Strawberry Shortcut Cake & Happy Blogaversary to Mommy's Kitchen

I was feeling a bit under the weather when my 1st Blogaversary came and went. Getting on the computer was the last thing I wanted to do. I don't know but this cold hit me hard this time.

I'm feeling so much better now, so I wasn't going to let this special day go un noticed. Everyone
please join me as I say, Happy 1st Birthday Mommy's Kitchen!!!!


I cant believe it has already been a whole year. Last June I started my recipe blog as a outlet and a hobby for my favorite recipes. I never imagined it would turn into something so big and special in my life.

 I have had a lot of positive things happen to me because of my blog. I never knew so many people were interested in simple family favorite foods. I always wonder who is reading my blog and if all the hard work I put toward each recipe post is worth it.


Well, from time to time I get such wonderful emails from readers telling me just how much they love my site. It really makes it all worth while. I am so glad that my site has helped out so many people that want to learn to cook. 

I was lucky enough to have someone teach me how to cook, so really that's all I want to do for others. Lets celebrate with.....

"Strawberry Shortcut Cake and a Cookbook Giveaway"

To celebrate my First Blogaversay I'm giving away a cookbook!!!!!

" The One Armed Cook "
Superb recipes that can be made with a whisk in one hand and a baby cradled in the other with most recipes prepared, start-to-finish, in 30 minutes or less. I know all of us mommy's are so busy how about a little help with some new recipes. No time to cook, but still need to feed your family? The One-Armed Cook has the solution! More than 120 delicious and easy recipes. For your chance to win this cookbook just comment on this post, it is as easy as that. I will randomly choose a comment and announce the winner on

Monday, June 8Th!!
Contest open to US Residents Only.
If you do not have a blog account please leave a email address so I can contact you in the event that you are the winner. Also stayed tuned because I have another big giveaway I am so excited about coming up really soon.

Last Chance To Enter is Midnight June 7th.
(central time)

Now onto the cake.............
Adding sugar and brandy to macerate the strawberries.


sliced strawberries, pouring on the jello, add those wonderful macerated strawberries. And finishing it off with a topping of Fresh Whipping Cream.


Let chill for at least 4 hours and serve.


I saw this cake on Down Home with the Neely's another one of my favorite shows. Gina had me wanting to make this cake from the start. I thought it was the perfect treat to celebrate this special day. This cake is really just a new twist on a old family favorite. You cant even tell that brandy was added to the strawberries they turn out so nice and juicy.


 




The Neely's Strawberry Shortcut Cake

1 (18.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons cognac
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin (recommended: Jell-O)
Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Follow cake directions as written on cake mix box. Remove from oven and cool cake completely. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine strawberries, cognac and sugar. Let macerate 20 minutes. Invert and release cake onto a decorative platter. Whip cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla at medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. Do not over whip.

Mix gelatin as directed on box. Refrigerate gelatin mix but do not let it harden, it should cool to a liquid consistency. Using a straw, poke holes all over the cake. Pour gelatin into holes and spread over the top of the cake. Spread layer of macerated strawberries on top of cake. Spread layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, making pretty swirls and ripples. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.


Recipe source: Down Home with the Neely’s "A Southern Family Cookbook"




93 comments

kcenya1950 said…
I think your blog is lots of fun. Congratulations on your blogiversary. Please enter me in the giveaway. Sounds like a fun book
Donya said…
I really enjoy your blog...keep up the good work. I think my daughter in law who just had my second grandchild would love this cookbook.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for posting such wonderful recipes! I am always trying to find new dishes to make and yours seem to never fail. This cookbook sounds awesome, since sometimes that is how my day goes with a little boy and my husband working late hours! Enter me in the giveaway please! Our blog is private so you can email me at craftinchels22@gmail.com if I get picked as the lucky winner! Thanks!
Emily said…
Congrats for your Blogaversary!! I'll bet you're excited! I've loved checking out your recipes!! I check your site daily!! I've enjoyed many many of your recipes!!
Carla said…
I love your blog! The recipes are very approachable and fun. I saw this cake on TV as well wanted to make it. I love anything with strawberries. Thanks for the opportunity to win the cookbook.
Anonymous said…
I just discovered your blog today.I have been here for 2 hours already.Great blog.I am having a blast.There are several recipes I have seen that I want to try.Please enter me in the cookbook give away.My children are all grown and gone.My DIL is expecting and will give birth to my first blood grandchild in Oct.I do have 12 step grandchildren but this is my first by blood.I am so excited.My DIL would love this cookbook.I have enjoyed looking at your blog.Keep up the good work.If by chance I am the lucky winner you can email me @ cowcollector6@yahoo.com. Teresa
Michelle said…
Thanks for all your great recipes. I love trying new things.
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I am so thankful I discovered your blog, and for all of the delicious looking and tasting recipes you share on it. The cookbook is one that I do not have, but would love to. A generous gift on your part. Keep on blogging.
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on your blogiversary!! I stumbled upon your blog about a month ago, and since then have gone back and read every entry! Lots of great recipes for me to try, and many have gotten raving reviews. Thanks for the chance to win the cookbook.

