Let Them Eat Cake.

J's birthday was Friday, the 13th (eerie music plays), and I decided to surprise him with his favorite cake. Fresh Peach Cake. His mother would make it for him on his birthday, so I knew it would mean a lot if I did.


Normally attempting something like this would make me nervous. No, not about making a cake. I was a little nervous about making something for my husband, that his mom usually made. Can any of you relate? My mother-in-law is a wonderful cook, and I'm still "learning". Yes, I know how to cook. I thank my mother for that. She is also a very good cook. I just haven't cooked for as long as my mom and MIL have.

I usually don't have any issues when I cook. Most of the time. I think that if you don't ever try to make new things, you will never learn how. Of course you'll make mistakes, or burn something, but I have learned that you can't be scared of it.


Last year for J's birthday I tried making this cake for the first time. The problem I had with it, was the cake mix I used. It ended up being much too sweet for both of us. I had tasted my mother-in-law's version of the cake, so I knew how it should taste. This was not the same. It wasn't bad, it was just too sweet.

This year things went much better. I used a yellow cake recipe from The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I know, the recipe called for a white cake mix, but I thought I'd try this. Wow, what a difference! The yellow cake compared to the white cake didn't seem to matter, but the level of sweetness this time was much better. Neither one of us felt like our teeth were going to rot right out of our heads.


Now, don't get me wrong, it's good. Really good. This cake is quite a rich, sweet dessert, so it really doesn't need any additional sugar by way of the cake itself or even ice cream. You'd do well to have a small or medium sized slice, with a cup of black coffee.

After assembling the cake and spreading the Cool Whip on for icing, I waited for J to come home from work. I was actually excited for him to see it.

Once he saw it, he asked, "What kind of cake is that?"

I said, "It's a yellow cake."
(That was actually true. I just wanted him to think about it a bit longer.)

He hesitated and said, "Oh. I thought it was something else."

I laughed and said, "It is. [pause] It's the fresh peach cake, like your mom makes."

He gave me the biggest smile, and then hugged me. Ahh, that made my day. I was glad to make him happy, and have something turn out right.


I hope you enjoy the recipe. It's really quite simple and delicious.


Fresh Peach Cake
From my wonderful mother-in-law, N. Davis

Ingredients:
1 white cake mix cooked as directed to make two or three layers
(I actually made the cake from scratch this time.)
6-8 fresh peaches or 1 package frozen
1 8 oz carton sour cream
16 oz carton Cool Whip

Directions:
Bake cake as directed.

While cake cools, peel & slice peaches (unless using frozen).
Place peaches in a pot, cover with water (just to cover),
add 1-1/2 cups sugar bring to a boil and cook on med-low heat until it thickens, stirring often.
(This will take a little while.)

Cool the peaches and add sour cream.

Slice cake layers in half (I use fishing line and it works well.)
Place peach mixture between layers and ice the cake with the whipped topping.


There is usually some peach mixture left over and it's always good to serve on the side, or on top.

- Hol