1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese (do not soften)
1 (16 ounce) splenda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CAKE:
Vegetable cooking spray
1/2 cup light butter, softened
2 cups splenda
2 egg yolks
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon butter extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 egg whites
Lemon rind strips (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: Beat butter and cheese at high speed of an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, and beat at low speed until blended. Add vanilla; beat well. Cover, and chill.
Coat bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round cakepans with cooking spray (do not coat sides of pans); line bottoms of cakepans with wax paper. Coat wax paper with cooking spray, and dust with flour; set aside.
Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until butter is creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine 2 cups flour and baking soda; stir well. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in pecans and next 3 ingredients.
Beat egg whites at high speed of mixer until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat). Fold egg whites into batter; pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 23 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes on wire racks. Loosen cake layers from sides of pans using a narrow metal spatula, and turn out onto wire racks. Peel off wax paper, and cool completely.
Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate, and spread with 2/3 cup Cream Cheese Icing; top with second cake layer. Repeat with 2/3 cup icing and third cake layer. Spread remaining icing over cake. Garnish with lemon rind strips, if desired.
I have been with Body Works for about six months and every month I have had positive results toward my goal. You might think, "Why are you still with them?" Or "Can't you do this on your own?" For me, Body Works, provides a positive, motivating, and energetic atmosphere, where I feel I can reach my goals of physical fitness. They listen, encourage... okay push me. They make me feel I can do better.
Leo McGowan, RN
When I came to Body Works in January 2010, I was 5'10", 220 pounds, and totally out of shape. I wasn't happy with the way I looked, and I definitely wasn't happy with the way I felt. Although I couldn't do much at first, Brandon worked with me to increase my strength and endurance. Now, I am over 50 pounds lighter, and so much happier! Body Works has changed not only the way others view me, but it has changed the way I view myself. I recommend Brandon to anyone looking to make a positive life change - in mind, body, and spirit.
-Ashley Goolsby-Zak
I've been training with Brandon for nearly four years now, and he's always remained positive and encouraging - whether I go up or down in weight. It seems I live in chronic pain from Osteoarthritis and Tendinitis and Brandon designs my workouts to my abilities and continues to keep me motivated and wanting to come back. His combination of strength training and cardio works great for me and I've seen improvement in my stamina and endurance. He works with me one-on-one without rushing me and makes me feel like a valued client. Brandon will do whatever it takes to help you succeed with your weight loss and/or fitness plans.
Kathy Merrill, Jacksonville, FL, Age 45
I have been training with Brandon for about 3 years. With his knowledge of physical abilities, nutrition needs, strength and cardio training, I look forward to my workouts. If my goal is to lose weight, he will encourage. He suggests keeping a food diary, but doesn't scold or cajole if it isn't done.that is my choice. His workouts keep me agile, build my strength, and keep me toned. I enjoy working out with Brandon.