anita
stampinjust4fun@hotmail.com
Anonymous said…
Happy Anniversary! I love reading your blog. You always have great recipes! Thanks for an awesome giveaway! I have a 10 month old so I know all about one armed cooking. :)
~Pam~ said…
I just found your blog, it is awesome!! Love it!! Congrats on your Blogaversary!
Would love to be entered in the giveaway. :)
Thanks so much and have a lovely evening!
:)
retail jobs said…
Thanks for the yummy post.. and also for the recipe
Rachelle S said…
Happy 1st Blogoversary to you!! How exciting! Your cake sounds delish!

My 2nd Blogoversary is coming up in a couple weeks, and I'm so excited for what I have planned! Check it out! =)
Anonymous said…
Congrats on your blogaversary!! I really enjoy your blog and cannot wait to see the new recipe you have posted. Thanks for giving us great family pleasing meals. From a girl who grew up in Mesquite!
I just left a comment anonymously..sorry..hit the wron button..from Laurie
Whimsy Cookie Co.
Bunny said…
happy Blogaversary!! That cake looks so good!!! It's the perfect cake for summers hot weather! I love your blog , you've done a great job!!
Anonymous said…
sorry you weren't feeling well... glad you are better now~
Happy 1 year anniversary to you! Here is to many, many more!
I love all the things you post and am glad that you have enjoyed this year as a blogger (cuz that means you are more likely to keep it going!)
Thanks again -
Erin McMilon
mnmcmilon@comcast.net
Happy Birthday Mommy's Kitchen. My two-year-old who loves all things pink would LOVE this cake.
Vicki Hook said…
OOOOOO I think I NEED this cookbook! Never heard of it but it sounds awesome! Love your site! :D
Courtney said…
Congratulations on your blogiversay!!!!! keep up the good work
This looks oh so good!
Love your site and Happy Anniversary!
Congrats on your blog anniversary! I love the idea of this cake. I will definately make it!

Carey
Anonymous said…
Happy Blogaversary Tina!

Love your site, have made a few of your recipes and love them.

Marisa
ndgirl1981 AT GMAIL DOT COM
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on 1 year!!I check your blog almost daily and have made over half of the recipes. Keep 'em coming!! Julie
jlhaverdink(at) sbcglobal (dot) net
OldCinderella said…
Happy Blogiversary! It is always big pleasure to read your posts.
Becky said…
Happy blogiversary! I have been following your blog for awhile now and I just love it! Thank you for all of your hard work! Hope you are feeling better!
Jess and Nick said…
Your blog is absolutely awesome! I so appreciate the step-by-step pictures that you post along with every recipe. Many times, I have tried out a new recipe and wondered "Is it supposed to look like THAT??" :) I am a mommy to 2 boys under age two and appreciate any help with quick and easy...and TASTY meals! Yours never fail! Your strawberry soda cake was a huge hit in our house! :) Please keep up the great work and keep those recipes comin! And you wonder...is the hard work worth it? We think so!! :) Thank you, thank you!
Anonymous said…
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY MOMMY'S KITCHEN!!! CONGRATS!! CONGRATS!! CONGRATS!! WHEN DO I GET MY COOKBOOK? HUH MOMMY? WHEN DO I GET MY COOKBOOK? DID I WIN? DID I WIN? HUH MOMMY, DID I WIN YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE? email: imbnme2day@yahoo.com
Tina Butler said…
Forwarded Comment That was Emailed:I Would like to sign up for your free giveaway- Ethel @ sbobo@hardynet.com
THis is the greatest site -- I have tried allmost all your recipes and
have gotten all my friends hooked too!!!!! Keep them coming
♥ mesa para 4 said…
Not here for giveway, just to say Happy blogaversary :-) love your blog :-)
Happy Blogaversary! I just recently found your blog and so far I love it. I am going to try some of your recipes this weekend while my mom is visiting. I would love this book.
Michelle said…
This looks delicious! I love the Neeleys! Happy one year on your blog!
I love picking up great recipes on your blog. I'd love to win the cookbook!
Toby said…
Happy Blogiversary!!! This cookbooks sounds like something I need... I have a 10 week at home and already trying to juggle him around in the kitchen.
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on your blogiversary! That's awesome! So glad I found your blog. It feels like home when I visit. ;) Cooking with one arm? Right up my alley! HA! HA!
Amy in Edmond said…
This cookbook sounds like it would be great for young mom's and working mom's. I would love this cookbook.
Colleen C. said…
Happy Birthday Mommy's Kitchen!
Congrads on making it a year and I look forward to trying many more of your recipes in the next year. I actually found your site by mistake but let me tell you I can't go a day without logging on and checking for a new AMAZING recipe. Thanks again for a wonderful site and so many delicious recipes. Best of luck in your blog future, I'm sure you will continue to be a success. If I get choosen email me at Fergie7399@aol.com, if not then I'm still going to get the cookbook it looks great!
That looks delicious. I've got to get some strawberries soon. Congrats on your 1 year anniversary! That is very cool!

