2015 is in two days.
That’s weird. In my mind, it’s still barely 2014, we still just got engaged, I’m still just a few months in to this new job and I’m still less than a year in to this world of food and food blogs. But in reality, it’s just a few more sleeps until a brand-new year. A year when we’ll get married. What.
Anyway, even if my brain is in denial, my hands made you this little cake and put together a few snaps from 2014 to commemorate our last trip around the sun! There are plenty of grainy iPhone gems thrown in, and a few shots from our engagement shoot (!) and our trip to Hawaii in September that I meant to share earlier. As for the cake, it’s a moist, rich (but vegan!) chocolate cake that last made an appearance in this even teenier version, and it’s bedecked with bubbly-infused festivities in honor of New Year’s — a crisp cranberry-champagne jam and a lightly tart champagne buttercream. (Plus edible sparkles. Of course.)
Before I leave you to the photos and the cake, I just wanted to say a quick thank you. This year has been a crazy one, the first full year at our jobs, becoming better acquainted with this thing called “stress,” feeling a little far from our families, but it has also been so, so good, full of new digs, good food, new friends, cramp-inducing belly laughs, sunny, lazy afternoons where I think I could live in this forever. And so much of the good is thanks to you! I am so grateful to have this space and to have “met” (or actually met!) all of you. Lately I’ve sometimes felt like the heavy news in the world has made it a little strange to keep posting the blithe and goofy week after week on this blog, but if anything, I’m even more thankful for the haven we share and the warmth, beauty and generosity of this blog world of ours. Thank you for reading this little blog, for the opportunity to know you, and for your sunshine. Wishing you a wonderful, safe New Year’s and 2015!
photo by Christie Pham Photography
photo by Christie Pham Photography
photo by Christie Pham Photography
invites by the insanely talented Coco & Mingo
Miniature (vegan) chocolate cake, with champagne-cranberry jam + (not-vegan) champagne buttercream.
Ingredients
- for the cake:
- 7 tbsp (55g) unbleached all-purpose flour (if you don’t have a kitchen scale, use 6 tbsp, fluffed, lightly scooped, and leveled)
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- a pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cooled coffee (or 1/4 cup water and 1 tsp instant espresso)
- for the champagne-cranberry jam (adapted from In Sock Monkey Slippers):
- 3 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Brut champagne or prosecco
- for the champagne buttercream (adapted from Sprinkle Bakes):
- 1/4 cup Brut champagne or prosecco
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- To make the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line three 4-ounce ramekins with parchment paper circles. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk brown sugar, vanilla extract, vinegar, vegetable oil, and coffee until blended. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and fold just until incorporated. Divide batter evenly between each ramekin and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until domes spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool briefly, then run a sharp knife around the edges and invert the ramekins. The layers should slide out easily. Let cool for another 5-10 minutes, or until barely warm to the touch, then wrap well in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze until ready to use. Alternatively, move straight to making the jam and buttercream.
- To make the jam: Combine the sugar and champagne in a small saucepot over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside and let cool.
- To make the buttercream: Place the champagne in a small saucepot over medium heat. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the champagne reduces to one tablespoon. keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil dry. When it’s reduced, pour into a small container and let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, use an electric mixer or plenty of arm strength to cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar together until thick and fluffy. Add the reduced champagne, a teaspoon at a time, beating after each addition, until the buttercream reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the cake as desired — I used Tessa’s wonderful tutorial here, with an extra layer of buttercream underneath the jam. And enjoy!
themoonblushbaker
We should be thanking you for such a lovely post! (and year!). I am speechless at the landscape images; they capture the moment perfectly and your wedding pics *heart*.
Totally loving the flavours in this mini cake and so very pretty with those tiny ribbon flags. Happy New year to both of you!
tworedbowls
Bahh thank you so so much, Belinda!!!! Yes, we are sooo lucky to have found Christie, she is so so talented! And speaking of, I’m so glad to have found you this year! 🙂 Happy new year to you!!
themoonblushbaker
You have made my year by saying that 🙂
Jane Y.
