Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Flourless Chocolate Cake


Another one of our lovely A2A authors, Jennifer Garcia, requested I try this three ingredient cake. I'm so glad I did. You can dress it up or eat plain. Which every way you try it, you won't regret it.

This recipe is adapted from Gimme Some Oven.

Ingredients

1 pound chocolate (Can be chocolate chips, pieces, or bark of almost any kind. Do not recommend using white chocolate.)

16 tablespoons (2 sticks) butter

8 large eggs, cold

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and move your oven rack to the lower middle section.



Prepare a springform pan by wrapping the outside of the pan in heavy-duty foil. Then grease the inside of the pan per your regular routine.




















In a stand mixer using a whisk attachment, beat the eggs at high speed until the volume doubles. This takes about five minutes.





While eggs are whisking, melt chocolate and butter in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each.



After chocolate and butter are melted and mixed, fold in 1/3 of egg mixture until only a few streaks are visible. Fold in 1/2 of remaining mixture, then the last half until completely mixed.





Pour batter into prepared springform pan. Place springform pan in larger pan, such as a roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Place in oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until a thin glaze crust forms on the surface.



Remove springform pan from water bath and cool to room temperature on wire rack. 30 minutes before serving, remove sides and bottom of springform pan. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or your favorite berries.





Sunday, April 27, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday - April Emerson


A Flawed Heart

A New Adult Erotic Romance coming from Secret Cravings Publishing in July 2014 
by April Emerson


Summary:

Claire Brighton has just finished college and is abandoning her warm, southern home in favor of gritty New York City. She searches Craigslist for the perfect roommate and finds Lydia Taylor. Lydia lives a life of privilege in her father's Manhattan penthouse, but like Claire, she's ready to go out into the world on her own. 

Claire and Lydia find a little apartment in the hipster mecca of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, not far from Lydia's older brother, Jason. Claire is intrigued by Lydia's stories of Jason, who is the black sheep of the family—and a musician. The minute Claire hears him sing, she falls for him. Though Jason is involved with someone else, Claire and Jason’s attraction is too powerful to be denied.

Claire thrives in her new urban surroundings, treasuring her time with Jason and exploring her new found sexuality, but both Claire and Jason carry shadows with them. They're each fighting to move on from wounds of their past, but they learn that they will need each other to do it.


Excerpt:

Jason takes a seat at the table where Lydia and Kat are chatting. I'm distracted, watching his body move. I don't want to get caught looking, so I focus on my food. When I do look up, Jason's staring at me with a sexy little grin on his face. I feel a current running between us and I wonder why he's affecting me with such intensity. I’ve never felt something like this, for anyone.
 I open my mouth to make small talk with Lydia, but I don't get the chance to get the words out.
"Are you enjoying your sandwich, Claire?" Something about the way his mouth shapes my name is doing things to my body.
 "Yes, thank you." 
watch him as he eats. His lips are big and pouty for a guy. He breaks a piece of the grilled cheese off and pops it in his mouth. Rather than using his napkin he licks his fingers. His jaw bone protrudes as he chews and his Adam's apple bobs as he swallows. He slides back in his chair and relaxes as he eats. When he finishes his sandwich, he places his plate in the sink and walks out of the kitchen without looking at me again.
"You mind washing the dishes, Lydia? I can't risk having the dish soap dry out my hands before the show." He calls back at us, and I hear him laughing.
"Dick," Lydia says.
The door opens and in walks a guy wearing a Metalica shirt and green cargo pants. He has short, dark hair, and from where I'm sitting, he looks like he's eight feet tall.
"What up. I'm Ben." He gives me a salute.
"This is my roommate Claire. She's from Georgia," Lydia says.
"Welcome to the jungle." He walks toward the bed rooms.
 "That's Jason’s roommate. You ready to get out of here?”
 I nod. "Alright, yeah, let's go."
 Lydia, Kat and I walk out onto the sidewalk and Skye, Ben, and Jason join us shortly. Jason has his guitar case slung on his back and he's smoking a cigarette. Skye chats with Ben about someone named Alana and Lydia joins them. I reach into my bag and grab my cigarettes but I can’t' find my lighter and I fumble around with the zippers and pockets.
"Hey, let me light that for you."
Jason pulls out a Zippo. His thumb flicks it and it opens with a flame. I wrap my lips around my cigarette, place the tip in the flame and look up at him. He looks from my eyes to my mouth and back to my eyes again. The flame is reflected in his eyes and he still has that sexy grin on his face. I puff and pull away from his light but not his gaze.
"Thanks, Jason."
Lydia grabs my elbow and pulls me along with her, which ends the moment.
"Let's go get wasted." 
She squeals and tugs me along beside her.We walk about ten feet ahead of everyone, her arm linked in mine. I look back over my shoulder and Jason is holding Skye's hand. I feel a lump rise in my throat.
"How long has your brother been dating Skye?" I ask Lydia.
"Like a week. I don't think they're, like, really a thing though. I don't think Jay asked her to go out, or whatever. She's totally into him and she’s like, mentally willing him to be hers or something. I don't trust her. She's a typical groupie. She has a boner for Jason because he's a musician. Maybe she thinks she'll be a rock star's wife one day or something. She's pretty lame, but I'm sure Jason could do worse. Ben, on the other hand, has been talking to Skye's friend Alana. She's awesome. Oh, that reminds me—Alana wanted me to tell them she'll be coming late tonight. I'll be right back."
Lydia frees her arm from mine and runs back toward Ben and Skye. Jason is no longer walking with them. He's walking toward me. He takes long strides and quickly catches up.
"Hey," he says.
"Hey," I reply. 
His pace is even with mine. The wind blows and I get whiff of his cologne. It smells spicy and I recognize this smell from his pillow. blush at the memory, wishing now more than ever that my fantasy had been real.
"So, you moved in today?" he asks.
"Yeah."
"Cool. You have a job yet?"
"No. I was thinking of looking into substitute teaching or something. I was an English major.”
"Really?" he turns his head and looks me up and down. "I had you pegged you for a dancer, what with your legs and everything."
Just then I trip over my own feet. Jason grabs my elbow before I eat the pavement.
"Shit. Yeah, I'm definitely not a dancer. Beauty and grace are not my thing."
His gaze locks with mine and I'm once again caught in that crazy current. He lets go of my elbow and slides his hand onto the small of my back. I startle at the intimacy of his touch, and the closeness of his body. He brings his mouth to my ear, and I feel his hot breath on me as he whispers, "Hmm. I don't know about that."

