A Very Special Place: This Month's Activity

MARCH

“BAKING A PISTACHIO CAKE”
— Presented by the Benton Residence

The consumers at the Benton Residence enjoy baking once a week. We were looking for a new cake recipe that was light for the spring season. One of staff brought in the recipe that was easy to bake and was the perfect spring cake. The pistachio gives the cake a green appearance so it may also be baked for St. Patrick’s Day if you wish.

Before starting the lesson plan read the entire plan so you are prepared.

Materials	Ingredients
Large mixing bowl	box white cake mix
Measuring cup	3 eggs
Bundt pan	1/2 cup vegetable oil
Electric mixer	8 oz whipped topping
Spatula	8 oz heavy cream
Pot holder	2 boxes pistachio instant pudding mix
Cooking Spray	Water (as per box cake measurement)
Large cake plate

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Make a grocery list of the items you will need to bake the cake. Most of the items you should already have on hand such as the eggs and oil. Take a trip to the local supermarket to purchase the items needed. This should cost no more than ten dollars. If you do not have an electric mixer you may stir with a fork as per the cake mix box directions.

Step 2: Gather all your materials and ingredients at your work area and remember to wash your hands thoroughly before you start. Wear food handler’s gloves if you are preparing the cake for a large group. You may leave the whipped topping in the refrigerator, if you place it in the freezer it will be too hard to whip. The heavy cream and whipped topping can be left refrigerated for later, these ingredients will be used for the icing.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In the large mixing bowl place the cake mix, 1 box of pistachio pudding mix, 3 eggs, measure 1/2 cup of oil, and water (as per cake mix). Beat the mixture on medium for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Spray the bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, place the cake mixture in the bundt pan. Bake the cake for 50 minutes. Using your pot holders take the cake out of the oven. Over the large cake plate turn the bundt pan upside down so the cake comes out onto the plate. Make sure you turn the oven off.

Step 5: The cake should cool at least an hour before preparing the frosting. You may even wish to frost the cake the next day. Using a large mixing bowl place the whipped topping, heavy cream and 1 box pistachio instant pudding mix in the bowl. Using the electric mixer beat on medium for 10 minutes. Using the spatula frost the cake. Enjoy!

Remember when using kitchen appliances and utensils it is very important to consider safety first. If you feel uncomfortable using the stove or the electric mixer ask someone to assist you.