Blogs

I woke up this morning with that happy, almost giddy little feeling…it’s my birthday! No matter how many candles are on my cake, I hope I’ll never outgrow feeling like an excited little kid on my birthday. Because there’s nothing better than waking up feeling super special, before you even get out of bed. Like the whole day is the perfect present, just waiting to be opened.

I think I get so excited about my birthday because my mom, Gail, always made the day so special. Not just the day…when it came to birthdays, my mom was a big believer in stretching out the celebration as long as possible!

Weeks before the big day, my family would spend hours talking about special birthday meals and party plans. It’s funny because I know there was always a special birthday gift, too. But looking back, it’s the meals and celebrations I remember, not the gifts.

Every year my mom would make my favorite recipe for my birthday. And even though my favorite meals changed over the years, there was one thing I always asked for – my mom’s special Lemon Sheet Cake.

It’s so simple. But so delicious! And maybe, like my birthday memories, it’s because that’s what’s really important. Simple pleasures and celebrations with family that make great memories.

Here’s the recipe…and it’s so good, you don’t need to wait for a birthday. It’s perfect for everyday celebrations, as well. Just like temp-tations!

Easy Lemon Sheet Cake

Cake

nonstick cooking spray

1 ½ cups cake flour

5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cups sugar

7 Tablespoons vegetable oil

2 eggs

3 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup bottled lemon juice, well shaken

1 cup lemon yogurt

1 cup flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze

3 cups powdered sugar

1⁄3 cup bottled lemon juice, well shaken

Optional toppings: Colored sprinkles, coconut, white chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray a 4-quart temp-tations dish with nonstick cooking spray. Dust the pan with flour, knocking out any excess. On medium speed, cream the butter, sugar, and oil

together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes; scraping down the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula as

needed.

2. Add the eggs and yolks one at a time, waiting until each addition is fully incorporated and scraping

down the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.

3. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice and yogurt together and set aside. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt together and, on low speed, add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl in three additions, alternating with the lemon juice/yogurt mixture, and beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat on medium speed for a few seconds more, until batter is smooth.

4. Transfer the batter to the prepared dish and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in

the center comes out clean.

5. To make the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together. Using a toothpick, poke

holes in the warm cake and coat with glaze. If desired, top with your favorite toppings. Let the cake come to room temperature before slicing with a sharp paring knife and serving.

I still trying to stretch my birthday celebrations out as long as possible, just like Gail taught me. But I’m also focusing on making great memories and remembering loved ones who aren’t here to celebrate with me, like my dad. I always take a moment to think back on the memories of birthdays past…it’s my birthday gift to myself. 

Over the past few days, I have received so many incredible birthday wishes from my temp-tations and QVC family (including an amazingly delicious birthday cake on In the Kitchen with David).

Thank you to everyone for making me feel so loved! I hope you have a chance to test out my mom’s cake recipe, it will be just like celebrating with all of you. And, don’t forget, to help you celebrate, QVC is offering Easy Pay on select temp-tations, in honor of my birthday!

Do you have a favorite birthday recipe that was famous in your family? Then share it in the comments below! I’ll always celebrate with Gail’s cake. But I’m always on the lookout for new birthday meal ideas.

XOXO

Tara