Connect with April Emerson:



Saturday, April 26, 2014

Saturday Snapshots: 4/26/14


Saturday Snapshots is a picture prompt brought to you by Author to Author, meant to inspire the creative genius within you.

Maybe you'll be moved to write flash fiction for it, perhaps it will kick start an old idea for a novel, or it may inspire a new short story. Whatever it does, we hope you'll enjoy these images around the web.

If inspiration does hit, we hope you'll post a snippet in the comments.



Today's image: Mirror Mirror

http://static.tumblr.com/mfslkug/wbelpro22/the_girl_in_the_mirror__by_pretty_as_a_picture.jpg
Photo credit:http://static.tumblr.com/mfslkug/wbelpro22/the_girl_in_the_mirror__by_pretty_as_a_picture.jpg

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The Wednesday Word

Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

April 23, 2014

Virtues of a Writer

Honesty in Writing


Honesty in fiction? Somewhat of a far off concept, don't you think?

Not necessarily.

Welcome to part one in a blog series on the Virtues of a Writer.

Writing fiction can be a difficult task. Creative? Yes. Educational? Unbelievably so. Therapeutic? Of course. Fun? Absolutely!

But is it possible to maintain an element of pure honesty when what you're doing is basically making up people, events, and scenarios and then spending hours upon hours perpetuating the lie?

I believe it is not only possible but also completely essential.

Honesty is an inside job. It isn't just about telling the truth when asked a question. It's about clearly understanding your world and responding in a way that is truthful both to others and yourself.

Using honesty in your writing doesn't mean that you can't write about things that aren't factual or that have never happened. If that were the case we wouldn't have 80% of all the fantastic stories and tales that grace the digital shelves of our beloved eReaders.

To me, using honesty in writing means being true to myself. And, in doing so, being true to the characters, events, and worlds that I have created.

The temptation to write what sells is present in every author's life. Many times I have found that after hours of note taking and research, while in the full swing of typing out hundreds of words in a scene, a scene that I absolutely love and believe in, then... BOOM!

Next thing I know, I come to a screeching halt.

It is at that moment that this question enters my mind... Is this what my readers will want?

It happens every time, without fail. And without fail, I always have the same answer.

It doesn't matter. If I tweak this to suit someone else's taste, if I change my character's values and beliefs to conform to what someone else expects, then it isn't real.

This is what I believe to be honesty in writing.

My honesty is that while putting my absolute best foot forward and trying as hard as I can to create an entertaining and thoughtful story, I remain true to myself. True to the world I have created in order to pass along whatever message the novel carries.

