Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and this year feels particularly strange. With everything going on in the world, it's hard to ignore the sense of unease. As I reflect on the past, I can't help but be grateful for the decisions my husband and I made to move from the USA to Canada.
Back in 2016, our plans to move were disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. Despite my reservations about living in the US, it took some time for others to understand my concerns. However, as events unfolded, more people began to see what I had been warning about. So, in 2018, we took the leap and made our way back home.
Recently, I stumbled upon the original moving date we had marked on our calendar. It was a moment that left me breathless, realizing the potential hardships we might have faced had we stayed in Minneapolis. Packing up our house amidst civil unrest and a global pandemic would have been incredibly challenging. Moreover, the immigration situation could have complicated things further. The thought of my husband being turned away at the border is sobering, especially as Thanksgiving approaches.
As I settled in back home, I couldn't help but feel a strong sense of gratitude. Last night, I watched the season premieres of two Canadian shows, "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" and "Baroness Von Sketch." These comedic gems felt like medicine for the soul, reminding me of what I had missed during my time away - the beloved CBC.
However, my thoughts this morning turned to the Canadians who are still living in the US. Many are facing circumstances similar to what I experienced - married to an American and in the process of moving back home. Others are contemplating whether or not to make the move. Sadly, for some, returning to Canada is simply not an option.
Reflecting on how different my life has been since moving back home, I empathize with those who are still in the US. The move not only saved my life in many ways, but it also brought me a renewed sense of comfort and belonging. It's hard to imagine the challenges they face on a daily basis.
That's why, on this Thanksgiving, I want to share a special gift with Canadians living in the US: a recipe for Homemade Deep'n Delicious Cake.
Homemade Deep'n Delicious Cake: A comforting treat for expat Canadians.
Canadian Comfort Food
You may remember that I wrote a cookbook called "More Than Poutine: Favourite Foods from My Home and Native Land" while still living in the USA. My experience living abroad greatly influenced the themes and recipes in the book.
Many of the recipes in "More Than Poutine" were my own creations, born out of a need for comfort and a taste of home. Being homesick and stressed, I turned to these familiar dishes as a way to cope. Little did I know that they would resonate with so many other expat Canadians.
One such comfort food is Deep'n Delicious Cake. It's interesting because, as a former professional cake artist, I know what makes a great cake. Deep'n Delicious doesn't tick all the boxes when it comes to taste, but it's undeniably amazing as a comfort food.
Deep'n Delicious Cake: A Canadian Icon
For those who are not familiar, Deep'n Delicious Cake is an iconic Canadian convenience food that has been around for decades. I remember enjoying it as a kid, and it has remained unchanged over the years.
This single-layer cake is baked right in the foil pan it's sold in and is topped with a smooth and creamy frosting, adorned with sprinkles. You'll find it in the freezer section with a clear plastic cover, ready to be enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Now, you might be thinking, "A frozen cake? Isn't cold cake dry?" Typically, I would agree, but Deep'n Delicious Cake is an exception. It's surprisingly delicious right out of the freezer, defying conventional cake wisdom.
Homemade Deep'n Delicious Cake: A Sweet Challenge
When I set out to create a homemade version of Deep'n Delicious Cake, I encountered an interesting challenge. I wanted to replicate the texture of the cake and frosting, which doesn't quite feel frozen when frozen. It's a strange phenomenon that made me wonder about the culinary techniques used to achieve it.
I made a promise to myself not to go too far down the rabbit hole and create a Frankencake. So, I made a few adjustments to the original recipe. Instead of butter, I used oil to maintain the desired texture when frozen. Additionally, I decided to use a filling rather than traditional frosting.
Figuring out the perfect filling was quite challenging. I initially leaned towards American Buttercream or Swiss Meringue Buttercream, but they didn't quite match the texture. Then, a moment of inspiration struck when I stumbled upon my Earl Grey Pie recipe. It made me realize that the Deep'n Delicious frosting wasn't frosting at all—it was the filling of a French Silk Pie.
Tips for Making Deep'n Delicious "Frosting"
If you decide to embark on the adventure of making Homemade Deep'n Delicious Cake, here are a few tips for creating the perfect "frosting":
- Keep all the ingredients as cold as possible.
- Chill the bowl and whisk attachment of your stand mixer before use.
- Place the eggs in the freezer for a few minutes before using. Remember to use pasteurized eggs, as they will not be cooked in this recipe.
So, without further ado, here is the recipe for Homemade Deep'n Delicious Cake. Enjoy this comforting Canadian classic and feel a little closer to home, wherever you may be.
