Tag: Birthday

Brown Butter Sheet Cake with Fluffy Milk Chocolate Buttercream

Brown Butter Sheet Cake with Fluffy Milk Chocolate Buttercream

One of the perks that comes along with being a food writer and instructor is that when it comes to my birthday, I can turn my most favorite flavors into my very own birthday cake. Brown Butter Sheet Cake with Fluffy Milk Chocolate Buttercream – 

Washington Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Washington Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Oh my. Cherry Upside-Down Cake. You really must taste it. People often ask me – “why ‘Food for a Year’? Do you make meal plans? Do you show people how to store up enough food for a year?”….  I think this recipe a good way 

A Birthday, a Bunch of Baby Bunnies and a Smoked Pork Tenderloin

A Birthday, a Bunch of Baby Bunnies and a Smoked Pork Tenderloin

The last week had been crammed full of fun, food and furry pets. Gracie turned 7 and that is just so hard to believe, but after a week of celebrating — it’s starting to sink in ((and coincidentally, my pants are starting to tighten)).

Mini Birthday Cookie Sandwiches, with Homemade Birthday Cake Buttercream

Mini Birthday Cookie Sandwiches, with Homemade Birthday Cake Buttercream

Sigh. Gracie did it. She went and added another finger to her age – and to make matters worse, that particular finger is on her second hand.  Well, and I didn’t even mention the trifecta of heartache :: she lost her first tooth ((twice, that is 

Half-Birthday Boy and Cookie Butter Crumble Topped Brownies.

Half-Birthday Boy and Cookie Butter Crumble Topped Brownies.

Before I share this yummy cookie butter crumble topped brownie recipe with you, let me first tell you why we celebrate the half-birthdays of my “little” herd. It all began on April 15, 2003; the day Baby Kade turned 6 months old. Well, actually – 

The Perfect Milk Chocolate Buttercream ((6 minute Buttercream))

The Perfect Milk Chocolate Buttercream ((6 minute Buttercream))

Homemade buttercream is on my shortlist of favorite things. I won’t say NEVER, but I cannot imagine myself ever buying canned frosting. Not when the real deal is so easy and magnificently tasty. Another bonus? The ingredient list doesn’t sound like instructions for a chemistry 

Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Stovetop Caramel Buttercream ((Birthday Cake time!!))

Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Stovetop Caramel Buttercream ((Birthday Cake time!!))

Whew!! What a cake this is! But before I tell you all about this cake, let me tell you a little about the birthday boy. He was born 11 years ago today at 4:06 am. I am so proud of the fact that he was 

Cook’s Illustrated Perfect White Almond Layer Cake with Almond Buttercream ((it’s as if wedding bells ring with every bite!))

Cook’s Illustrated Perfect White Almond Layer Cake with Almond Buttercream ((it’s as if wedding bells ring with every bite!))

I am so thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to share this recipe with you today. I recently made this cake for Gracie’s birthday and if you are following me on Instagram or Facebook, you know all about that! I practically bragged about how 

Funfetti Birthday Cake with Warm Almond Cream Glaze

Funfetti Birthday Cake with Warm Almond Cream Glaze

Whew, we partied hard for Kade’s 12th birthday!! Three celebrations meant three cakes ((well, store-bought cupcakes once)). I really loved how yummy and simple this pretty funfetti cake was — thanks to using my pre made cake mix ((recipe HERE)).

Double Vanilla Whipped Cream Buttercream

Double Vanilla Whipped Cream Buttercream

One of my favorite kitchen activities is the making of buttercream. Over the years, I have to admit, I have become  quite good at it, to the delight of my kitchen testers!

Make Your Own Cake Mix ((in bulk)) — for the Best ((and easiest)) Cake

Make Your Own Cake Mix ((in bulk)) — for the Best ((and easiest)) Cake

Simplicity is the name of the game! Oh, well there is one other game I play also – the “only eat what you can pronounce” game. Don’t know what I am taking about? Let me show you the list of ingredients in a Super Moist 

Time Flies.

Time Flies.

I am on the eve of the anniversary of becoming a mother – oh and Kade is on the eve of turning TWELEVE! Twelve years ago this very night, I was falling asleep ((with the help of a strong sleep aid)) in the hospital in