I hope 2015 has many more exciting things in store for you! Happy New Year 🙂
tworedbowls
And same to you, Jane!!! Hope you have a wonderful New Year’s 🙂
stephanie
ohmygosh, i love this photo round up! you had an amazing year and i just know 2015 will hold even MORE for you! the engagement shot where you’re smiling at andy…swoon. love that your smile is so big, it fills up the whole photo with love 🙂
happy happy 2015 to you dear cynthia. so happy that we connected and even got to meet in real life! i feel so lucky to call you my friend 🙂
stephanie
oh and your hair!! SWOON! and this cake too. please tell me 2015 will have many many more mini cakes! xoxo
tworedbowls
Ahhhh your comments always make me smile so big, lady!!! So many x’s and o’s for you and I feel SO, SO blessed to call you my friend, too. Super hoping that 2015 will let us cross paths again :):) and bahah YESS always with more mini cakes!!! I don’t know how to cake any other way xD Happy happy new year to you lovely friend!!!
movita beaucoup
Happy new year! And thanks for bringing it. All of it.
tworedbowls
Ha! Same to you, Movita!!
myriam / rhubarb! rhubarb! rhubarb!
I love your year-end recap, and this cake sounds delish! I have officially decided to try making one of your mini-cakes today… I can’t wait (and fingers crossed that it turns out)!
tworedbowls
Eeee fingers crossed here too! I hope you love it if you try it, Myriam!
Maryna
It was an amazing year!! It was great to get to know you and some things about your life) And all your photos always made me hungry! So, thanks for that)) Happy New 2015)
tworedbowls
So glad to get to you know too, Maryna!!! Happy new year! :):)
caitlin | back2spain
Yay!!! Happy engagement and 2015 and here’s to NEVER worrying about cold calls again.
tworedbowls
HA! Never ever ever!!!
Karishma
Oh my gosh this cake is so cute & lovely!! Happy 2015 to you!
Isn’t it crazy how fast it’s blown by? “I’ve sometimes felt like the heavy news in the world has made it a little strange to keep posting the blithe and goofy week after week on this blog, but if anything, I’m even more thankful for the haven we share and the warmth, beauty and generosity of this blog world of ours.” My thoughts exactly, you summed it up so well.
Thanks for an amazing & inspiring blog! The photos you have in this post are incredible. You two are so cute!
tworedbowls
Thank you so so much for such kind words, Karishma!!! I’m so glad to have “met” you through the blog :):) Happy new year!!
Cheryl
Just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. It blows my mind that you’ve only been at this for less than a year – you’re such a pro already! The photography.. I just can’t even. O and I got engaged at the very tail end of 2012 and so planned very casually for the spring wedding we had set for 2014… Until new years day 2014! I went totally crazy, thinking, omg.. This is the year we actually get married! The craze only lasted a few days, though, until we realized we were well planned already! But a very exciting time 🙂 Happy New Year my dear!
tworedbowls
Happy new year to you too Cheryl!!! So glad I found your blog this year 🙂
whiskandshout
Gorgeous photos and I cannot believe you’ve been doing this for barely a year! Your blog is amazing. The invites look so cute and I love that batman pumpkin! 🙂
tworedbowls
Thank you so much for all your kind words along the way, Medha!! Blogging wouldn’t be the same without you <3 happy new year, friend!
Sini | My Blue&White Kitchen
What a wonderful, wonderful round-up (and omg, cake!), Cynthia! I can’t even put into words how thankful I’m for your work; you’re such a talented lady with a hearth of gold. So thank YOU.
Wishing you both all the best for 2015! It’s gonna be an epic year. (wedding!!! in hawaii!!!!!!!!!)
