Beet Cake & New Old Friends

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting up with some lovely new (old) friends. We had all run in the same circles and youth group events as teenagers, but we had never really sat down together over a meal to get to know each other. The night consisted of a few of my favorite things, great conversation, and the excitement of new found friendships and connections. I definitely left with a sense of, "We should have done this long ago."

I shared my favorite curried soup recipe from Heidi Swanson's cookbook, with a few alterations. Some white wine, and a few rye chips for some crunch. It was so wonderful so share such a dear recipe with a new friend, teach her how to make a meal I enjoy making at least once a week, enjoying the process of cooking, and tasting and experiencing the alchemy together. We were too busy talking and laughing, relating and sharing that I totally forgot to snap any photos to share with you. I don't really regret it though, somethings are left special by the lack of documentation, you only have the memories of the tastes and the way you felt to remind you of the moments. What I will share with you though, is the really beet cake I brought for dessert. 

I followed the recipe from Tiger in A Jar, I saw the video for Beet Cake a long time ago and was totally smitten with the whole thing, and wanted to try making it.

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I chose one golden beet (a little sweeter varietal) and two chiogga beets (for color and flavor) but in the recipe they used regular red beets, and you can tell by the color. I also used 1 oz of 60% cacoa chocolate instead of semisweet, and 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour, and only 1 cup of light brown sugar instead of 1 1/2 cup dark. Id actually like to try another with just golden beets and no chocolate, just to see how it tastes.

I made a classic buttercream but added a little nutella, because after all, it is a vegetable cake, and you can have a treat if you eat your vegetables. Oh my my, it was delicious. It definitely had an earthy taste, but I personally enjoy that. You know how really good, fresh soil smells? Sweet and warm? It has that taste. Earthy, dark, delicious. The texture was reminiscent of fudge, but it was moist as any cake should be, with a decedent crumb. I think I will have to make this again for my birthday in a few days. You could serve this cake and not mention the fact that it contains vegetables, and no one would know, but that is tricking people, and I think we should be excited about vegetables anyway. This is why when Julian gets older I wont be "sneaking" them into his food, he will know what's in there and that its good for him!

Would you make this?! Tell me how it goes for you if you do! 

thanks for reading 

-K