Once again, I'm signed into the wrong google account so it won't show my avatar. This is Tiffany from Eat at Home.
Lynette said…
Happy Blogaversary!!! The strawberry shortcut cake looks amazing! I would love to win the book.

~Lynette
Joanna said…
Great giveaway...I love cookbooks!

jojo17 at gmail dot com
Anonymous said…
Congrats on 1 year of sharing your great kitchen goodies. I always look forward to your recipes and pictures of your precious kiddos in the kitchen.

ss2356@yahoo.com
Erin said…
Just found your blog and I love it! Yummy yummy recipes! My husband will not be happy :) He thinks I bake too much already and I'm going to make us fat!
Looks like an awesome cookbook! Please enter me! and happy blogaversary!
Monica Alonzo said…
Happy Blogaversary! I love your blog! Thanks for all the wonderful recipes!
Katrina said…
Just found your blog a month or so ago and love it. Check out mine sometime, if you want! That cookbook sounds perfect for me!
www.kevnkoi.blogspot.com

Happy One Year!
Happy Bloggaversary. This cake looks divine.
Anonymous said…
I absolutely LOVE your blog! I am a mom to 21 month old triplet girls and I'm also in the Dallas area (Red Oak). I love cooking for my family and love trying new recipes. Happy Blogaversary! Keep up the great work, your readers/followers really appreciate it!!

Misty
misty.carrell@sbcglobal.net
Susan said…
Happy Blogaversary! I really enjoy reading your recipies. I look forward to trying this one! Please enter me in the cookbook giveaway. I would love to be able to put that cookbook to use! I have a son who will be 1 year in July and just like another poster said, I know what it's like cooking with one arm.
Heidi said…
Congrats! You know I'm a huge fan and have made lots of your recipes and have not found a bad one yet :) Keep it up! What a fun cookbook. I'm typically a one-armed cook, so It would be perfect for me.
#1SAHM said…
happy blogiversary! This book would be perfect for me since I'll be a first time mom in December! Eeek! : )
SusieD. said…
Happy Blogaversary and keep up the good work!
Caroline said…
Happy Blogaversary!! (I hope I spelled that right!). I love your blog and I've made several things (my husband loves,loves,loves your Chili's Chicken recipe with bacon. He said he could eat it every night! I made the apple crisp in the cast-iron skillet and it was WONDERFUL!! I admit - I had three servings!! The strawberry shortcake cake looks great - I'll have to make that soon too!! Thanks!
Lana said…
I love your blog! The book looks like a great book to buy for new moms..a different kind of baby gift! Lana :)
Laura said…
Happy Blogaversary! That cake looks great! That cookbook sounds good too. Not one I have seen before.
Hey!
I love reading your blog and I'm hooked on cookbooks. Please enter me into the drawing. I'm always looking for new ideas and recipes to try. Keep the blog coming and I know I'll be reading your 25th anniversary blog! :)

Cyndi
Unknown said…
The cake looks very yummy. I have to make it next weekend. As long as you keep posting recipes I'll keep[ coming back!
Your description of the cookbook reminded me of one I saw at the book store called "one man one can one plan". LOL.

gworner@gmail.com
Sandy said…
Congratulations on your blogiversary. I love you blog and trying out your recipes. Thank you for the chance at winning this cookbook!
Margies said…
Happy Blogaversary!I love your blog I don't comment every post but I do check your blog a couple times a week. I have tried a few of your recipes and they have always turned out wonderful.
Thanks!

misintx@yahoo.com
Jonelle said…
Congratulations on your blogiversary! Love your recipes!

jonellesims@bellsouth.net
teresa said…
This looks wonderful! Fun blog!
Hey neighbor..what a wonderful cake. Looks like you could eat it right off the computer screen. Great work.
Janelle said…
Happy Blogaversary!! I really need to look up when mine is.... lol! Have a great time!!!
Lisa said…
Happy Blogiversary! I found your website when I stumbled upon your recipe for Cake Balls over the holidays. I've been visiting ever since!
lisa@txaggie.net
Melissa said…
That cake looks delicious. And happy blogoversary! Mine is coming up soon too... I have to figure out something fun to do to celebrate! That cookbook looks great. My one year old often gets in the way of my cooking! :-)
Jebomini said…
Happy Blogiversary! I love your blog and all your recipes. Thanks for sharing with us! I would love to win the cookbook!
Jebomini said…
Oh, I forgot to give you my e mail. Jebomini@aol.com- Thanks!
Shari said…
Congratulations on your first year! I found your blog a few months ago, and I enjoy reading. The first recipe I made on here was the M&M Cookie bars. They were really good. Keep up the good work!

