Sweet News For March 28th! It's National Black Forest Cake Day!

NATIONAL BLACK FOREST CAKE DAY: MARCH 28TH

March 28th is National Black Forest Cake Day, or Schwartzwalder Kirschtorte, as I grew up knowing it. Black Forest cake originated in Germany's Black Forest area. It's said that Black Forest cake originated as far back as the 1500's when chocolate was first available in Europe. Written recipes for Black Forest Cake did not become available till the early 1900's. It's considered the most "German" of all cakes.

This was my favorite cake as a child and it remains my favorite cake to this day. I can't think of anything better than layers of chocolate cake soaked in cherry kirsch, whipped cream, chocolate, and black cherries.

"You are my black forest cake... filled with dark red mature cherries and soft sweet whipped cream... always the perfect treat."

-- Farah Reza Naqvi

Black Forest cake was a birthday tradition in my home. We would travel across New York City with two subway transfers and a bus transfer to a German bakery on the border of Queens and Brooklyn to buy our cake. It felt like a pilgrimage each time we travelled to  Stahl's Pastry Shop in Ridgewood, Queens. Stahl's was an institution in an area of New York City that had many residents of German ancestry. Sadly it's closed now. 

Since I don't bake, I go the the Waldhorn Restaurant in Pineville for my Black Forest cake. I love that I can continue the family tradition of a Schwartzwalder Kirschtorte for birthdays. Since Pineville is less than five miles from my home, I don't need to travel far to get my "fix" of this German delicacy! You can also get your Black Forest Cake from Christine's Konditerei, specializing in German cakes and cookies and from Old World German Bakery in Rock Hill; 

"You are mine. Forget your diet just one day for me. Look at my cherry. Isn't it appealing to you? I know I'm irresistible. Just one bite will cause you no harm... ...The Black Forest Cake whispered."

-- Tarunima

NOT FAMILIAR WITH BLACK FOREST CAKE?

CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN

"Friendships are like plum cakes, they are rich but not so sweet.

Best friends are like marble cakes, they are a bit more delicious.

But love my friend, is like a yummy black forest cake.

It keeps on getting better and better each time."

-- Eternal Lover