• 1 c. milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider or white vinegar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
  • 2 sticks salted butter, melted
  • 2 c. Domino granulated sugar
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Juice of this lemon
  • 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. anise seed
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • Honey Lemon Glaze
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar or a little more if needed

Why name this insanely delicious lemon cake the ” Celebration Cake”?

First Reason for Celebrating #1
Well, it is been a week of celebration here at Camp Johnson. My surgery, although unexpected, went very well and my hubby helped care for me all week while my body healed, my boys drove down from the university to surprise me with a visit, and friends and family called daily, sent meals, cards and flowers all letting me know how much I was loved and cared about. I have much to be thankful for!

Second Reason for Celebrating
In addition my dear friend and neighbor, Karlie, received wonderful news this week after been battling a very aggressive form of multiple myeloma since the end of February. After undergoing a stem cell/bone marrow transplant, Karlie is now in “strenuous remission”! On Tuesday I was at home waiting for their call; I just had a feeling we were in for good news. We honestly had no idea if Karlie would survive the aggressive treatments and I have watched their family trust in God with all their might and to choose to fight rather than give up although the prognosis was very grim. This family’s fortitude and acceptance has taught me a great deal this year. As I waited for their call, I decided to surprise them with dinner. I thought they would enjoy a comforting bowl of Sausage and Pepper Sauce with Whole Wheat Penne. I added Marsala wine to the sauce this time and it was delicious! A comforting dinner must be followed by a delightful dessert, so with a beautiful bag of fresh lemons I purchased at my favorite wholesale club, BJ’s, I decided to make my Lemon Butter Cake. I delivered their meal, wrapped my arms around both husband and wife and rejoiced with them. Winning a million dollars could not have made the day any better! This cake is now known as the Celebration Cake.

Third Reason for Celebrating
A call from BJ’s Wholesale Club’s public relations company was another cause for celebration. I have been in discussion with my favorite club and it has been decided that I will be a spokesperson for them here in North Carolina! I began shopping at BJ’s Wholesale Club with my parents in Massachusetts when I was a kid. My husband, myself and my children are all members of BJ’s as well. I absolutely love their fresh meats, deli items, fresh produce and the baking aisle…oh boy…what can I say about their baking aisle? I save so much money shopping there and after shopping at BJ’s for years, being a spokesperson for this company will not be a problem for me. I’ve been telling folks about them for years! My first media appearance on BJ’s behalf will be on Fox 8 in Greensboro, NC next Wednesday. I’ll give you a hint as to what I will making on air; this is probably the most oldest side dish most likely shared between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving. can’t guess? Okay, okay, I’ll give you another clue that might help you guess: there was a certain Looney Tunes character with a lisp who’s trademark used the name of this recipe in it…can you guess what I’ll be making? Be sure to leave your answer in the comment section.

Fourth Reason for Celebrating
This morning I spoke to my friend Rita and was surprised to find out that she herself is recovering from unexpected surgery. A lump was found last week in Rita’s neck, and they had to operate immediately. Fortunately the tumor was benign and no sign of cancer was found in Rita’s body. As we were talking she jokingly said, “I could really go for some of your Lemon Butter Cake.” (I don’t think I have EVER heard Rita ask for anything for herself!) Always giving to others, I knew what I had to do … right now my house smells of lemon and butter and after having lunch with my hubby, I will be delivering a little sweetness for a sweet, sweet friend.

What are you grateful for? What reasons do you have for celebrating? Look forward to reading your comments! be sure to whip up this delicious cake preferably with your kiddos or spouse helping you) and pass it on to bring a little sunshine in someone’s day!

Here’s how made this delicious cake:

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Preheat your oven to 325 F degree.

In a bowl combine milk and vinegar; let this sit for a couple of minutes while you get the rest of your ingredients ready.

In a mixer, combine milk and vinegar mixture with eggs, both extracts, melted butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest and juice.

In a small bowl, combine flour, anise seed, baking powder and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

Pour this lemony batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out perfectly clean.

While your cake is baking prepare this very easy glaze:

Combine all ingredients and just as soon as the cake is removed from the oven pour this amazing glaze over top and spread. The cake will soak up some of the glaze and leave the top of your cake looking shiny and ready to devour!

Be sure to spread the love and share this recipe or even better THE CAKE with one of your friends or family members!