Thursday, February 10, 2011

Maraschino Cherry Valentine Cake and One Year Blogging Anniversary CSN Giveaway



CSN $75 Gift Code Giveaway
To help celebrate my One Year Blogging Anniversary I am hosting a $75 CSN gift code giveaway, compliments of CSN the online company that  has over 200 stores where you can find anything you need whether it be swingsets, cookware, decorating  items and much more. You can use your gift code on anything at  any CSN online store, but please check out the selection the Swingset Store has for your children and grandchildren!  SEE BELOW FOR CAKE RECIPE.

Welcome to Pink Saturday!

Playhouses

Contest Rules

1.  Open to residents of the United States and Canada only.
2.  Giveaways is a $75 gift code, provided by CSN, to use at any of their over 200 online stores.
3.  You must be a GFC follower (on left hand of blog)  -- new or former --  to be eligible to win.  I do check this.
4.  Contest ends on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 10 pm MST.
5.   Winner will be decided with the aid of Random.Org.

Two Chances to Win:
1.  Make a comment on this post, letting me know you are a follower -- this is mandatory.
2.  Click HERE to view the CSN Swingsets and More web page.  Since the swingset site is sponsoring this giveaway, look around the site and let me know in you comment what, if money were no object, you would like to buy. 

One Year Blogging Anniversary and 210 Posts
 I want to give lots of blogger love back to you who have been soooo kind and encouraging.  In a world where you can find a lot of negativity, it is nice to be able to escape to blogland and be inspired and be surrounded by positivity.   I love visiting your blogs you are creative, inspiring, and many times very humorous.  About a year ago, my then 13-year old daughter Tati, Polka Dot Pantry Sweets, asked me to help her to set up a food blog. One weekend she was planning to go to a movie with her friends.  Right before she was supposed to leave, I  checked the reviews online and realized it wasn't an appropriate movie for a 13-year old.  With exasperation in her voice she said, "Well,  if I can't go to a movie, can you help me start a food blog ? "  So I helped her start her blog and it looked so much fun that I started one myself.  Tati has found it hard to blog, swim on the high school swim team, dance, and take piano lessons...oh, and school too.

Maraschino Cherry Cake
So to celebrate my one year anniversary and for Valentine's Day, I made a very special cake.  I have a very warm memory of my mom making this type of cake for my father for Valentine's Day.  I only remember her making this once, but I loved it.  My husband has asked me to make this cake again, this time for for Valentine's Day, and then hide it  for a day while the flavors mature.  If you are so lucky to have any cake left on the second day, you will find that it does taste even better on the second day.  The Maraschino cherries and juice give this cake a delicate cherry flavor and color.  I sprinkled our cake slices with Maraschino Cherry juice, but I think a little chocolate ganache drizzled  on it would also be good.


Recipe and Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Cake

Cake Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
5 egg whites
2 -2/3 cups flour, unsifted
2 -1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup Maraschino Cherry Juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
16 Maraschino cherries, cut into eighths
1/2 cup chopped walnuts -- You could add more if you would like.

Instructions
Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.  I used my heart cake pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and eggs for 3-4 minutes using a heavy duty mixer.  Set aside.  Don't cheat on the creaming time.  In another medium-sized bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.  Set aside.  In a small bowl, mix milk cherry juice, almond extract together.  Add flour mixture to creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with milk and cherry juice mixture, in thirds.  Stir in, by hand, chopped cherries and nuts.  Pour into prepared pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  It's important to not over bake.  Take it out of the oven a few minutes before you think that a wooden skewer inserted in the middle of the cake would come out clean.  The cake recipe has been adopted from a recipe on Cake Central.

Maraschino Cherry Juice Butter Cream Frosting
Blend together 1/2  cup room temperature butter, 4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons almond extract, and 4-5 tablespoons Maraschino Cherry Juice. You may need to add extra cherry juice, depending on how thick you want it.   Make sure you don't make a dry frosting.  I added a little bit of cocoa powder to the frosting to pipe the "Be Mine."  I also sprinkled a bit of powdered sugar on the cake.


Thanks for dropping by and helping me celebrate my one year of blogging at Red Couch Recipes!   Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

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103 comments:

adrienzgirl said...

I'm a huge fan of maraschino cherries. It's my favorite homemade ice cream. Good vanilla base with some cherries? SO PERFECT!

I am so making this cake! Yum!

Frieda Loves Bread said...

Congratulations on your blogaversary! I'm a GFC follower! Thanks for sharing a fabulous recipe, too!

Frieda Loves Bread said...

