Dash of Dan: Two-Tone Mini Bundts

Valentines Day is just around the corner.

Now, I don’t put much into this day, but I do think it’s important to show the ones you love, how you feel.

For me, I’ve always shown it through what I bake, and over time I have learned people appreciate something you make, and take time to create versus something bought.

So this Valentines day, show someone, whether a friend, co-worker, or significant other that you care about them, with something as simple and elegant as a two-tone mini bundt; part chocolate, part vanilla, but made with all love.

* Note: I used a mini bundt tray for this, but you could make one larger  bundt as well.

Recipe:
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature plus more for the pans

1 3/4 cup cake flour                                                       1 teaspoon almond extract

2 teaspoons baking powder                                        2/3 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon salt                                                          1/4 cup dutch-process cocoa, plus one tablespoon

1 cup sugar                                                                     1/4 cup boiling water plus two tablespoons

3 large eggs, room temperature                                  Confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees                   * Butter a six mini bundt pan or one regular one

1. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix on low speed. In another bowl, set aside 1/2 of the batter. (this will become the chocolate half)
4. In a bowl mix together the cocoa and boiling water, and mix until smooth. Mix in the almond extract. Add the cocoa mixture, to the batter you placed in a separate bowl. In the vanilla bowl, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Spoon the batters into the prepared pans. You can choose if you want the chocolate on top or the bottom, alternate for a pretty design.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, longer if you are using a regular bundt, the time will be a little longer. You’ll know its done, when the cakes recede from the sides, spring to the touch, and/or come out clean when tested with a toothpick.
7. Let cool, and when ready remove from the pans by inverting them. Dust with confectioners sugar.

For a really special treat, make your own whipped cream and serve with some of your favorite berries. Or perhaps, a delicious ice cream.

This is an open thread, let me know what’s on your mind! How do you let your loved ones know how you feel?

I hope each of you has a wonderful Valentine’s Day, whether you treat yourself to a little something, or do something sweet for others.

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