7 small cake recipes

Carrot square cake with walnuts, golden raisins, and a tangy orange-flavored cream cheese icing. A 9-inch square pan version of the classic carrot cake, perfect for small gatherings.

Ultra-moist bundt cake loaded with fresh apples, cinnamon, and crunchy nuts. No mixer required for this simple oil-based batter that bakes up tender every time in angel food or small loaf pans.

If you like "frijoles con chili con carne," add a small can of pureed tomatoes to pot and dish up over cooked kidney beans. Only a peasant would mix beans into a chili pot.

Smoky, sweet stove top baked beans loaded with crispy bacon, brown sugar, bell pepper, mustard, and liquid smoke. No oven needed for this crowd-pleasing BBQ side that gets better the longer it sits.

Spinach salad with mushrooms, mozzarella, and a warm anchovy-olive oil dressing served with grilled bread toasts. A bold Italian-style starter with rich umami.

Beer and beef stew from Granite Brewery with cubed beef, root vegetables, Dijon mustard, and a dark chocolate-brown roux. A pub-style stew thickened with a proper French roux.

I was surprised at how good this was. I will add fresh cilantro next time, and fresh veggies such as corn and green onion, celery. Was not spicy enough for my taste, so maybe add jalepeno next time as well. I enjoy this recipe!