The adventure lodge playset looks like SO much fun!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Congratulations to your One Year Anniversary! I am SO HAPPY to be a FOLLOWER of yours...You and Your Sister are SO Much Fun and WOW, are you great cooks!!! I had to laugh at your statement about flavor blending and tasting BETTER the second day...I ALWAYS say this about Stews as we are EATING a big pot of it for super(I tell my guys that THIS would have tasted SO GOOD Tomorrow), they don't have a clue because it NEVER lasts that long! I am GOING to make your delicious cake AND maybe it will make it to DAY TWO(hehe, OR NOT)! PLEASE enter me in your giveaway! I AM a FOLLOWER and I would "LOVE" to have the Woodard - 910073 - Serengeti Gliding Loveseat. Actually I would LOVE to have two with maybe some other matching pieces...LOVE IT!
Thank you SO Much Joni,
"Happy Valentines Day to you",
Hugs, Donna

Romantic Dinner Bruges said...

Congratulation to your anniversary and colorful its cake . i like Chery cake recipe . amazing your idea and best details shared in the post. thanks

Alexander's Adventures Abroad said...

I'm a new follower, found you via icraftatbeewisebags blog. My kids would love the Gorilla playsets Blue Ridge set. How cool to have that in the backyard! I'm anxious to try some of these yummy recipes...thanks for taking the time to share with others!
threetxns2luv@yahoo.com.sg

Lynn said...

Hi Joni! Congrats on one year of blogging fun! Please enter me in your generous give-away! Your cake looks great, love cherries:@)

Lynn said...

I think that Big Top Sandbox is just adorable! If I had little ones, I'd have to get one of them:@)
PS, just saw your Parmesan Pizzelles in the "you might like" pics, they sound great!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I'm one of your newer followers, the Roba Dolce girl! I bought a Paula Deen Savannah bed last year when we moved to this old house from CSN... they are a dependable company and have some wonderful stuff for the home -

La said...

Hi Joni!

Happy Anniversary! I love your blog and I am a faithful follower.

La said...

If money were no object, I would build a Cape Cod Playhouse in my backyard for ME! It would be my little sanctuary. :o)

Lina Thomlinson said...

That cake looks divine! Perfect for Valentine's Day. I'm a follower.

Lina Thomlinson said...

We used to have an wooden swing set while I was growing up but nowhere near as impressive as this one:
http://www.swingsetsandmore.com/Swing-n-Slide-PB-8202-SNS1121.html
You did say money was no object, after all.

egbkid said...

Congrats on the one year of blogging!! I love cherries, so i think i am going to make this cake! I have been a follower for a bit now, i just poked around the CSN stores. I don't need a swing set, since i have no children, but if i could i would get a new set of pots. I need a good set, since all i have are 2 to 3 hand me downs, and i want a dutch oven!

Marlis said...

Congratulations.. your blog is on my daily roll and wouldn't miss it for anything. I love dropping in to be entertained, amused, inspired and to simply see what you've been up to! I do follow!

Marlis said...

And since money is no object.. that cute victorian playhouse with a front porch and railing would find it's way into the backyard to be surrounded by a rose and butterfly garden to delight the little girls..

Cricket said...

Congrats on your bloging anniversary Joni!! I am a follower!!

Cricket said...

Hi Joni...if money were no object I would love one of the swing sets. I ahve grandchildren that are just at the perfect age to enjoy one.

Krista said...

I've been following!

Krista said...

I don't have kids (or grandkids for that matter) yet, but it would be super sweet to get the kidwise inflatable obstacle racer for the future!

Anonymous said...

Hi Joni: Hugest of Congrats to you!! It is a big milestone and I know the time involved in making your blog everything you want it to be! Enjoy your weekend, anne

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

What a great giveaway - I can't believe it's only been a year. I must be one of your first followers :). Happy Anniversary!!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

I suppose if money were no object, the teens might get a kick out of the gigantic $1700 Texas Trampoline. Why didn't they have anything like that when I was a kid?

Moore Minutes said...

I'm all about the cake! Love the idea of the cherries. I want to make this over the weekend.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am still gazing at that gorgeous cake! Yes I am a follower of your wonderful blog. One year of fabulousness so a big Congrats! Great giveaway...CSN is amazing with so much to choose from. Going to go look now!
hugs, Linda

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I think these swing sets are amazing. If money was no object I would choose the Winchester Wood Swing-n-Slide. My oh my lots of fun on that one!

Sarah said...

Joni, you know I'm an avid follower! I have you on my Blog Roll. You are amazing. Wish I could claim to be such a talented, creative cook and blogger.
Happy Anniversary! ~ Sarah

Domestic Diva said...

I follow on gfc

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

Domestic Diva said...

I'd love to get a Skywalker trampoline.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

Julie Harward said...

That is a delisious looking cake my friend...May I win that?! ;D

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Congratulations on your milestone anniversary, Joni, and great giveaway! I would love a new swing set for my grandson or even one of those cool, Schwinn Roadster bikes.

What a luscious and beautiful-looking cake!

Katie @ This Chick Cooks said...

