Dr. Pepper Cake

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Two Classics Combined for Special Dessert

Story and Photos by Joseph Rodriguez

When Eric Rodriguez, junior political science major, wants to impress his girlfriend on a special day, he has a particular sweet that he likes to use.

“It’s a funny story that started with her love for one thing,” Rodriguez says. “And that one thing turned out to be Dr. Pepper.”

Rodriguez, a president’s ambassador and a member of several different organizations such as Sigma Phi Epsilon, has been baking for a good portion of his life. He used to help out his grandmother in the kitchen during the holidays and would support his local church by making cookies to be donated at bake sales.

“It was always something that I thought was fun to do,” Rodriguez says about baking. “Even though sometimes I got some flak from my friends about it was always something that I enjoyed doing from time to time.”

As an on-campus resident, Rodriguez rarely gets a chance to bake, but take the opportunity on Valentine’s Day to make something special that he found for his girlfriend. According to Rodriguez, his girlfriend’s favorite drink is Dr. Pepper; knowing this Rodriguez found a recipe that incorporated the soda into a cake. As a small bonus the red velvet cake color is almost identical to a the Dr. Pepper can.

“Also, the cake is really healthy, which is great because I’m passionate about fitness,” Rodriguez says.

The cake is a healthier option  because it substitutes out vegetable oil for soda. Diet Dr. Pepper can be used to make the desert even healthier.

Rodriguez plans to continue to make the cake for his girlfriend and family members in the future; Especially during special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Dr. Pepper-loving relatives’ birthdays.

Ingredients

Dr. Pepper Cake

  • 1 (18 ounce) bow Red Velvet cake mix
  • 8 ounces of Dr. Pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 package of Jell-o cheesecake pudding mix
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • pam
  • cool whip

Makes 8 servings

Directions

  1. Mix cake mix like it says on bake of package and combine Dr. Pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Preheat oven 350 and cook for 30 minutes in pam sprayed pan.
  3. Cool completely when done.
  4. Mix pudding mix with skim milk until ready.
  5. Spread on cake.
  6. Put as much cool whip as desired.
  7. Chill and serve.
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Taco Tuesday

Taco Tuesday by Micala Osuna
Videography and Production by Joe Rodriguez

Micala Osuna is a senior who has recently move into her first apartment. As such she has recently picked up cooking and her favorite meal to make is tacos on a Tuesday.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 package of taco shells (10 count)
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 bag of shredded cheese
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 lemon (optional
  • salt and pepper
  • taco seasoning

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the meat until brown, seasoning to taste. You can use the lemon to add extra flavor. While the meat is cooking chop the onion and tomatoes and place into bowls. When the meat is close to being done place the taco shell on a cookie sheet and put them into the oven. Cook the taco shells for 5-8 minutes. Place the shredded cheese into a bowl. After the meat is done cooking, use a strainer to remove the excess juices. Place everything in a bowl or on a plate, and enjoy.

Going Behind the Scenes

I’m really excited about what I can learn this semester. There are so many skills that I think will make me a valuable, attractive employee. I’m certain that one of the things that makes you a valued employee is being versatile. While I already have some experience in sports media being experienced in media production will help me in many ways. I believe that if I understand the process then I can think of more ideas.

I am excited that I’ll be able to produce some of my own work. I’ve interviewed people and made videos in the past, but now I’ll be able to edit and finish the work. This will allow me a chance to work on my schedule. I am also excited about updating my resume after the semester.

I am nervous about the workload of this class. I’ve had friends who have taken this class before, and they spoke about how much work it is. I know that dedication will be a huge part of this class, and it is something I am up for.

This course relates to my career, because I want to work in sports media. Having all of the skills I will learn from this class will help me immensely.

Fall 15 EA 3360 class

rodriguezj-class

The students of the EA 3360 Media Production class, top row from left, Joe Rodriguez, Eddie Paniagua , Stacy Fowler , Mathew Martinez, Erick Cerritos, Ricardo Iruegas, middle row from left, Chelsea Aguilar, Sammantha Rodriguez, Galilea Morales, Lynette Montalvo, bottom row from left, Catherine Ortega, Michelle Michimani, Sarafina San Miguel, Ji Huen Han, and Paige Ganara posing for a picture at the start of the Fall semester.