SIMPLE BLACK AND GOLD BIRTHDAY CAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or spray with baking spray with flour.
• Make and bake cake as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch rounds. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until slightly thickened. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in brandy. In another small bowl, mix pie filling and almond extract.
• On serving plate, place 1 cake layer, rounded side down. Spread with half of the whipped cream, then 1 cup cherry mixture to within 1 inch of edge. Top with second layer, rounded side up. Frost top with remaining whipped cream. Spoon remaining cherry mixture over top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. Store covered in refrigerator.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook beef and onions over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.
• Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes, garlic powder, salt and pepper; heat to a simmer over high heat. Remove from heat; stir in pasta and 1 cup of the cheese. Pour into baking dish.
• Cover dish with foil. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly around edges. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered 5 to 7 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.