*When I tried to leave my email, it wouldn't let me. I will just keep checking your blog for the winner's name.
Sarah said…
My sister just introduced me to your blog today!! The strawberry shortcut cake looks divine!
candis said…
Congrats on your blogiversary. (What a cool word - blogiversary.) I have enjoyed reading Mommy's Kitchen for about a month. Thanks for the givaway!
Laurie said…
Looooove your blog! We have had many yummy things to eat in our house because of you! Please enter me in your drawing.
laurie_rgrs@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Laurie
Congrats! You know I love ya girl.

And boy that strawberry cake looks SOOOOOOOO good!!
Sherrie said…
OMG everyone wants to win the cookbook!!Please enter me in the drawing...maybe I will be lucky. Enjoy your blog. Have a blessed week-end. Sherrie sherrie7200@att.net
~Mo~ said…
I just found your blog last week, I love all the recipes that I've seen so far! Thank you for sharing them! I can't wait to try some of them!
♥peachkins♥ said…
Happy 1st blog anniversary and happy weekend.
carole said…
Congrats on your blogiversary. The strawberry cake looks yummy as do all your recipes.
Carole
Emily said…
Is it too late to enter? If so, that's fine. I just wanted to say that I found this blog while looking for a recipe for soapapilla cheesecake and since then, I have made many of your recipes. Thanks tons for the great blog!!
Anonymous said…
Your blog has really helped me learn how to cook. My mom didn't cook much and now that I am a soon-to-be-newly-wed, I wanted to have a domestic touch for my sweetheart. So thank you very much for doing such a good job. I would love to be entered into the contest...cds1484@gmail.com. Keep up the good work!!
Tina Butler said…
Forwarded Comment From Email:
Is it too late to enter? If so, that's fine. I just wanted to say that I found this blog while looking for a recipe for soapapilla cheesecake and since then, I have made many of your recipes. Thanks tons for the great blog!!
Christy H said…
I really enjoy your blog. The cookbook looks great - please enter me in the giveaway.
choney79@gmail.com
Unknown said…
This is my first time to your blog, and I am anxious to explore it further. Your recipes sound so tempting. Thanks for sharing.
Marsha C said…
Congratulations on your blogaversary! I've just recently discovered you and look forward to the upcoming year of recipes and pictures.
Libby said…
Awwww Happy Blogaversary! I really enjoy reading your blog Tina! You inspired to make my own cooking blog as well :) I love your recieps girl and I agree with all the other posters...definitely keep them coming!! :)
I found your blog via another site ( now I can't remember which one). I was in the middle of moving when I found it. So meals have been uhm well...pretty sad at our house! But now that we are partially moved in, I can't wait to try some of your recipes. With 4 kids and the 5th due to arrive in just a couple of weeks...I think I could use a "one armed" cookbook! :)
dctm said…
I love your blog and check in several times a week to catch up on your recipes.. I have made so many things you have posted!

Christie
dctm at bellsouth dot net
Jennie Kolaski said…
Congratulation on your blogiversary. This cake looks fabalous. Can't wait to try it
RecipeGirl said…
Happy Blogaversary! Looks like a fun book :)
I don't know if I entered the contest in time. You said it closed at midnight, but it's 9:17 here in California. I don't know which time zone you are referring to. So here's hoping I entered in time. Even if I didn't, that's ok. I love checking out your site for recipes for my family. Every one I have tried has been delicious and easy to prepare. Happy blogaversary!
LorieA from NC said…
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! I love your site and I appreciate all of the efforts you make to give us tasty recipes. Keep them coming! :)
Ingrid_3Bs said…
My children love strawberry shortcake! This is a lovely spin on it! Thanks for sharing and Happy Blogiversary!
~ingrid
Donna said…
I love checking out all your recipes. Have tried several-lately chocolate pie and coconut pie(without eggs). Both were so good. Congrats on your 1st year. I hope you continue many more years so I can keep getting the great recipes.Please put me in for the cookbook. Donna email holland9962@bellsouth.net Thanks.
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on your first anniversary of blogging! I just found your site and enjoy it sooo much but regret missing an entire year of your postings.

Please enter me into the cookbook contest.

Thank you,
Wilma H-J
Jess said…
Happy Blogaversary! I love your blog. I have tried many of your recipes, and never been disappointed. I'm definitely trying this cake! Thanks for all the inspiration Tina!
Congrats to you! I think this cake is in my near future. Maybe Father's Day? I want to use some fresh strawberries that we pick this weekend. It sounds like something my mom used to make.