See, for me, writing isn't just about entertaining others. And please trust me when I say it isn't about making money. If that were the case I would have given up in the first week! Writing is about sending my truth out into the world. It's about sharing an experience that somehow became this amazing story. And if I'm not honest with it, if I'm not honest with myself while doing it, then what is the point?

It is for these reasons that I find true honesty to one's self and one's ideas to be an indispensable element. If I can't take myself seriously, how can I expect anyone else to?

What are your thoughts on honesty in writing?

What other virtues do you find invaluable?



By A2A Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. http://www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com   

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members


The Righteous & The Wicked Are On Sale!

Check out the latest release by April Emerson! The Righteous & The Wicked has been cut to $3.99!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JLT1GSG

 

Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!


Lissa Bryan and Sandi Layne are watching VIKINGS on History Channel. Not only do they live-tweet the episodes (@LissaBryan & @sandyquill), they do a day-after recap/discussion. Here's the latest from episode four: http://sandyquill.com/.../eye-for-an-eye-vikings-episode-4/

 

R.E. Hargrave Giveaway

 Sign up to win a birthday swag pack from R.E. Hargrave! http://www.rehargrave.com/2014/04/happy-birthday-jayden-masterson.html


Vote in a Book Trailer Contest!


Visit Sherri Hayes and vote for your favorite Finding Anna book trailer! All votes must be submitted by 04/28/2014! http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2014/04/vote-for-your-favorite-book-trailer.html


Cover Reveal for Soldier On


Check out the full and finalized cover of Sydney Logan's new book, Soldier On! http://www.sydneylogan.com/2014/04/unveiling-full-final-cover-of-soldier-on.html

Wednesday's Weird Word


Hoosegow

Old American slang for jail.

Originates from Wild West cowboys!



Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Homemade 3 Musketeers Bars


Candy bars are such a treat. They are even better if you take the time to make them yourself. So, treat yourself with this three ingredient recipe from Back for Seconds.

Ingredients

1 jar marshmallow fluff (7 ounces)
2/3 cup chocolate spread (I used Hershey's, but you could use Nutella if you like.)
12 ounces of melting chocolate (You can use chocolate chips, almond bark, or any melting chocolate)







In a microwave safe bowl, melt 6 ounces of chocolate and stir until smooth. In a parchment paper lined loaf pan, spread an even layer of the chocolate. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to firm up.




















In a separate bowl, combine chocolate spread and marshmallow fluff. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds then pour over firm chocolate layer in loaf pan. Place back in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up marshmallow layer.






Remove candy from loaf pan and peel away paper. Cut into desired bars. (I was able to cut 6 full size bars.)


Melt remaining chocolate and dip each bar into the melted chocolate, covering the top and sides. Place on a baking sheet covered with wax paper and return to refrigerator one more time to firm up.






Enjoy!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday - T.M. Franklin

Sneak Peek Sunday Banner

Today, we get a sneak peek at the fun upcoming release from T.M. Franklin!


Ainsley-3D-Paperback.png

Summary

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Wendell Holmes (Yes, his parents are just that peculiar, but his brother’s name is Sherlock, so it could have been worse) knows that he’s different. He’s quirky, awkward, and he’s okay with that. Oliver also likes making lists—meticulous procedures for achieving his goals, step-by-step. Whether it’s “How to Get an A in Chemistry” or “How to Get Accepted to MIT,” he has a process, and it’s worked for him so far. He doesn’t even care that the popular kids mock him. Oliver’s got his eye on the prize.

So when he decides it’s time to declare his feelings for Ainsley Bishop, the girl of his dreams, it’s only natural for him to make a list—a point-by-point strategy to win her heart. He knows it will take a grand gesture for her to see all he has to offer, and her approaching birthday provides the ideal opportunity for Oliver to put his plan into action.

Finding the perfect gift is a challenge Oliver meets with his usual dogged determination. He’ll need to watch her carefully for clues to pinpoint exactly what he should give her. And along the way, he might just learn that what Ainsley really needs is not quite what he expected.

Excerpt

I hesitated for a moment, scanning the parking lot as I tried to decide whether I should approach her or continue on. On the one hand, it was a chance to interact with Ainsley without interruption. On the other hand, it was a chance to interact with Ainsley without interruption. I gulped, my mouth suddenly dry. After all, it was one thing to have a list, a plan of action. It was often another thing to implement that plan when the object of your affection made you feel like you might throw up at any moment.

I was pretty sure that would not aid my cause.

