so bad, yet so good.

A heaven log. A loaf of happiness. It's zebra cake—or chocolate wafer icebox cake. We made this a bit back and I forgot how incredibly good it is. I found myself thinking it was my favorite cake ever. I think this about many types of cake. This one is dang good, though. It's also perfect for kids to make if they don't mind a little whipped cream on their fingers.

I followed the recipe on the famous chocolate wafers box. I use real whipped cream just barely sweetened, not cool whip or some other freaky stuff. You just layer the whipped cream between the cookies. I used the cookie wafer as a scoop for the whipped cream and pressed another cookie on top—much easier than using a knife and trying to spread it. Then let it sit overnight in the fridge. Slice it on an angle, drink a cup of strong coffee, and get ready to get totally sick. It's not very sweet and very rich, so it's completely awesome. The cookies are very dark and almost bitter and if you just barely sweeten the whipped cream, it's actually a pretty sophisticated tasting dessert. And the retro appeal goes a long ways with me, of course. Don't get impatient and try to eat it before it has completely softened—wait at least overnight. Not that I have done this before (ha.) but it doesn't slice. I'm just sayin'.

I am waiting for some hippie company to make these chocolate wafers without hydrogenated what-all, but I haven't found any yet. I think I might have to make my own chocolate wafer cookies if I want them less junky, but making these thin enough would be a challenge. I might try it. I have heard these cookies are hard to find in some parts of the country, but I seem to find them easily here in Portland, so I am less tempted to make them from scratch. Plus, the beauty of this cake is the simplicity and ease. Like 'smores, you know? Here's a lovely round version, I have only made the log style, but this might even be easier. Here's a nice one too, along with a recipe (it's double the quantity I usually make) but I still stand behind my log shape. It's what is on the box and I just love it.

I think this would be such a good Valentine's Day dessert and I might even get all crazy and tint the whipped cream a light pink. Oh, and lightly flavor it with peppermint! That would be very tasty.

And thank you so much for all the new banner love.