One Year Anniversary: Chocolate Orange Almond Cake

What is that quotation about “the best laid plans of mice and men...”? Well, bloggers ought to be included in that as well. For the past month I have been contemplating what I might write about for my one year anniversary post. Nothing seemed quite monumental enough to commemorate the last year of my eating and writing life. So, apparently I sidestepped the issue by completely ignoring my blog for a month and thus avoiding the problem. Oh well.

So, I’m asking you to suspend reality for a moment and imagine that today is the one year anniversary of Dinner Peace, and celebrate the occasion with me! In honor of “today,” I am providing the recipe that started it all: Chocolate Orange Almond Cake.

A little over a year ago, I asked my mom what she wanted for her birthday cake. She has always loved the Chocolate Orange Almond Cake from Prolific Oven, but as it’s not vegan, she asked me to make a compassionate approximation of her favorite dessert. After a lazy summer, I felt up to the challenge. I prepared the two different cakes, two frostings and photographed the result, intending to post it on facebook with the caption “the most productive thing I’ve done all summer.” Well, that photograph was the impetus for everything that has come since. This year I prepared the cake once again, photographed it as beautifully as possible, and am now providing the accompanying recipe. Bitter cocoa, tart, sweet oranges, and a subtle almond flavor comprise one of the most delicious birthday cakes I’ve ever had!

Chocolate Orange Almond Cake

Prepare 1 recipe Chocolate Cake

Prepare 1 recipe Yellow Cake (substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract)

Prepare 1 recipe Chocolate Frosting

Orange Frosting

1/2 cup non dairy butter
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 to 4 tablespoons orange juice

Once the cakes have cooled completely, slice each cake in half. Lay one half of the yellow cake on a plate. Spread 1/3 of the orange frosting over the top. Cover with one half of the chocolate cake. Cover with another third of the orange frosting. Lay the second half of the yellow cake on top. Cover with the last third of the orange frosting. Top with the second half of the chocolate cake. Cover the top and sides of the cake completely with chocolate frosting. Allow to set in the refrigerator until ready to serve.