So, I got around to making "Neighbor Dorothy's Heavenly Carmel Cake" yesterday (recipe from book), and I'm happy to report that it was pretty good.
The directions were a bit sketchy--no pan size was given for instance--although my heart-shape one worked fine. By far one of the oddest ways of combining ingredients though. For instance, the cake required sifting brown sugar and flour together (huh?), and cooking a flour and milk paste to beat into the icing. OK. Slightly dubious, I held my breath and kept up the faith as I methodically went through all the steps, wondering how in the world it was going to come together right, and be carmel flavored as promised.
But in the end, a magic thing happened. And it really was heavenly!
It looks wonderful! I LOVE Fannie Flagg books! Wish there was a new one out now! I'm in the mood for some Southern humor!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | February 25, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Looks so yummy - yes, heavenly, indeed!! Not surprising - there is just something magical about that Neighbor Dorothy and her broadcasts from home on WDOT. I've been charmed by her since her little appearance in Welcome to the World, Baby Girl.
I sure could go for a piece of that cake . . . and another Fannie Flagg book . . . right now!!
Posted by: Shari | February 25, 2009 at 11:04 AM
That looks gorgeous, I think I'm going to get the book just for the recipe, caramel is one of my favorites!
Nina x - Tabiboo
Posted by: Nina Nixon | February 25, 2009 at 12:12 PM
I was so excited to read your post today!! I just finished reading Can't Wait To Get To Heaven and had photocopied the caramel cake recipe. I haven't made it yet but hope to soon. Sounded so darn yummy in the story!!! BTW, about what size was the pan?
REPLY: The heart-shaped pan I used was approximately 8 x 8, which made for a tall cake, so I think it would work fine in a 9 x 13 cake pan as well.
Posted by: KC Quilter | February 25, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Oh...cake looks so good! I loved that book too, and absolutely MUST make that cake now.
Posted by: Barb | February 25, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Your cake looks great and sounds ever so delicious. I'm going to have to go to the library tomorrow and get the book so I can try the recipe, too. Great photos and I appreciate your helpful comments about the recipe and process.
Posted by: Junie Moon | February 25, 2009 at 04:18 PM
That icing is the best isn't it? It's my family's favorite icing on a white coconut cake...YUMM!
Posted by: Joni-MI | February 25, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Delicious looking cake!
Posted by: Christy | February 25, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Oh my goodness that cake looks so darn YUMMY! And pretty too~good job, made my mouth water! LoL! Hope you are having a fun week~Tam:D
Posted by: Tam | February 26, 2009 at 01:35 AM
Oh my goodness...that looks so yummilicious. I love caramel and how it just melts in your mouth...you have me drooling here, really. Talk about a perfect cake to go with a cup of fresh brewed coffee.
Posted by: cathleen | February 26, 2009 at 08:40 AM
It looks like it was absolutely worth the effort!!
Posted by: Martha | February 26, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Well I guess it all makes sense..seems kinda weird. keep the faith. heavenly concoction?
I'll have to try it for sure.
Posted by: brit | February 27, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Love your blog and the sweet surprises! The cake looks delish too! I've heard good things about the book, it's on my reading list now for sure.
Posted by: Sonya | February 28, 2009 at 05:23 PM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM! nom nom nom!!!
Posted by: Kristin | February 28, 2009 at 07:30 PM
Wow, can I come over for some coffee and a chat?! The cake looks heavenly!
Posted by: Kathy | March 01, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Looks definitely sinful. Love the heart pan!
Posted by: Melly G | March 01, 2009 at 10:54 AM
It looks great! I love Fanny Flagg books!!
Posted by: Rosa | March 01, 2009 at 02:56 PM
This looks so so yummy.
Posted by: ReminisceHeirlooms | March 01, 2009 at 07:28 PM
The cake looks so good. I want to make one, put on coffee and invite you over. Then I could thank you properly for all the sweet surprises you have given.
Posted by: Velma | March 02, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Looks very yummy...I have had a caramel flavored frosting and thought I wouldn't like it but it was very tasty.
Posted by: Judy | March 02, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Hi Vicki,
I just finished reading this book a few days ago, and I loved it. I'm so glad you posted what pan you used. That's the first thing I wondered about when I read the recipe. I love caramel icing!
Posted by: Lena | March 03, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I got curious..never heard of this woman here in New Zealand..& the method sounded odd, so I googled the recipe.Isn't google amazing!There was the recipe. Now I didn't make it-hubby did(he's my own Martha Stewart!)& it is really unusual & the frosting isn't like anything we make here. It's yummy:)
Posted by: Jan Richards (NZ) | March 10, 2009 at 03:35 PM