When helping brides plan their weddings I start with the event itself and work my way backwards to determine all the tasks that need to be accomplished. It’s the best method for assuring that nothing is overlooked!

Here is an example for one element of the wedding reception: There needs to be a cake – or cupcakes, or cheesecake, or cake pops, or . . . hamburgers (hey – whatever the bride wants, the bride gets)! So in planning this way, I start with “seeing” the finished cake on the serving table or a display table. Then I back up to the fact that someone needs to be there to put the cake on the table. (Who is the kitchen crew? When will they be asked to serve or hired to cater?) Prior to that, the cake needs to get to the kitchen. (Who will deliver or pick up the cake, and when?) Before that, it needs to be paid for in full. (When is the final payment due? How will it be paid – credit card, check?) Before that, the cake needs to be selected. (When will the tasting session be held? This part depends on how much of a lead time the baker needs for orders.) And prior to all of it, who will the baker, caterer, or cake artist be? (What are the local options? Are they available for that date?) All of this – and more, actually – just for the cake! But you get the idea of how it works!

With the start of the weekend, I thought I’d insert a post about some personal “pre-planning” that I’m doing today. I’m preparing for brief visits with friends. The option of staying in the area where I currently live is still a viable option. Moving to another state altogether is also still just as likely. I’m searching – God is leading – I am following His leading! But in the meantime, I still want to enjoy visits with friends in my home – boxes and all!

In preparing for company, my mind goes into event-planning mode. The final (first) view: someone will be sitting at my table enjoying a light snack and coffee. (Remember: You don’t have to have people over for dinner when time and/or resources are limited!) Now I need to plan how to make that snack happen. When will I prepare it? When will I buy it?

This brings me to the point of this post: “Countdown to Simplicity!” While I always want to enjoy visits with friends – old and new – my time is extremely limited right now. Sitting around baking cakes and cookies is not an option – not only because time is at a premium, but also because I do NOT need freshly-baked cookies calling out my name all day long! I need something simple, but nice! The popular “3-2-1 Cake” is the perfect solution! I made my first one about two months ago, and LOVE it!

This recipe has been floating around blogs and websites for quite awhile now, and even has made its way onto several Pinterest boards. Many of you probably have seen it – or even tried it already. I’ve searched and searched and can’t seem to find the true origin of it, so I credit about 30 people/websites for this recipe! It’s simple to make up ahead of time, simple to “bake,” and the clean-up is just as simple. Oh – and it’s simply delicious!

RECIPE: 3-2-1 Cake

*One box of angel food cake mix (Buy the cheapest one available – no fancy ingredients required!)

*One box regular cake mix (Again, buy the cheapest available – and any flavor will do!)

That’s it – – – now open both cake mixes and toss them into a gallon-size Ziploc bag – or a seal-able Tupperware bowl.

*Shake to mix well.

*Store until needed.

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Then, WHEN your company arrives and you are ready to eat:

*Using a small microwavable bowl or dish, use the 3-2-1 method to prepare the individual cakes as follows:

*3 tablespoons of your pre-mixed mixes (Say that five times fast! haha)

*2 tablespoons of water (stir in lightly until a “cake batter” forms – go easy on the water – this is the correct amount!)

*1 minute on high in the microwave (I add 30 seconds per additional cake if baking 2-3 little cakes together, times vary)

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When you take it out, let it sit for a few seconds, run a knife around the edge of your bowl, and flip the bowl over to release the mini cake onto a pretty plate. You can eat it plain, frost it, top it with some ice cream, or add some fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream! Serve with coffee or tea – or water!

I have my 3-2-1 mix stored in a large Tupperware container, and at any given moment can have a nice treat with a friend – or have just as a little something special for myself after a long day of job searching 🙂 It’s simple – Give it a try!

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Thank you for taking time to read about the 3-2-1 cake! Feel free to leave a comment or a question!