Thursday, September 09, 2010

How to Surprise Him?

Time is flying by and Frank's 20th birthday will be here before you know it. [Before YOU know it? Before I know it.]

Every year I ask him, "What kind of cake do you want?" Long ago he used to answer, "Chelocolate." That's how he said chocolate in his toddler days. More recently, he's been saying, "Surprise me." Well you know how that turns out!

Last year we gave him pie instead. The year before, well, I was a little naughty. Or slightly annoyed.


When I was looking for the quilt pictures I discovered 2004 was a prolific year for me cakewise. Frank got two cakes that year!


Because he loved moose and his bass.

And Ernest got my masterpiece, the coolest cake I've ever made.

That was my first attempt at rolled fondant, and my mad cake skillz all went downhill after that.

This year I'm stumped. How can I surprise Frank this year? I have a few ideas...

  • A meatloaf that looks like a cake
  • Or the opposite, a cake that looks like a burger.
  • An amp-shaped cake that goes to eleven.

Any suggestions? I've only got 10 days to outdo myself!

3 comments:

Jen on the Edge said...

Hmmm... As someone who has no cake decorating skills whatsoever, I'm still in awe over what you've done in the past.

I must say that I am very enamored with your idea of a cake that looks like meatloaf or a burger or something totally unexpected.

Anonymous said...

How about an ice cream cake? FoodNetwork has some interesting DIYs. For example:

Ingredients
3 pints chocolate ice cream or gelato, slightly softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
One 13-ounce jar Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spread
2 pints strawberry ice cream or gelato, slightly softened
1 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
Directions
Spoon the chocolate ice cream in small pieces into a 9-inch springform pan, lined with plastic wrap, filling in any large holes, then spread it evenly with a warm rubber spatula. Heat cream and stir in Nutella to thin out. Cool. Pour 1/2 of the Nutella over the chocolate ice cream and spread it evenly with a small offset spatula. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Spoon the strawberry ice cream over the Nutella in small pieces, filling in any large holes, then spread it evenly with a warm rubber spatula. Pour the remaining Nutella over the ice cream and spread it evenly with the offset spatula. Scatter the hazelnuts over the top of the cake, then press in. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for at least 6 hours, or up to 2 weeks.

To serve, let the cake stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes or in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Run a knife around the inside of the pan, release the side of the pan, and remove it. Cut the cake into wedges.
Am I invited?
M-I-L

dkuroiwa said...

okay....the Spongebob cake? Awesomeness squared!! (rolled fondant scares the crap out of me!)
Still giggling over the "amp that goes to 11"...dude! I loved Spinal Tap!!! (^-^)

Go to "cake central" and check through some of their pictures (they have thousands!!)....they have some great ones of "everyday foods that are actually cakes". they are also really helpful if you have a "but...how do i do that?" kind of question!!!
Good luck....we are looking forward to seeing what you do!!!