Cherry Cake

On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."

It is said that Washington cut down a cherry tree in his youth. When questioned by his father it is said that Washington replied, "I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet."

I personally don't believe this took place. I believe it to be a fabrication on the part of an author to show Washington's honesty and to sell books.

When I think of Washington DC, I also think about the cherry trees that are planted throughout the District. I dream of someday visiting our Capitol and touring it's monuments. If it were to coincide with the cherries blossoming... that would make it even better!

So when I think of President's Day, I think of cherries. What better way to celebrate than to make a cherry cake! This cake whipped up in no time flat (uses a box mix) and is TASTY! I iced it with my Cream Cheese Icing that I added maraschino cherries to. Results... hubby had three pieces ;-) The following picture isn't the greatest, but when you finish making the cake at 9 PM after helping a friend corral her stallion, there is NO natural light to take good pictures!!!

Cherry Cake

1 yellow cake mix

4 eggs

1 can cherry pie filling

Beat the cake mix and eggs for two minutes until it is well blended. Stir in cherry pie filling. Pour into a greased or lined (I lined my pan with parchment paper) jelly roll pan. Bake at 350* for 18-22 minutes. Cool completely and ice with Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened

1/2 C sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 C maraschino cherries, chopped

2 c heavy cream

Beat cream cheese, sugar and extracts until well combined. Add in cherries and with mixer running, slowly pour in heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.