This week will focus on the inspiration that can arise from the annual rites of spring. The return of color, after a frozen winter can inspire imagination, creativity and joy. Chef Lisa will use this opportunity to tap into children’s inner gifts of creativity to design and make their own sweet-art.

This week the Darien Town Hall SproutChefs will hear how Lottie Dottie, the flower fairy, turned an ordinary white cake into an explosion of color to honor the Spring Flowers. They will get to taste Lottie Dottie's cake. The recipe follows, in case they want to make it at home.

Lottie Dottie the Flower Fairy’s Honey Butter Cake Recipe

(for one 5” one layer cake, or this recipe can be tripled for an 8” two layer cake )

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup flour

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 Tablespoon honey

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/4 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease and flour a 5 inch cake pan.

3. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and thoroughly mix together until smooth.

4. Pour the cake batter into the floured and greased pan, and put in the oven.

5. Bake for approximately 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, and allow it to cool completely before icing and decorating.

7. Serves four small slices. The re recipe can be tripled for a standard sized two layer cake.

Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of butter or one stick, room temperature

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. With an electric mixer combine the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

2. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla until the icing is smooth and lump free.

Each SproutChef will create spring inspired cookies to take home. The examples are below.

The Rowayton Arts Center SproutChefs will also hear about Lottie Dottie the Flower Fairy, but they will design a flower's fairy panoramic egg and decorate cookies and a cake as well. This is a two hour one time only class. The link to sign up is on my website under classes.

This Wednesday I am starting a youth cooking class. The chefs ages 12-16 prepare and eat their meal together. Look for the link to all these classes on my website.