For The Love of Birthday Cake!

This week my "baby" Sage turned 2. Waking up and realizing that my baby really isn't a baby anymore brings me to the state of reminiscing, recognizing the importance of focusing on the moments that make up our days and a general sense of amazement. I am blessed with two amazing daughters and watching them bloom into their own is a gift. If I am not present in the very moments of each day, I am just speed reading their stories. I am glad to say I was present for the moments of Sage's second birthday because the words from the mouths of babes are the ones worth writing down.

For the past couple weeks, when asked how old she was going to be on her birthday, Sage was holding up 5 fingers and confidently stating that she was going to be 4. When I asked her how old she was on her birthday, the first words out of her mouth were, "I'n 10" (holding up 10 fingers). I certainly was impressed with her new numerical recognition! The next words out of her mouth were, "I want cake!" Mind you it was 6am!

Well you can't say no to a 2 year old on her birthday so here is the recipe for Sage's second birthday cake. It is delicious, easy and somewhat healthy.

Blueberry Orange (or Lemon) Cake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and oil a large bundt pan or baking pan
In a large mixing bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
4 cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
I have made this with other four combinations like coconut, rice and a gluten free, wheat free blend
1 cup turbinado sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground clove
1/2 tsp nutmeg
In a separate bowl combine:
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup vanilla rice milk
1/2 cup real maple syrup
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry and combine. Gently stir in 2 cups fresh or thawed, frozen blueberries and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, usually closer to 40 in my oven, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This is a dense and moist cake and when I cut the sugar in half I don't mind giving it to my girls for breakfast. Last night they had it with a spoonful of maple yogurt. Decadent!