Family Birthday Dinner and a Cake recipe

Yesterday was the final celebration of the monkey's sixth birthday. Our family gathers to celebrate birthday's with a meal chosen by the birthday person. I would say that is generally the only time during the year that we have that meal. I tend to choose meatloaf and mashed while my youngest sister chooses Hungarian chicken and mashed. Last year the monkey wanted chocolate chip pancakes. This year he talked about pot pie right up until Friday night when he decided that he wanted chicken and fries. Not a problem! Final menu: Home made chicken (made by his Mimi), crinkle fries and sweet potato fries (recipe tomorrow), ants on a log and fresh fruit.


This was followed of course by presents and cake! He got a lot of great stuff, including an Easy Bake Oven and special mixes from Gluten Free Essentials from his momma (he's going to carry on the family baking tradition :)). The cake was peanut butter chocolate chip with butter cream icing. The conversion this time was a bit dry, and I don't know if it was because I did a full batch rather than half or if it is because it sat around in the fridge or maybe I overcooked it by 5 minutes. A bit more liquid may be necessary, and definitely keep an eye on it.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake (Origins unknown)

1/2 Cup peanut butter
1/3 Cup butter or shortening
1 1/2 Cup brown sugar
1 Teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 Cups King Arthur Gluten Free Multipurpose flour
1/2 Teaspoon xanthan gum
2 Teaspoons baking powder
1 Cup dairy free milk
1 Cup chocolate chips



Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream together butter, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time mixing until fully incorporated. Add vanilla and peanut butter. Add flour, baking powder and xanthan gum a bit at a time (specific, yes? I tend to add the baking powder & xanthan gum all at once, and then the flour a 1/2 Cup at a time). Add milk; mix thoroughly. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Place in greased 9 x 13 inch pan or in cupcake pan (makes approx. 24). Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Best plain or with a coating of powdered sugar.What is your favorite meal? Or cake for that matter? Do you get it more than once a year or is it super special and only happens once?