EMBRACING FAMILY, FAITH, AND HOMEMADE GOODNESS: A JOURNEY WITH AMANDA

Welcome, y’all! I’m Amanda—a devoted Christian wife, mother, and homemaker. My husband, Travis, and I have been happily married for seven years, and we’re blessed with three beautiful little girls. We reside in North Central Arkansas on my husband’s third-generation family farm, where our charming white farmhouse is nestled among the trees, surrounded by hayfields.

LIFE ON THE FARM

Here, we raise cows and chickens, plant a family garden each year, and maintain a small orchard filled with fruit trees and berry bushes. Living on the farm allows us to embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of nurturing life. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by God-fearing, faithful women who cherished their homes and the people they served. It’s no surprise that I find immense joy in raising my children, farming, and preparing homemade meals for those I love most.

A LOVE FOR BAKING

I fondly remember the day I baked my first cake as a child. Armed with ingredients, I made my way to my great-grandmother’s house. She pulled up a chair for me at the counter, and together we whisked away, igniting a passion in me that has only grown since. I spent countless hours perched on countertops, making family recipes alongside my grandmothers and in my momma’s kitchen throughout my childhood.

Now, I cherish the moments when my girls pull up their own chairs to bake alongside me, continuing the legacy of love and togetherness in the kitchen.

A FAMILY FAVORITE: CHOCOLATE CAKE

One of our favorite recipes to make for any family gathering is a delicious chocolate cake with rich chocolate frosting. It’s a recipe that brings back memories and creates new ones with my girls as we mix, bake, and decorate together.

We’re excited to share this recipe with you and hope that you enjoy it as much as we do—happy baking!

CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

Preheat oven to 350. Mix flour, sugars, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add in butter, oil, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and coffee, mix. Oil two 8″ round pans or one 9″x13″ pan. Bake 30 – 45 minutes. Let cool before adding frosting.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING RECIPE

Mix milk/cream, vanilla, and melted butter. Add cocoa and stir till thick. Beat in powdered sugar (add more powdered sugar if needed for thicker consistency). Once cake is cooled, add and smooth icing until covered.