Dirt cake is one of the most fun desserts to unveil at a gathering. The guests are all seated around the table, the meal has been enjoyed, and everyone is waiting expectantly for their after-dinner sweet. The host walks up to the table and the guests all look up hopefully, but the host is empty-handed. To the guests’ amazement, the host pulls the flowers out of the pot on the table, sets them aside, and starts dishing up the dirt from the pot into beautiful dessert dishes! Before the guests can complain, the host scoops a worm from the dirt and slurps it up.
The "dirt,: of course, is dirt cake, and the worm is a gummy worm. The guests are delighted at the presentation, and the dirt cake with gummy worms becomes the topic of conversation for the rest of the evening.
The origins of the dirt cake are unclear, but it is an American creation which probably became popular in the 1970s. It is usually served in a flower-pot to emphasize the "dirt" effect, and many people like to use candy rocks, gummy worms, or other novelty sweets to play on the garden theme. Artificial flowers can be stuck into the dirt, but be sure to wash them very well or wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil prior to putting them in contact with food.
Serving the cake with a new, clean garden trowel completes the effect. However, dirt cake is just as tasty and interesting in a plain bowl. Dirt cakes are perfect for a gardening enthusiast, a young boy, or just about anyone who loves chocolate! Want to try it yourself? Dirt cakes are usually made with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, instant pudding, and whipped topping. One variation of the recipe adds cream cheese for a richer consistency and flavor.
Leefe Poche is the founder of http://www.cakes-you-can-bake.com
Source: www.isnare.com
