We Love Birthdays

Today I took a break from my work and played a game called "Whoonu?" with my kids. This little game rates high on our family game list since it is fun for children and insightful for the grown ups in getting to know each other well. When it was my turn for the children to pick cards describing things they thought I would like, the word "BIRTHDAYS" was at the top. I love Birthdays. LOVE them! Any reason to celebrate someone and help them remember how special they are. I love baking cakes and singing "Happy Birthday." The cake is essential. I have tried to have Birthday parties with other deserts and somehow its not quite the same with out the Birthday Cake. (As an aside: This must have something to do with the gorgeous cakes my mother created for each and every birthday in our home growing up. . . that is worthy of an entire future post sometime.)

As I was thinking about this I realized I hadn't yet posted pictures from Leisel's fabulous Girl's Night Out Evening. It was a super fun evening. Leisel was craving sushi so we ended up in a strip mall on Higley and Baseline, which I would recommend visiting if you live in the area. The restaurant was tiny but really yummy sushi. They seated us by ourselves in the corner back booth so we could just sit, munch, talk and open gifts. The chef there was especially kind and thoughtful. When he found out we were celebrating a birthday he brought out special complimentary sushi for each of us and then later again he brought us a little birthday treat complete with candles and a song! Yes, the entire restaurant joined in singing to wish Leisel a happy birthday (it was a small place, like I mentioned).


After Sushi we had Birthday Cake over at Leisel's moms and it was divine. So good that I must share this recipe with you. (And a major confession here: The cake is even better the next day. I know because I personally downed all the left overs in the course of one day. Never leave an Incredibly Delicious Italian Cream Cake alone in my presence).



Italian Cream Cake

1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. shortening
1 3/4 c white sugar
5 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c flaked coconut (I used unsweetened)
1 tsp baking powder
2 c flour

Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 c butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 c powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cream
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions:
1. Grease three 9 inch round cake pans. Dissolve teh baking soda in the buttermilk in a little dish and set aside. Pre-heat oven to 350.

2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter with shortening and sugar until lifht and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk mixture, vanilla, coconut, baking powder and flour. Stir until just combined and pour batter into the prepared pans.

3. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean.

4. Frosting: Cream everything together EXCEPT the coconut. Frost the cake between layers and on top and side. If you're in a huge hurry like I was, skip the sides entirely. Add Coconut to the tops and sides by gently patting in (or you can just mix it in with the frosting, but I think patting it in looks prettier. You can also add chopped walnuts to the frosting if desired).

5. One bite and You'll know all your extra work was worth it!!