“…Let them eat cake…” is widely attributed to Marie-Antoinette (1755-93), the Queen consort of Louis XVI. She is supposed to have said this when she was told that the French populace had no bread to eat. If any reader knows more about the history of that saying, please let [...]]]>

Let Them Eat Cake!

“…Let them eat cake…” is widely attributed to Marie-Antoinette (1755-93), the Queen consort of Louis XVI. She is supposed to have said this when she was told that the French populace had no bread to eat. If any reader knows more about the history of that saying, please let me know!”

Cooker Cake is Great Cake…

Please Note: I have seen a cake similar to this on Food Network. This is slightly different, but I did want to give them credit for a similar recipe.

If you want an easy cake, and have a few minutes to dump these ingredients into a slow cooker, and then have strong will power to let it cook, while you try to ignore the delicious aroma, this is a hit.

My kids love it, and even though they will eat anything that isn’t going to bite back, their eyes roll back in their heads when I mention I’m bringing this dessert. We’ve nicknamed it “Cooker Cake,” and it’s the easiest thing in the world to prepare. A busy person’s dream.

As with many of my favorite dishes, there is a story behind this one.

Parenting many moody kids, we found that something great from the kitchen changed most any disposition. This cooker cake was a particular favorite of one of our young foster boys. His mood would improve for hours when he ate his favorite foods. I’ve found that food calms stressful spirits and can promote friendly discussions!

Adults know this and enjoy nights out on the town with friends over dinner, drinks and conversation. Sometimes, we can forget that kids react positively to the same atmosphere, right around the dinner table at home.

Johnny, one of our foster children, frequently suffered from depression, and while there is some danger to fostering obesity, by rewarding kids with food, I’m for anything that’s safe first. and works, second.

A long walk or brisk game can take care of the calories.

You’re going to increase your success with happiness in the home if you deal with feelings first and facts second. Deal with spin off behavior problems when everyone has calmed down. Personally, I found wise and sensible “bribery” to be healthy for needy kids, who are not used to receiving good things.

Let Them Eat Cake!

One word of warning: As this cooks in the slow cooker, PREPARE TO DROOL. It’ll be so hard NOT to sneak a bite. Resist, Resist. Serve it with vanilla bean ice cream for a real moaning moment.

Cherries and Pears go great together, but blueberries and raspberries go great too. Apples and peaches? Experiment! Keep to the pie filling of one chosen fruit, and fruit in syrup for the 2nd choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1 15oz can diced pears packed in syrup
• 1 tsp almond extract, or vanilla (almond’s best, but experiment)
• 1 box cherry, or strawberry cake mix (or white, or spice, yellow)
• 1 stick butter, (1/2 cup) chopped, unsalted is best
• 1 small envelope of maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal
• 1/4 cup favorite chopped nuts (almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans or a mixture of all of the above.)

Procedure:

• Spray your 5 qt slow cooker with butter flavored cooking spray.
• Combine pie filling, pears and almond or vanilla extract in a separate bowl and pour into slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the cake mix – dry- over the fruit mixture.
• Dot with chopped butter. Sprinkle oatmeal mixture and nuts over cake mix.

Don’t skip this next step! Place 8 -10 dry paper towels over slow cooker bowl and then place lid on cooker. The paper towels will help trap the steam that forms as the cake cooks.

Cook on Low setting for 4 to 6 hours: DO NOT LIFT LID TO CHECK ON CAKE OR SNEAK A BITE. This changes the cooking temperature and the cake can become soggy.

I know it’s tempting, but let it cook alone at least for the first 4 hours. Dip with large spoon into a bowl.

Turn out the lights, light the candles, put on some coffee or hot tea, and get out the vanilla bean ice cream. Sweet conversation and sweet cake, melting in your mouth, does it get any better?

The rest is up to you! Shhhhh. I can’t do everything.

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I first published this article on HubPages.com.