Joni, your cake looks delicious- just perfect for Valentines Day. Congrats on your blogiversary!

Mary L said...

Love your blog, congratulations on your blogiversary! Keep up the great work, please put my name in the hat for the awesome giveaway! Thanks!

Mary L

Sentimental Roses said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary.. I enjoy being a follower!! If money was not an object I would love the hot tub!! Susan mystica_rose@hotmail.com

AubreyLaine said...

I am a GFC follower
aubreyfick@yahoo.com

Abby said...

The cake looks terrific! I love the red and white for Valentine's day! I am a follower, can you enter me please? thanks!

Abby said...

If money were not an concern I would love the Swing Town playset! I will have 3 kids this summer (pregnant now) and would like for each to have their own swing!

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, congrats Joni on your 1 year blogaversary! I love recipes like this because every thing is in the cupboard! I am a follower!
Sherry

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, I would absolutely love one of those really amazing playhouses. So I could have a Shabby Backyard studio! LOL The guys will never let me paint everything white! But, I would love to!
Sherry

Pondside said...

Congratulations!
This cake looks like a treat. Of course I'm a follower of yours - how could I miss?!

Donnie said...

Congrats on your 1 year Blogaversary. I'm a new follower and would love to have a piece of that beautiful cake. Yum

Donnie said...

I'm getting a LeCruset pot if I ever win one of these contests...lol...

Cathy said...

Hi Joni - Happy 1 year blogging anniversary! I follow your blog faithfully and always love to come by for a visit. I would love a slice of that cake please.

Ashley said...

I'm a gfc follower.

hewella1 at gmail dot com

Ashley said...

I like the big top sandbox.

hewella1 at gmail dot com

Jacqueline said...

Of course, I am your most faithful follower! I always look for your posts first! I don't remember mom making your cake but it sounds fabulous. I love maraschino anything. I would love to win!

Jacqueline said...

I haven't ever seen the cute princess bouncer. What a fun thing for a grandma to have, but if money were no object and I could pick from any CSN store, I adore their Versace Christmas plates - but I am more of a bargain plate kind of girl, but a girl can dream.
Congratulations on 1 year and 210 posts, you have been an inspiration.

Joy Tilton said...

You lead, I follow!

Joy Tilton said...

I think after all the snow this winter we need a snow blower!

Gabriela Delworth - Adult Learning & Development said...

Happy Pink Saturday!

Oh my....how can I leave this blog without something sweet? Do you ship to Canada? Eh? :o)

Simply deliciousness!


~ Gabriela ~

Sue said...

My daughter loves cherries, so this would be great for her birthday in May. It's beautiful too. I am a devoted follower of your blog, Joni! I am so glad you joined the blogging world! Happy Anniversary! Your friend, Sue

Sue said...

I think I would get the trampoline(with the enclosure) for my grandkids:)

KimMalk said...

Hi Miss Red Couch. Congratulations on 1 year! This recipe looks so good, I love the flavor of cherries. :) Hugs, Kim

Anonymous said...

Hi, I follow you via Google Friend Connect. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

Anonymous said...

I'd love to get the Skywalker - 10' Round Trampoline and Enclosure.
maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

Melody said...

I am a follower!

Melody said...

The playhouses are amazing!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Congratulations on your one year blogging anniversary! If I'm not already a follower, I can't enter your generous giveaway. Blogger has cut me off from following any more blogs. I have to find time to go in and delete some of the blogs I'm following before I can add any more. Thank you for linking this beautiful cake recipe to the Valentine party. I'm saving this recipe to make some time. laurie

Kelly Massman said...

Congrats! The cake look amazing! I'm a follower!

Kelly Massman said...

I would buy: Schwinn - Coronado Women's 26" Alloy Frame Comfort Bike
if money were no object!

Thanks! kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

Congrats on the anniversary! New follower!

Unknown said...

I'd totally get a trampoline for the kids....ahem...yeah...the kids

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

That cake looks too pretty to eat! Yum!
As for what I'd buy if money was no object, definitely the swing set for my 5 year old. Just found your lovely blog via Pink Saturday. I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!
Have a sweet weekend!
Tammy

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I love LOVE! Particularly when it is pink.

Happy hearts day to you and yours.

Bonnie said...

I am a GFC follower.

Bonnie said...

Joni, Everyone at my house is too grown up for the swingsets and not a grandchild in sight. But I do love the CSN stores. So many great products to buy from them.

Marigene said...

Yes, I am one of your happy followers, Joni! Congrats on one year of blogging...I look forward to many more.

Unknown said...

What a great recipe...I was just looking online today and found the best Magic Cookie Bar recipe that uses chopped Maraschino cherries and omits the nuts...I'm planning on making a batch later tonight.

