Christmas Cakes for Your Holiday Feast

1 package orange cake mix

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 tablespoons milk

2 cups confectioner's sugar

1.2 cup candied citron

¼ cup orange peel, diced

¼ cup lemon peel, diced

1 cup pecans, chopped

Make 2 orange layer cakes following cake mix directions.

Meanwhile in bowl beat cheese and milk until smooth. Beat in confectioner's sugar, citron, orange and lemon peels.

Cut cake into two layers so there are 4 layers. Place one layer on cake plate and spread with one-third of the mixture. Repeat with the other layers.

Frost and sprinkle pecans on top.

Raspberry Chiffon Cake

3 eggs

½ cup water

3 oz raspberry gelatin

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 package frozen red strawberries

1 tablespoon lemon juice

9 slices pound cake, cut to 3/8 thick

¼ cup sugar

Beat egg yolks and water in top of double boiler (save egg whites).

Stir in gelatin, salt and half of frozen raspberries. Cook, stir constantly, over water until raspberries thaw.

Press through a sieve to remove seeds. Stir until thick. Then,chill.

Cut ends of pound cake and cut into strips. Stand diagonally about ½ inch apart a spring form pan. Lay other pieces on bottom.

Beat egg whites until foamy. Put in sugar until dissolved. Beat gelatin mixture.

Place gelatin mixture over a bowl filled with ice cubes. Fold in meringue.
Spoon it into prepared pan making swirls. Chill several hours.

When ready, remove from pan and garnish with frozen raspberries.

Plum Cake

30 oz purple plums in syrup

¾ cup sugar

2 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package lemon cake mix
Whipped cream

Drain plums, keep syrup. Pit plums and put skin down in 12 by 8 baking dish. Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Add syrup from plums and cook until boiling.

Pour over plums.
Prepare cake mix. Pour batter over plum mixture spreading batter so it touches all sides. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and 15 minutes. Cool and top with whipped cream.

German Chocolate Cake

8 oz German sweet chocolate

3 tablespoons water

2 egg yolks

2 tablespoon confectioner's sugar

1 cup whipping cream

2 egg whites

28 strips of sponge cake

Melt Chocolate over hot water. Add 3 tablespoons water and blend. Remove from hot water and add egg yolks. Beat thoroughly. Add sugar and mix well. Cool. Whip cream into chocolate mixture and stir in egg whites.

Layer bottom of pan and sides with sponge cake strips. Add chocolate and then top with remaining sponge cake Chill 24 hours and top with whipped cream.

Two make it yourself designed cakes can be found at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2247989/christmas_dessert_recipes_anyone_can.html?cat=22.