I am admittedly not a basketball fan. However, even I can manage to care about basketball when Michigan makes it to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament, and - especially - when they make it to the Championship Game. Yes, indeed - the Wolverines, who haven't earned a place in the final round since 1993 (and haven't won it all since 1989), are playing for some mighty big stakes tonight against Louisville!
And so, of course, we've got celebratory food to offer!
Baseball, as we all know, is famous for hot dogs, and also for the "peanuts and Cracker Jack" of song. Everyone anticipates subs, nachos, chili, and other hearty foods for football games.
Basketball, however, doesn't seem to have any iconic food. And so, I had some choices to sort through and some decisions to make ... not my strong suit!
But Michigan has been wearing "Rise to the Occasion" shirts, which inspired me. Souffles rise, but they're too prissy for a sporting event. Bread rises, and I do love to bake it; but it's also a bit time-consuming.
But you know what else rises? Cakes. Cakes rise beautifully, and are especially tall when you serve one with three layers in honor of the 3-pointer that Michigan point guard Trey Burke shot last week to tie the game with Kansas, leading to a win in overtime. The rest, as they say, is history: Elite Eight, Final Four, the last two standing.
Here's hoping Michigan makes history tonight, too, and claims that championship. Hey, even Hugh Jackman has been rooting for the Wolverines on Twitter:
This is Wolverine saying “c’mon univ. of mich wolverines!!! This is your year. Trey…crush it BUB!
Hail to the Victors!
Michigan Maize 'n' Blue 3-Pointer Pound Cake
1 small pound cake
softened butter
3/4 cup blueberry spreadable fruit
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon half-and-half
colored sprinkles
Carefully slice the pound cake lengthwise, cutting off a 1/2" layer; place the bottom layer onto a serving tray and schmear with a very thin layer of butter to keep the jam from seeping in. Spread half the jam over the butter.
Slice another 1/2" layer lengthwise from the cake; lightly schmear both sides, then place it on top of the bottom layer. Spread the remaining jam over the butter.
Lightly schmear some butter onto the cut side of the remaining layer of cake, then place it on top of the rest of the cake.
Whisk together the confectioners' sugar and the half-and-half; drizzle over the top of the cake. Top with sprinkles and let glaze set.
Serves 6-8.
