Be Inspired Seasonally with Rita Calvert
If you have the Valentine Vibe…give it a lot of love! Above all spread the love with something lasting like flowers and herbs in pots (NOT CUT) which will continue to flourish long after any cut flowers would be tossed in the trash.
The fresh selection is immense. Rosemary topiaries are whimsical shaped into a Valentine Heart and emit a gorgeous aroma as well. Miniature roses, loads of orchids-large and small, cyclamen, jasmine wreaths, New Wine Hydrangea, stephanotis, bromeliads and succulents in “heart” containers are all unique “love” gifts this season.
And don’t forget some chocolate-plain or fancy! You just gotta have it on Valentine’s Day!
Fudge Bliss Yogurt Cake
Serves 10-12
For the cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1/3 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - confectioners sugar for dusting the top
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, salt, and water and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring, just until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add half of the melted butter mixture and whisk until completely blended. The mixture will be thick. Add the remaining butter mixture and whisk until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until completely blended. Whisk in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then invert onto a rack. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners sugar.
And don’t forget Evelyn’s Boutique!