I'm a new GFC follower (shel)
shel704 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

If money were no object, I'd buy the Swing-n-Slide - PB 8205 - Tahoe No-Cut Swing Set
http://www.swingsetsandmore.com/Swing-n-Slide-PB-8205-SNS1107.html

That's the kind I'd want if I were small again and I'm sure my daughter would love it.

shel704 at aol dot com

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I am a follower and love your recipes! My eldest daughter and I both love anything cherry--this cake sounds wonderful! My kids are grown (boo hoo), but I would love a Le Creuset anything or Kitchen Aide Mixer! Maybe someday!

Clements Family said...

Happy Bloggoversary!! I love your blog!
Hmm...what to get from CSN? I really need a new KitchenAid...or a popcorn popper...or...hmmm...
and of course I am a follower:)

Colleen at Forty Something Bride said...

I am a follower (have been for a while). Thanks for the giveaway!

Colleen at Forty Something Bride said...

I'd love one of these - okay, I would tucker out quickly, but it would be fun: Skywalker - SAU17G09 - 17' x 15' Oval Trampoline with Sports Arena Games

Beth said...

Joni, I am a follower and would love to win the CSN gift code.
Blessings, Beth

Cfycup said...

Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! I have been following your lovely blog for a few months now and always enjoy your drool-worthy recipes and fabulous tablescapes!

Cfycup said...

After looking at the CSN swingsets and more website, I found something I'd really like for the spring......a bicycle! The Mantis - Ladies Beach Hopper Bicycle in White looks classic and fun!

Places to Go and Things to Eat said...

I've been reading your blog for a while but just started actually following it. Doh!

Oh my. What to pick from the Swingsets and More - I'm not sure which the boys would prefer - the Skywalker trampoline or the Tango oval above ground pool. Unfortunately for them, there's no room in our yard for the pool. Thanks!

Kathleen said...

My son's 4 little ones would love that playhouse, Joni. Shall I tell them Aunt Joni is sending it?

Kathleen said...

Of course I am a follower!

Judy said...

Congratulations on your anniversary! I can't believe you've only been blogging for a year. I thought you'd been doing it for a long time! Your blog is great, and I hope you have many more years of blogging to come!

Kristen said...

Yes I am a follower! I made the heart pizzas for my family for Valentines and it was a hit!
On the website I like the 2 in 1 lego table in Espresso! Hope I win so I can get it for my son for his birthday!

Thanks for your awesome blog!!!!

JulieF1962 said...

I am a new follower! (though I've been following for a while on my Google Reader) That cake looks AMAZING!!

Honey at 2805 said...

The Cake Receipe looks fabulous! I would be so excited to win you generous giveaway.

Honey at 2805 said...

I am a new follower!

Amanda Richardson said...

I just found your blog, I'm a new follower!

xinex said...

I am your new follower, Joni. The cherry cake looks so delicious. I am copying the recipe to try it. Thanks...Christine

Bonnie said...

I am a new follower, but I have been reading your blog for awhile. It is always so much fun to try new recipes.

Life on Royal Lane said...

Love your recipe's and your blog. I'm a new follower. Please add my name to your giveaway.

Renée said...

Hi Joni,

Congrats on the one year mark and so many awesome recipes, tablescapes and family delights that you have shared with us. I am a happy follower and would so appreciate your giveaway. You just do a sensational job. Here's to another fabulous year on your now famous Red Couch!

L.M. said...

Congrats on youranniversary / birthday / blogaversaday! I am a follower and really enjoy your blog.

L.M. said...

As for what I'd want from that particular store, I'm pretty sure that my 'baby' (who is now almost 18) would LOVE one of those water trampoulines!

Jane said...

Hi Joni
I am glad I found you...what interesting recipes you share. I have joined the ranks of followers. Please add my name to the drawing.
Jane (artfully graced)

Jane said...

I, too, and a fan of CSN stores. THinking of future grandkids, I'd choose the backyard Explorer. There are activities for several ages on this...love the "rock" climbing wall.
Jane (artfully graced)

Tiffanee said...

Congratulations!! The cake looks incredible!! I am a follower!!

Liz said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I'm a follower!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

I love this play house!

http://www.swingsetsandmore.com/Little-Cottage-Company-VMK-LCC1009.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Sue said...

I am a very happy follower!

Sue said...

If money were no object, I would get the SportsPlay - 902-816 - Tot Town Fun Center 4 for my little grandsons. Of course it is over $5000, so I won't be ordering it any time soon.

m'lin said...

Thanks for the recipe - I will try this soon.
Would also love this GC!! melin54@sbcglobal.net

ChRiS said...

i am a follower.......ty for a chance

Terol Stauffer said...

Your blog always makes me smile! I love your pictures and creative blogging.

Tati said...

Great Give away! I am of course a follower!

Tati said...

If money were no option, I would love to have the skywalker 17' trampoline. Looks like so much fun! Thanks-Tati

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