By: MOLLY RIDENOUR
Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day is coming up faster than we think. It’s on Monday, February 14th. Which we also have off for school. Valentine’s day isn’t all about boyfriends and girlfriends, it’s also about appreciating your friends and those around you who love you. Don’t spend this day so focused on having a date or being with someone. Let those things come naturally. Spend Valentine’s Day with your friends and family. Surround yourself with people who love you. If you want to give friends or family a gift, here are some perfect easy recipes to do that! Strawberry cake is always a great option! Or even chocolate-covered strawberries!
Fresh Strawberry Cake Ingredients
- 14 ounces (397 g) all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (226 g) unsalted butter room temperature
- 10 ounces (284 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoon strawberry emulsion or extract, I use LorAnn oils bakery emulsion
- zest one lemon
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 6 ounces (170 g) egg whites room temperature
- 4 ounces (113 g) strawberry reduction room temperature
- 6 ounces (170 g) milk room temperature, whole milk is best
- 1/2 teaspoon Pink food color I use Americolor electric pink gel
Strawberry Reduction
- 32 ounces (907 g) fresh or frozen strawberries thawed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 ounces (113 g) sugar optional
Easy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- 4 ounces (113 g) pasteurized egg whites
- 16 ounces (454 g) unsalted butter room temperature
- 16 ounces (454 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces (113 g) strawberry reduction room temperature