Doctored up Cake Mix (Lemon Cake)

 I used this recipe to make Callen's Harry Potter pink cake for his birthday. It was very lemony. But it's a method I would use again for a super super moist and tender easy cake. 

https://togetherasfamily.com/easy-lemon-lovers-layered-cake/

• ▢ 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix (or whatever flavor)
• ▢ 1 box (3.4 oz) lemon instant pudding (match to cake flavor)
• ▢ 1 cup sour cream (room temp)
• ▢ 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
• ▢ 1/2 cup whole milk (room temp)
• ▢ 3 large eggs

• Heat oven to 350°. Prepare three 9-inch cake pans by spraying with cooking spray. I did sprinkle and shake with flour too. Set aside. 
• In a large mixing bowl, or you can use the bowl of a stand mixer, add the dry cake mix, instant pudding, sour cream, oil, milk, whole milk, and eggs. 

  Beat on low speed, increasing speed as needed, until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thick and that's ok. I did whip it for a minute or so.
• Divide cake batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. The layers will be thin but don't worry cause as they cook they will bake up higher. 
• Cook for 18-20 minutes. Remove with just a few crumbs on toothpick. Don't be tempted to store on plates unless you want it to stick to it. 

Tahini Dressing

 Couldn't remember where I put this so here it goes. I use this to drizzle on top of buddha bowls with a ton of roasted veggies, chickpeas and quinoa. Super tasty. Another Ambitious Kitchen. She uses this over her Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad. 

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/sweet-potato-kale-salad/

• ¼ cup tahini
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Lots of freshly ground black pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons warm water, to thin the dressing

Strawberry Frosting

 via: https://sugarspunrun.com/strawberry-buttercream-frosting/#recipe

Approximately for me. Adjust when it's hot and ingredients are dry etc. I sift the powdered sugar, and beat the crap out of the butter on high speed with my paddle for the kitchen aid. 

• 1 cup (16g) freeze-dried strawberries (just blitz a packet from the dollar store in the vitamin cup)
• ▢ 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, see note)
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2-4 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk 
• 1. Whip the butter till almost white
• 2. Add half the powdered sugar and salt
• 3. Add strawberry powder
• 4. Add heavy cream, vanilla and beat till fluffy again
• 5. Add rest of powdered sugar, adjust as needed

Steamed Mussels (Ina)

 Found some really cheap mussels at Costco and wanted to try a fun new recipe. This was TO DIE FOR! 

 3-4 pounds mussels

handful of flour

2 TBSP butter

2 TBSP olive oil

1/2 finely chopped red onion and about 1-2 TBSP minced garlic (could also do a cup of shallots but I'm not that fancy)(Also would need 5-6 cloves of smashed garlic in not minced)

1/2 chopped cherry tomatoes or canned plum tomatoes

1 TBSP dried parsley 

handful fresh thyme

1 cup cooking wine (white marsala was what I had)

2 tsp. kosher salt

lots of fresh ground pepper

Directions here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mussels-in-white-wine-recipe-1937316

But basically you soak the mussels in cold water and the flour, discard opened or cracked ones. Heat oils, add aromatics until transparent, add tomatoes, add wine and salt and pepper and add rinsed and de-bearded mussels. Cover pot and cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until mussels have opened. Had with crab and homemade Mac and cheese.