Memories

On one of my Mimi's last trips to Alabama was in 2017 for my wedding.

We went to dinner a few days prior and after her usual meal of chicken tenders and fries, she reached into her purse and pulled some lipstick to freshen up. Without even thinking about it, I did the same thing. We looked at each other and just laughed and she tugged on my arm.

We were using the same brand and the same shade. Number 51, “Blushing Beauty” by Milani. It only costs about four dollars from Target, but that lipstick is priceless to me now. 

The Elements

This Strawberries and Cream cake reminded me of that precious memory and that beloved lipstick. 

• Strawberry cake layers made from a strawberry reduction

• Homemade whipped cream filling

• Fresh strawberries

• Strawberry buttercream made from freeze dried strawberries

The layers have a airy crumb and pack a punch of flavor. My strawberry cake recipe also uses strawberry Jell-O and I love the tartness and vivid color that it adds to the layers.

The whipped cream provides a nice texture contrast. It’s made using fresh whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a powder called “EZ Gel” that enables the cream to be stable enough to be stacked as a filling.

I love adding fresh fruits into my cakes so I just diced some strawberries and added them in between the layers, on top of the whipped cream filling.

The strawberry buttercream is made with butter, powdered sugar, freeze dried strawberries, and strawberry preserves.

I’d say this cake is a blushing beauty itself, wouldn’t you? 

Enjoy!