Moms have to do it all. Teach reading, writing, and arithmetic to kids who come home from school with backpacks full of homework. Instill empathy, self-esteem, and dignity to make sure the kids are doing well emotionally.
Cleaning, cooking, and clothing the family are also things that moms are typically expected to do. So throw a bake sale for the soccer team, or an unexpected visit from the in-laws, or maybe a forgotten "snack day" treat into the mix, and moms can feel overwhelmed and exhausted quickly.
While no article can take away all the work moms have to do, here are two quick two-ingredient recipes for delicious baked goods.
Soda Cake
This cake goes by many names but soda cake sums up its ingredients well. All it takes is one cake mix and 12 ounces of soda.
It is very light and airy but definitely still tastes like a cake. Try different varieties of soda and cake mix to make delicious cakes.
Favorite combinations are chocolate cake mix and Cherry Coke. Yellow cake mix and Sprite is tasty too.
This also cuts way down on calories, fat and cholesterol because no butter, oil, or eggs are added. Want even less calories? Go for the diet version of whatever soda that will be added in.
Soda Cake Recipe
- 1 cake mix (any variety)
- 12 ounces soda (any variety)
Mix soda and cake mix in a bowl until they are well blended.
Pour into greased 8 x 8 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Cool in pan. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty finish if desired.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
This is a great cake for the fall when canned pumpkin is usually on sale, but it is also good all year round. It just takes a spice cake mix and one can of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
This cake is rich, super-moist and dense and is low in fat, calories, and cholesterol. It also provides the added benefits that come with pumpkin which include dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, iron and manganese and other nutrients.
Want to spice it up? Throw in a handful of chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts.
Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
- 1 spice cake mix
- 1 can of pumpkin
Mix ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Frost if desired with cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Baking a cake doesn't have to take all day, cost a lot, or be super-complicated. These recipes are perfect as a fun activity to do with kids on a rainy day or to whip up a homemade treat quickly.
Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Sources:
Self.com. Web. 30 January 2013. "Facts: Vegetables and vegetable products, canned pumpkin".
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2602/2#ixzz2JVt7EQgr
Addictedtosaving.com. Web. Published 2 November 2012. "Quick and easy two ingredient pumpkin spice cake".
http://www.addictedtosaving.com/quick-easy-recipe-two-ingredient-pumpkin-spice-cake
Reviewed January 31, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith