Product Review: Naturally Nora Cake Mix

For my daughter's first birthday party, I was determined to provide the traditional birthday party goodies, get this, healthfully.

I read in a magazine that there was a brand of cake and frosting mixes called Naturally Nora. I discovered I couldn't get the mixes locally; however, our upcoming vacation to visit family in Chicago would be the perfect opportunity to obtain the mixes. The first Meijer store we visited didn't have the mixes, much to my dismay. However, we stumbled upon a second Meijer store on our way to IKEA. I was thrilled to find the cake and frosting mixes on the shelves, and I purchased four cake mixes (two ALOT'A DOTS, one yellow, and one chocolate). I didn't end up buying the frosting mixes because I figured I could whip up my own frosting easily and for less money. The cake mixes and frosting mixes were $2.99 each.

Before I proceed with my cupcake adventure, I chose this particular cake mix brand because, as the box claims, the cake mix contains no trans fat, no hydrogenated oils, and, in all caps: "NOTHING ARTIFICIAL." I warn my readers with diabetes that these mixes contain just as many carbs as a regular cake mix; however, the ingredients list is impressive---much shorter then a regular mix and the ingredients are pronounceable and recognizable.

Furthermore, I felt guilty at the thought of serving my guests cupcakes that I would never consider eating and that I know are incredibly unhealthy. Yes, it's a birthday party---but those of you with diabetes know that the slump of bad eating starts at Halloween and continues through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day. The holidays are a dangerous time for people with diabetes. Since my daughter's birthday falls in early November, I was determined to not put aside my healthy beliefs and serve my guests only the very best of what I could offer them.

The add-ins for a Naturally Nora mix: milk (or soymilk), oil, and eggs. So I used organic, vanilla soymilk, canola oil, and organic eggs. (Yes, these were expensive cupcakes). For baking tips, visit Naturally Nora's website.

As for the icing, I first made a cream cheese icing recipe. It wouldn't solidify at all, which I learned why from two cake-making friends: no shortening. Hell would have to freeze over before Crisco would be in this house---so I moved on to a second recipe: homemade buttercream. Specifically, "Quick and Almost-Professional Buttercream Icing." It was incredibly simple to make.

I have NEVER like icing. It makes my teeth shiver---if you can grasp that. Wal-Mart sheet cakes disgust me. Unless it's homemade and pure and tastes amazing, there is no way I'm wasting the carbs. But this icing was outstanding! I got so many compliments, and I highly suggest you give it a try. Of course, I only spread a very thin layer of the icing on my cupcake to control the carbs. A little icing goes a long way as far as taste.

As far as the cupcakes, they were more dense and moist than traditional cupcakes, less sugary, and were so much more pure! I could taste the difference right away. The cupcakes were almost like muffins and were much more satisfying than traditional cake mixes.

The party went wonderfully! We served hot chocolate and apple cider (well, we attempted to. It was supposed to be a cold November day and ended up being 75 and sunny). We also had pink lemonade (I was determined NOT to have punch). I also had homemade, whole-wheat animal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and my mother-in-law made a wonderful trail mix. We also had a s'more station outside which was a huge hit with the kids.

I encourage you to give the Naturally Nora cake mixes a try. And if you like them, let Nora know!