On the other hand, she was sitting there all alone and looking a little sad, if I wasn’t mistaken. And yes, I realized that was three hands, but I was kind of panicking a bit and unsure what to do and counting hands was a low priority at that moment.

“Oliver?” Ainsley looked up and waved, effectively making the decision for me.

I took a deep breath in a fruitless attempt to calm my racing heartbeat and put on what I hoped was a casual, yet friendly, expression as I made my way to her. She smiled, and I remembered that might be a good idea. To smile. So I did.

“Hi,” I said, my voice cracking. It always chose the most inopportune times to do that.

Ainsley was too nice to point it out, though. “Hi,” she said.

“Are you, uh . . .” I could do this. I could be brave. I could take the bull by the horns or the girl by the . . . whatever. “Do you need a ride or, uh, something?”

Good. That was good. Not too pushy, but helpful. I was a helpful guy. I could be helpful. Of course, then she’d be in the cab of my truck with me. A closed-in area where I’d have to make conversation without making a fool of myself. I felt the panic edging up again.

“Oh, no, that’s okay,” she said, waving a hand toward the football field. “I’m waiting for Ian. He’ll be done soon.”

Oh. I wasn’t sure if I felt disappointed or relieved. Disappointed. A little relieved. But mostly disappointed. “Okay then. I’ll just . . .” I made a vague gesture over my shoulder as I started to back away. I really needed to practice these interactions in front of the mirror or something.

“I was surprised to see you at practice,” she said, stopping me in my tracks. “I mean, no offense, but Drama Club doesn’t really seem like your kind of thing.”

Despite my strongest efforts to keep it down, a flush inched its way up my neck. “Oh . . . no. Yeah. It’s totally. My thing that is. Drama Club. Very Drama-clubby. I am. I mean.” I reached up to tug at my hair. Why couldn’t I form complete sentences? “I like plays,” I said finally, pleased that at least that made some kind of sense.

Win an ARC

Want to read more? Well, here's your chance - a signed print ARC of How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You is up for grabs - so Enter now for a chance to WIN!


Goodreads Book Giveaway

How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You by T.M. Franklin

How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You

by T.M. Franklin

Giveaway ends April 22, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win


BLOGGERS: If you'd like to request an ARC of Ainsley for review - or sign up for the blog tour in June - do it here!

Request an ARC
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Ainsley will be released JUNE 12, 2014!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Pineapple Ham Casserole


For a lighter version of an Easter dinner or a delicious spring time meal, this recipe adapted from Taste of Home will do the trick.

Ingredients

2 cups of uncooked noodles (suggest spiral or wide egg noodles)
3 tablespoons of butter (divided)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
3/4 cup milk
2 cups of fully cooked ham, cubed
16 ounces of crushed pineapple
2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes




Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain.



In large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add cream cheese and milk and stir until cheese is melted. Stir in noodles, ham, pineapple, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire.



Transfer to 9x13 baking dish. Melt remaining butter and toss with breadcrumbs or cornflakes then sprinkle over top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.





Saturday, April 12, 2014

Saturday Snapshots: 4/12/14


Saturday Snapshots is a picture prompt brought to you by Author to Author, meant to inspire the creative genius within you.

Maybe you'll be moved to write flash fiction for it, perhaps it will kick start an old idea for a novel, or it may inspire a new short story. Whatever it does, we hope you'll enjoy these images around the web.

If inspiration does hit, we hope you'll post a snippet in the comments.

Today's image: Ferris Wheel




http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5304180/il_fullxfull.279553922.jpg?ref=l2
Photo Credit: http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5304180/il_fullxfull.279553922.jpg?ref=l2

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Wednesday Word

Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

April 9, 2014

The Sweet Romantic Hero – A Myth in Contemporary Romance?


Admittedly, I’m new to the publishing game. My love stories are sweet, contemporary romances with happy-ever-afters featuring male characters who adore their women. My men are patient, kind, sweet, and devoted.

According to some reviewers, my guys are also a little too perfect.

I had no idea this type of man was such a myth in contemporary romance, but according to some, these qualities in a man are unrealistic. As a new author, it makes it difficult to find a home in the writing world.

As a woman, it makes me sad.

In my latest novel, Mountain Charm, Dylan Thomas is a Nashville reporter who has been sent to the Smoky Mountains to write a story about Appalachian witchcraft. He falls hard for Angelina Clark, an Appalachian witch who had cast a love spell when she was a young girl. Dylan is stubborn and bitter—thanks to his father leaving when he was a toddler. Dylan also has quite a temper, especially where Angelina is concerned. He tends to act before he thinks, and he ends up in jail twice during the course of the book because of his short fuse. To me, Dylan is incredibly flawed, despite the fact he is very much in love with Angelina and treats her well.