Hugs & kisses,
Sini
amandapaa
so much love! great recap. so happy to have found your blog this year. to more greatness and happy days…
thatumamilife
I love those jungle wandering pictures! Cheers to your year of accomplishments, both in the workplace and kitchen! #newbielawyersblogging
Joanna
Well…I’m not disappointed. But. I expected a super healthy salad. Now I’ve got a super tasty, awesomely perfect looking cake. Bah! Being ‘good’ is tough. Plus, who said I was going to be good anyway!? 😉
Rise With the Birds
Looks like you had a gorgeous year! And that cake is way too adorable. 🙂
emily
That tiny cake is just about perfection, and I loved seeing a quick recap of your beautiful past year. Best wishes for all that’s to come in 2015, Cynth — I just know it will be a year of good fortune, great food and tremendous happiness for the two of you!
jenna @ justjfaye.com
All of these pictures are gorgeous! Also, this cake looks delicious. I just made that champagne buttercream from Sprinkle Bakes for some cupcakes – I love it.
Enjoy the last few days of 2014 and have a happy, happy new year!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
Congrats on an amazing and exciting past year! And another one ahead!!! 🙂
Millie l Add A Little
I’ve got to agree with Stephanie – your hair is GORGEOUS!!! Also, I can’t believe you’re getting married – I’m too excited for you!! 😀 Loving the look of this yummy cake! 🙂
ellie | fit for the soul
I just loooove alcohol in my cake!!! Pretty much the only way I enjoy it other than cooking it in French dishes. And man, what a cool and memorable year, Cynthia! I’m so glad I came to “know” you via your blog and look forward to many wonderful things to come ^_^ Happy 2015 and take care! PS: Once again, I lava your mermaid hair…is it real???!!
Jade Sheldon-Burnsed
What a beautiful year you’ve had. I can’t wait to follow along on your new adventures…
cakeoversteak
What a great post, and this cake sounds amazing! And so festive, too. It sounds like you had a wonderful year – I’m super glad that I was able to meet you, both online and IRL!!!! Here’s to a wonderful 2015. xoxo
Bea
OMG!This cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Awwww the photos are amazing too…….and I hope the year ahead will be even more exciting that 2014 was.Happy 2015 Cynthia!
Katie @ Butterlust
Happy New Year, Cynthia! It wouldn’t be a proper sendoff of 2014 without one last mini cake an this one is absolutely fabulous! Your engagement and Hawaii pictures are breathtakingly beautiful — thank you so much for sharing. I love getting a little glimpse into your “real life”. 🙂 2015 is going to be one for the books! XO
Nancy @ gottagetbaked
My dear friend, Cynthia, happy holidays! I love these photos so much – they’re absolutely gorgeous and the perfect representation of the amazing year that you’ve had in 2014. You deserve every bit of success, joy, love and happiness! My favourites are your engagement photos. Stunning! I know that you’re going to have an even better 2015. Happy new year, lady!
Janine
These pictures look amazing, Cynthia! Wishing you and your soon-to-be hubby all the best for 2015 =)
Erika
You are the most eloquent lady in all the land! I’m so happy to have been one of your lucky readers to witness all the beauty + deliciousness + happiness you’ve brought to the blogging world this year. Another one of your perfect mini cakes is such a perfect way to ring in the new year and I LOVE this recap of just a smattering of your gorgeous photography!!! Happy new year!!! <333
Ashley McLaughlin
Stunning mini cake!! I am in love. Also, so happy our paths crossed this year but hoping they cross in person sometime soon. Thanks for sharing the beautiful moments from your life this past year. YAY marriage!!! Happy New Year! xoxo
Pang @ circahappy
Happy New Year to a wonderful & talented blogger, yes you, Cynthia 🙂
I am so glad to be part of your blogging community because you are truly amazing. It was indeed a great 2014, and I wish you the best 2015 and many more years to come. xoxo
OK now about the cake, jaw dropping & mouth watering cake!!!!! Love all the photos, esp. your engagement ones. I can’t wait to hear & see your planning/wedding photos on your blog next year. I am so excited for you & bowl#2 🙂
Cheers to many more wonderful things to come your way in 2015 🙂
Erika
All the beautiful hair!! Girl these photos are so lovely.. My year was made when I discovered your blog. Much love and happiness to you in 2015 and beyond! xoxo
Michelle @ Hummingbird High
Love, love, love everything about this post! Everything is so gorgeous, from the cakes to your engagement photos. What an amazing year you’ve had! Wishing you even more good thoughts and happy feelings for 2015 — so excited to follow along on your adventures!!!
