Elevated Box Cake Mix

Not all box cake mixes are the same, at least that is my experience.   I like to use Betty Crocker mixes and tweak them from time to time.  I've substituted milk for the water or make a pound cake by adding instant pudding.  Today I tried a new recipe that is supposed resemble the texture of a bakery cake. 

Ingredients:

1 box cake mix (any flavor)

1 cup flour

1 cup granulated sugar

dash of salt

1 cup sour cream (full fat)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

3 whole eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

If using a chocolate mix, I also added 2 Tablespoons of coco powder 

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees

Mix dry ingredients together and set aside.  In a separate bowl mix together all of the wet ingredients.  Add half of the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix together being careful not to over mix.  Add the resto of the dry ingredients and mix for 2 minutes on medium speed. 

For cupcakes fill each liner with 2/3 full.  Bake16-18 minutes depending on your oven.  For a cake pan pour the batter halfway up two prepared pans and bake for 20-30 minutes.  

For a birthday cake you could add sprinkles to a vanilla or yellow batter.  

Hot Artichoke Dip

                                  

From the kitchen of Annette Knight

Ingredients

1 can artichoke hearts

1 jar marinated artichoke hearts

1 small can green chilies

6 Tablespoons mayonnaise

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar, jack cheese or a combination 

Directions

Drain the artichoke hearts and chop into small pieces.  Combine artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, chopped chilies and cheese.  Pour into a 9" baking dish, bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.  Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips or crackers