memorial day backyard bbq inspiration

[image via Blondie and Brownie]

Did you think I was going to show you a picture of sticky goey ribs? Of course not. I found this amazing red-white-and-blue cake in the Blondie and Brownie archives, where we often turn to for food inspiration. Those gals eat it all. All! I don't know how they do it. Anyway, here is their spectacular holiday cake. Are you game to make it for this weekend? I kinda am. There's a how-to video on their blog and full directions. Or you can just riff on the photo and concoct your own.

Stars and Stripes Forever Cake

2 ½ cups cake flour
4 tablespoons powdered buttermilk
3 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup water
1 ounce red food coloring
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting and Berry Topping

2 cups cream cheese (2 eight oz packages), softened
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 pint blueberries
3 bright red choice strawberries of approximately the same size and color