Chelsea (@TheWholeBite)
What a great recap of the year! So many beautiful photos and this cake looks like the perfect way to top it all off. So happy to have found your blog this year and thank YOU for sharing your talent and for all of the inspiration that you provide me (and I’m sure many, many other people). Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and an amazing 2015 🙂
tableofcolors
What an absolutely lovely and inspiring post! Congratulations and all the best with the New Year!
janinejackson
I always think that it’s precisely blogs like yours that make the world seem lighter after sad events. You put joy and beauty out there and it balances out the terrible things that we see on the news. So thank you!
Kat
I agree with Janine! I love how you incorporated your iphone images – keepin it real, and it’s beautiful!
Alessandra @ the foodie teen
What an absolutely amazing year you’ve had, and I just adore all those photos! Congratulations on a fantastic year, and best wishes for a wonderful 2015 filled with lots of delicious food!
Erika
Much love to you my dear! So glad to have found you.. xoxo
Happy New Year!
Erika
I just realized I commented twice! ha!
Rebekka
Happy New Year’s to you, lady!!! 🙂
Lindsey
what a perfect way to cap the end of a year! from your iphone captures (omg, the picnic! just reminds me even more that we need to get together!), to your absolutely beautiful engagement photos, to all of your lovely creations from 2014 – you’ve threaded it all together perfectly. sending you so many hugs and only the best wishes for the happiest 2015! xoxo
Savory Simple
I hope you have a wonderful new year! This cake is stunning.
wallflourgirl
Cheers to the year that brought me to stumble and traipse over to your blog, Cynthia! Sending lots of new year’s love and telepathic cakes your way–until whenever we get to eat some real cakes together. xoxo!
Renee
Happy New Year and thank YOU Cynthia. You’ve been a huge inspiration. Can’t wait to see what 2015 will be like; more incredible recipes, you getting married and lots of new exciting things!
yourbetterchoice
Happy New Year!
I got engaged at the end of 2014 and this year will be a year of expectations and preparations 🙂 I’m so excited.
Beautiful pictures. I love everything about your blog – pictures, writing, recipes. You are my big inspiration. Thank you for this. Wish you all the best.
Greetings from Poland
Karolina
easydoesit20012002
What an adorable little cake. Hawaii is an amazing place (my hubby and I were married there). It looks like you guys really had a magical time there. All the best in the coming year.
Lynn |The Road to Honey
http://www.theroadtohoney.com
CaliZona
I love this tiny cake, soooo cute!!! Honestly, where does the time go? Congratulations on your engagement, 2015 will be an exciting year : ) Your blog is very inspiring and I look forward to more of your awesome photos : )
Kathryn
One of the highlights of 2014 for me was definitely getting to meet you Cynthia! I wish you absolutely every happiness for 2015, what I’m pretty sure will be the year of the epic wedding 😉 Love to you guys!
Lindsay
I am very late to the party on this one, as I just discovered your blog. I read your engagement post and cried when I read that your betrothed “feels like home”. You may already know this song, but it’s one of my faves. It immediately came to mind when I read your words. Wishing you both the best! Congratulations.
Love,
A new fan 🙂
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7dLq7I7jcIA
Lindsay
P.S. I currently live in Busan, Korea. Wish I could teleport you here and share a meal of yummy goodness!
Graham @ Glazed & Confused
This is such a beautiful post, Cynthia. You two are pretty much my relationship goals at this point.
Really though, 2015 will be all types of amazing and fabulous. Hope it brings the best for you! <3
Willow @ Will Cook For Friends
What a beautiful round up of photos, Cynthia! So great to look back at some of the highlights of the year. Also, how did I not know you’d only been blogging for a year? You are so much better at this whole food thing than you should be just a year in (I totally mean that as a compliment, in case it doesn’t sound like one — you rock!). Looking forward to all the wonderful things 2015 has to offer (congrats on your engagement, by the way — not sure how I missed that one, either!). Happy new year!