Are fictional guys only realistic when they treat their women like crap? Or, do they have to be tattooed “alpha males” with rock-hard abs (not that there’s anything wrong with that) to keep the attention of today’s reader?

Maybe nice guys really do finish last, which is a shame, because women deserve nothing less than to be adored—in fiction and in real life.

I would love to hear your thoughts.


 By A2A Member and Contributor, Sydney Logan. http://www.sydneylogan.com  

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members


It's Release Week for April Emerson

Check out the latest release news, blog tour, and Rafflecopter giveaway for The Righteous & The Wicked! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/


Join Sandi Layne for a Christian Romance Discussion

Sandi Layne will be discussing Christian Romances on the Hummingbird Place on blogtalk radio on Monday, 4/24 at 7:45pm Eastern. www.blogtalkradio.com/hummingbirdplace Up for discussion will be Life, Books, and other Romance Industry issues. Their website is: http://www.thehummingbirdplace.com


Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!


Lissa Bryan and Sandi Layne are watching VIKINGS on History Channel. Not only do they live-tweet the episodes (@LissaBryan & @sandyquill), they do a day-after recap/discussion. Here's the latest from episode four: http://sandyquill.com/.../eye-for-an-eye-vikings-episode-4/

 

Join Lindsey Gray's Blog Hop and Giveaway

 A2A Author Lindsey Gray is participating in the Celebrate Romance Blog Hop! There is a great list of Romance Novels and their beautiful covers plus eBooks and soaps from The Soap BARista to giveaway! Giveaway ends 4/11. http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/.../talking-book-covers...


Enter a Book Trailer Contest!


Join Sherri Hayes and enter to win a signed copy of The Finding Anna series! All entries must be submitted by 04/15/2014! http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2014/04/win-signed-copy-of-finding-anna-series.html?zx=7d7e0b13d1c32b72

Wednesday's Weird Word


Cynosure

A person who is the center of attention.

Oddly enough this word originates from astronomy, referring to the dog's tail in Greek, kunosoura. This term was used by Greek sailors to describe the handle of the Little Dipper. Like most sailors of the time, they greatly depended on astronomy for navigation. Hence the 'center of attention' meaning!



Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cake



When Easter time rolls around, all I can think of are chocolate eggs and anything to do with carrots. I like to do things with a twist. Twisting this recipe from Food, Forks, and Fun became a delicacy of which I've never tasted before. My simplified carrot cake recipe with their cheesecake recipe and directions is what I'm giving you today. 
Ingredients
Carrot Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (make according to box directions)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla
1 cup finely shredded carrots (2 medium)
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Cheesecake Layer

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
3 teaspoons vanilla

Cream Cheese Icing

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups ground walnuts (optional)

Cheesecake Layer

Arrange oven racks by placing one at the lowest position and the other at the second-lowest position. Fill a 9x13-inch metal pan half full with water and place on the lowest oven rack and preheat to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed until creamy. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed until creamy
and no more lumps, about 1 minute. With the mixer still running add the sugar in slowly and beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs and beat until blended. Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla; mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Pour batter into the prepared pan smooth into an even layer. Place on the second-lowest rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the middle jiggles slightly.


Run a paring knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan. Place the cheesecake on the wire rack and cool completely, about 90 minutes. Once the cheesecake is cool, wrap in foil and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.







Carrot Cake

Place oven rack in the center position of the oven and preheat to 325-degrees F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. 

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix cake batter according to directions with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla on low speed until combined. Add the carrots and walnuts and mix until evenly distributed. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared 9-inch pans and smooth into even layers.







Bake both pans on the center rack for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes. Invert the pans and place the cakes in the wire rack to cool completely, about 90 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and beat until just incorporated and smooth, about 15-30 seconds (DO not over-mix!). Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix just until blended and smooth (again, don't over-mix).








To Assemble

Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, remove the foil, and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Place one of the carrot cake layers on a cake pedestal lined with parchment squares.

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan (running a paring knife along the bottom edge of the pan as needed to loosen the cheesecake) and place on a cutting board. Using a paring knife, trim the cheesecake to fit between the layers of carrot cake.

Place the cheesecake on top of the carrot cake and top with the remaining carrot cake layer. Frost with a thin crumb coat
and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.







To Finish

Ice the cake with the remaining icing and gently press the walnuts onto the sides of the cake. Remove the parchment squares, cover the cake and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.






I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!

Cheesec