This week we have two parshiyos, Vayakhel and Pekudei. They review the kelim and garments that were used in the Mishkan. In these Parshiyos Bnei Yisroel actually built/made these items.
We decided to make a replica of the Mizbeach Haolah which was in the courtyard (outside) of the Mishkan.
ויקהל לח:א
Vayakhel 38:1
1 – We used a basic white cake as a base, but you can use any pound cake you prefer. Bake it in a 9×13 pan so you have a large rectangle to work with.
White Cake
1/2 c oil
1 1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 c flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 c orange juice
1/2 c water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat sugar and oil, then add eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
1/2 c oil
1 1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 c flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 c orange juice
1/2 c water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat sugar and oil, then add eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
2 – Pop the cake out of the pan, and trim the sides so that they are squared off. Then cut the cake width-wise into 3 pieces. Stack the pieces so you have a 3 layer cake. Measure out a square, then make a diagonal cut starting from the end of the square to the bottom of the cake to form a ramp. You may want to add additional cake to the end to extend your ramp.
3 – Make a batch of your favorite frosting, we used the orange cream below with a bit of cocoa for a browner color. The mizbeach was made of copper so a brownish/golden cream is best. Frost between layers and over the top and sides.
Orange Cream Frosting
1/2 c margarine, softened
1 pound confectioners\’ sugar
2 Tbsps corn syrup
2 Tbsps orange juice
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 tsp Cocoa
Cream the margarine, then slowly add the confectioners\’ sugar until it is mixed well. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat
1/2 c margarine, softened
1 pound confectioners\’ sugar
2 Tbsps corn syrup
2 Tbsps orange juice
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 tsp Cocoa
Cream the margarine, then slowly add the confectioners\’ sugar until it is mixed well. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat
4 – We used mini-non-perils and mini-lentils for the borders and marzipan for the top four corners. We also used red licorice for the fire. Don\’t get bogged down with the specific types of candy used, just use whatever you have left from Purim 🙂 .