a tight fitting lid. Heat water in a pot large enough to hold the mold.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a small pan.  Remove from heat and pour into aan electric mixer.
3. Stir in the sugar and egg, beating until smooth.
4. Add the milk and vanilla.
5. Stir in the flour, baking powser, and salt and beat until smooth and creamy. 
6. Spoon in the mold and cover.  Put in the large pot, cover, and steam for 1 1/2 hours.

Let Me Introduce...

My new sister-in-law!

Part of the whirlwind of the past few weeks was wrapped up in Thatbrother's wedding.   I would love to tell you it went off without a hitch - but that'd be a lie.  I will say that what's most important is that I got an email from Thatbrother on his honeymoon in which he said they kept reminiscing about how perfect it was.  No matter what actually happened, I couldn't be happier that they remember it as being perfect.

My favorite part of the entire wedding was the first dance song.  As they took the dance floor, Elton John's "Your Song" began playing.  A couple lyrics in and Thatboy turned to me "That's your brother singing."  And it was.  It might be my favorite version of the song ever. 

UDubb looked gorgeous and Thatbrother was as handsome as ever. We also got the benefit of Thatbaby getting to spend quality time with his family he never gets to see.

 He was on his absolute best behavior.  No crying, no fussing.  For the entire ceremony we passed him off to his cousin Atlanta whom he had never met before and he was as happy as a clam.  When he got tired, I strapped him into his carrier and he just fell right asleep.  Even amidst the crowds and noise.

We danced together, the three of us and he laughed louder and longer than he ever has.  This baby likes to boogie.

Now that the wedding is over and things are back to normal at work, I'm hoping to have a little more time for the blog.  So I'll be checking back in with you soon!