The Bakery: French Vanilla Cake w/ Chocolate Frosting

I'm no expert in baking but it is something I've been interested in since, well I can't remember when. But living with a dad who cooks and parents who's hobby includes watching Food Network on TV eventually influenced me to start liking the idea of getting busy in the kitchen. On my non-lazy days, I remember asking my dad to let me help him out as he prepares our meal. He wouldn't let me do the cooking, just chopping here and there and getting ingredients ready for him, but I was alright with it as long as I'm there as he whips up something delicious. Then my mom started baking and I'd help out too. Soon after, I made my own Oatmeal Chip cookies which I shared with my then-boyfriend and my friends from work (who all liked the cookies).

But neither cooking nor baking really strike my fancy until we moved to Richmond and I started living alone. With no one to make my food, I was left with the responsibility of feeding myself. It wasn't such a ghastly thing for me to do since I liked it a bit already, and doing the grocery for the ingredients - I'm absolutely stoked about doing. I don't know, I just feel so adult and independent whenever I scan the isles of the grocery store. Haha! And then I started watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network while working out (yes, I do that to torture myself even more, haha!) and I got hooked and wanted to try frosting cupcakes with the piping bag. Haha!

So two weeks ago and with nothing to do at my place, I saw that I have a French Vanilla Cake mix and decided to bake it. I then bought a piping bag and a set of couplers (aka the piping bag tips) and some sprinklers and started. I was so into it and before I knew it, I was already done! I immediately brought the cakes over to my parents' place and kept the cupcakes for myself. Mom said they're delicious, but of course, I can't take credit for them. After all, I just used an instant cake mix and the ready-to-spread frosting from Betty Crockers. Haha! But still, being able to whip up something edible and delicious from scratch is very satisfying. But nothing is more satisfying and enjoyable than making others happy and pleased with what you made yourself - it is pure joy. 

So, here's the finished product! (Teehee)

 Cuddles is seriously eyeing the sweets! :D

The only downside to this new fascination is that I'd have to be careful with overeating sweets lest I gain weight! Eeep! I'd definitely not skip gym from now on!