I mentioned that I'm having a half-birthday party today, right? Because it's my half-birthday. That means that my actual birthday is 22 December (if you were still wondering why this site is twelve22, you can now stop your wondering), which you'll notice is awfully close to that other guy's birthday during that time of year. So after a lifetime of everybody being too busy on my birthday, I've said enough! Half birthdays from now on.
I'm having some folks over to my house today, and I made myself a cake:
I used Dorie Greenspan's 'Perfect Party Cake' recipe, which you can find on a number of blogs, like this one. The Daring Bakers took the cake on as their challenge back in March, I think, and I knew as soon as I saw the finished cakes that I would have to try it some day. The layers! The frosting! The jam! I like all those things.
I will admit that I don't have an excellent track record when it comes to 'fancy' cakes. I'm not very good at icing, and I have next to no experience with piping (apart from snowflakes). In a way, my half-birthday party was just an excuse to finally make a nice cake, because the one I made for my real birthday wound up in the trash. That was not a Good Birthday Morning.
The great thing about using recipes that have been blogged about is that you can find out exactly what to expect. Everybody said that this cake recipe hardly rises, so I wasn't shocked when they came out of the oven at just over an inch high. They're light and fluffy, but sturdy enough that I was able to slice each cake into two layers (with the aid of a ruler and patience) -- and I even frosted each side of the layers separately and flipped them into place (rather than spread the jam on a layer and then try to spread buttercream over that).
We'll see what it looks like when it's sliced. I was afraid to spread on the jam and frosting too thick, as sliding layers was a contributing factor to the Doomed Cake of Yesterbirthday. But I'm really rather proud of the way it looks at the moment. All those pretty stars. And I even made the rhubarb jam myself, so all in all, I'm thinking this will be a pretty great cake.
As for the party, we'll see. Even if nobody shows up, at least I'll have the cake to keep me company (and a load of other leftovers). And what better way to celebrate turning half a year older than by eating a pound of buttercream all by one's self?
as a matter of fact, I was wondering about the reason behind the site's name.
happy half-birthday, Anna!
I've been loving the recent pics on your flickr by the way, and keep on thinking they belong in a magazine.
Happy half-birthday! I wish I was more of a baker. I am just too into the instant gratification...no patience whatsoever. *sigh* I'll live vicariously through you...bet it's gonna taste awesome.
Happy half-birthday. Fabulous idea to have a half-birthday party. It can be kind of frustrating having your birthday swept into winter holidays. My biggest peeve is combo gifts. I always think people with a birthday in April never get Christmas/Birthday gifts. I am 12/21...but just celebrated quietly to myself yesterday. Hope you have a lovely day. Your cake looks just wonderful.
Happy halfbirthday! What a beautiful cake! The piping is very very impressive. I hope it tastes as good as it looks!
I cake is beautiful! Happy Half Birthday!
My birthday is July 20th and while I like the spacing from the other gifty holiday I always found that everyone was out of town on vacation on my big day. The end of June is just perfect.
Happy Half-Birthday!! - that's a wonderful idea. Your cake turned out absolutely lovely...and your photos are equally lovely - I always enjoy your posts.
Happy half birthday! Your cake is lovely. I cannot think of anything more half-birthday-ish than a pound of buttercream. I would love to come and join you but I suspect that by the time I'd made it all the way over there, the cake might be gone ;)