Today is a special day in our household… We get to celebrate our little guys’ 15th birthday! The apple of our eyes and the one who always makes us smile.
There was no better way to celebrate him on his special day, than with a beautiful homemade decorated cake created just for him [ok ok and some for us and his little brother]… So with that said, it’s time to don our birthday hats and sing an all to familiar tune…
at a low simmer…
-R
For a special day, a special dinner is required… so for this birthday dinner, a luxurious lobster pot pie was necessary!
Gorgeous chunks of succulent lobster meat were added to a creamy concoction of chicken stock, cognac, onion, fennel, corn, peas and parsley.
Nestled into a rustic, homemade and flaky crust, this beautiful delight was baked off for an hour until the crust was browned and the filling bubbly!
Once ready, a beautifully large helping of this gorgeous pie was served up with steam and all…
at a low simmer…
-R
What better way to end a week than with a birthday celebration! This wasn’t just any birthday, but rather one for our little, well I guess not so little nine-year old pup…
No birthday would be complete without a vanilla cake baked from scratch and filled with a glorious vanilla custard between the layers… Topping off this towering delight, a light buttercream frosting [this was for the adults though, plain for the pups]!
After a little singing, blowing out candles, photo-ops including birthday hats and the opening of presents, it was then time to cut into the cake. The birthday boy and his brother both got to enjoy some cake, while we did as well, but also had cleanup duties…
at a low simmer…
-R
For a birthday celebration this past weekend, the birthday girl was surrounded by her family and was able to enjoy delicious foods and company!
Many delightful dishes graced the table and everyone enjoyed themselves fully, but then it was that time… yes the time that makes everyone cringe… the cake! We all know too well that when the cake comes out, so does the dreaded birthday song, but like a trooper the birthday girl just blushed and accepted it. The cake was our present to her… a moist and delicious three layered chocolate cake with a salted caramel icing/filling!
She blew out her candles… even though there were only two, that was satisfactory and they did their part. Wonder what she wished for…
at a low simmer…
-R
After a long and tiring day, it was time to sit and unwind! Relaxation was short lived though, since a birthday celebration was on this evenings agenda…
To make this birthday special there were hats, presents and of course… CAKE!! Well more like cupcakes.
A moist, fluffy vanilla cake with thick buttercream frosting covered in sprinkles had the birthday boy unable to control his excitement…
It was amazing that he shared any with the rest of us!
at a low simmer…
-R
So once a year the birthday boy gets his wish for a special dinner… I will go to the ends of the earth to make whatever is requested… this year was tagliatelle with white wine and clams!
So in order to satisfy this wish, I made my way to the seafood counter and bought up four pounds of little neck clams. Once home those dirty ‘necks’ got a good scrubbin’ in the sink. Once cleaned it was off to chill out in the fridge until time a visit to the steam room!
Garlic infused olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, a beautiful dry white, some pellegrino, butter, freshly grated pecorino and minced parsley all bring this birthday story together…
The scent of the ocean wafted throughout my kitchen and honestly made me want to ‘dive’ right into that pot!! Fresh clams elevate this dish from delicious to superb, and make the sauce over-the-top! It is truly like nothing you can ever get from a can [not that I am against a shortcut, just not when it’s a birthday request]…
at a low simmer…
-R
Today was a great day!! This morning started with a fantastic game of tennis and then the afternoon was spent at the in-laws for a pre-birthday celebration.
Right before leaving, I received a great package of homegrown produce including celery, onions, cucumbers and scallions! This is one amazing garden chock full of a variety of different veggies, and I have been lucky enough to receive different goods on many occasions… Now the master plan begins… What delish recipes will I create with these wonderful home grown produce!
at a low simmer…
-R
Birthday celebrations do not need to be on a weekend to kick ass… our family makes these spectacular at anytime…
Tonight was just that… dinner for a special lady full of great food, family and friends. Family-style plates of appetizers, bottles of vino as far as the table went, superb main courses and an amazing gelato cake to complete this whole extravaganza!
Back to cooking tomorrow…
at a low simmer…
-R
Tonight is a milestone birthday celebration… many courses were enjoyed!
Started with a delicious salad starter, followed by a crisp calamari platter and stuffed mushrooms! Onto a penne vodka [so YUM that the waitress brought a second plate] and then the mains arrived… chicken parm, veal marsala or shrimp scampi were the choices… All beautifully presented and I’m certain as tasty as mine!
Where will the cake fit in my belly??
at a low simmer…
-R
Wow this feels like it has been a marathon of birthday cake making! First special birthday cake was the little guys, and tonight’s special delivery is for my mother. Vibrant purple fondant, homemade buttercream frosting, cannoli creme filling [sorry secret recipe], as well as a light and fluffy vanilla cake brushed with Cointreau to make this cake extra special!
Once the cakes were baked, I brushed a light amount of the cointreau to add some exotic flavor and let it cool completely. After the cakes were cooled, a healthy dollop of the cannoli creme was evened out on the bottom cake layer and then the other layer gently placed on top. For the buttercream frosting… butter, confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla were whipped until it was thick and velvety! Next step was to ice the filled cake to prep for the fondant that was going to be molded over. After icing, into the refrigerator to quickly chill and then time to roll out the fondant. Working quickly, the fondant was placed on top of the cake and smoothed out. Once the fondant was smoothed, a light brush of pearl dust was added to create a modern shimmer, while a strip of fabric and beading was added to wrap the base and add interest and depth. For a dimensional element, the cake was adorned with sugar flowers dusted with the pearl dust on the top and side! Another exciting [and tasty] creation!
at a low simmer…
-R
