While I like the idea of deadlines in theory, practically speaking, they are a problem for me. For a crafter, the worst kind of deadline is a birthday (or, really, any gift-giving occasion), but birthday deadlines imply that your gift was supposed to be a birthday gift...and if you are making something, presumably, you know when that person's birthday is...particularly if you have been married to said birthday celebrator for almost twelve years. That being said, getting a handknit sweater a few days after one's birthday, isn't such a bad thing either (it's like the celebration that never ends...which I am a fan of, obviously).
K celebrated his birthday. We dragged it out for three days this year (he normally likes as little fuss and celebration as possible). He got a bunch of presents. The Littles sang off key, it was all quite fabulous.
He usually asks for a cake made from mix from a box, which is a travesty of the first order for someone like me. I mean, seriously, I like to bake! I want to bake! And most would say that I am good at said baking! So this year, K decided to let me bake him a cake. After looking at all of my baking books, of course he selects the most time-consuming cake possible.
I made the Miette Tomboy Cake with Raspberry European Buttercream frosting. This cake took the better part of a day to make. And when all is said and done, you have two 6-inch cakes to feast upon; but, it's a lot of work for a cake (or two, rather). There was choclate melting, whisking, cooling, ordered additions to batter before straining it (yes, straining the batter--that is commitment, people); and, don't even get me started on the frosting; what, with the raspberry juice extracting, sugar syrup making, egg-white whipping...(honestly, it makes me exhausted just thinking about it). But you know what? It was worth it. This little dainty bit is probably the best cake I have ever made. It was delicious. I don't generally care for chocolate cake, to be honest. I usually find cake too rich or too dry, or too....something. But this cake? It was perfect. And the European buttercream, it was out of this world. And now I can say, "why yes, I have made European buttercream frosting, and there were no tears." Because apparently, sometimes there are tears.
I finished K's birthday sweater last night, and will block it tonight, or maybe tomorrow. There's no real hurry to finish it at this point since my model is on the other side of the country at a conference; but, I just wanted it noted that my 12 in 12 thing is totally on track.
Ohh... the cake looks fantastic! Happy birthday K!
Posted by: Heidi | January 30, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Labor's of Love. Both the cake and the sweater are perfect.
Posted by: jill | January 31, 2012 at 08:21 AM
Wow. The cake sounds divine. My mouth is watering, and it's just past breakfast time around here! And the sweater. It looks amazing, from what I can see! Can't wait for full shots once your model returns. It sounds like quite a birthday for K!
Posted by: Jacey | January 31, 2012 at 10:29 AM
The cake looks so great! I'm sure it was an absolute hit with K. I've had the same sweater on the to do list for my hubby for a while. Maybe I should get at it and make him one.
Love your previous two posts! It's good to know that I'm not the only one with big achievement lists. :)
Posted by: Kar | January 31, 2012 at 11:32 AM
Mmmm yum. Looks like a great birthday in all regards.
Posted by: Vicki | January 31, 2012 at 12:18 PM
yum! I love buttercream. I would probably have tears. The sweater looks yummy too! Can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Kathy | January 31, 2012 at 03:03 PM
Did someone say cake? I'm comin' over... :}
Posted by: Joni | January 31, 2012 at 05:32 PM
I would like to request a nova-made cake someday. Because you are clearly amazing.
Posted by: Minty | February 01, 2012 at 12:06 AM
My mouth is watering, and it's just past breakfast time around here! And the sweater. It looks amazing, from what I can see! Can't wait for full shots once your model returns. It sounds like quite a birthday for K!
Posted by: Check health insurance | February 01, 2012 at 09:38 PM
Ambitious in the cake making department as well I see! Makes me remember your pie posts...sigh. I miss those. ;)
That disappointment aside...what a cake! If you hadn't mentioned tears I may have searched for a recipe...but since I have had a recent kitchen fail and my pride is hurt, I'll just praise your success!
Posted by: Rachel | February 27, 2012 at 03:15 PM