AMAZING Cake

So...it was Digger's birthday yesterday, and I made him a birthday cake today. It was AMAZING. Its a time consuming cake, but also really amazing looking when its done. For the directions, I am going to direct you to my good friend Emily's page because she did step by step directions WITH pictures. It is from the first time I made this cake because she and I made it together. She has a link to the original blog that we got it from.
     The reaction was awesome. I sent Digger a picture of the cake and asked what he thought. The response was "ridiculous" which is Digger talk for "amazing" or "awesome". Then, when he actually saw the cake, he was amazed. I did a 9 inch cake and did 3 layers. The pirouette cookies worked out perfectly and I found the most guy-ish ribbon I could find (which still wasn't very manly) to hold it together until it was ready to be cut.
      There was no room on the actual cake to write "Happy Birthday Digger" on it, so I poured the leftover milk chocolate from the strawberries onto parchment paper and then wrote on it in white chocolate and then placed it standing up on the cake to add dimension and awesomeness to it. Then, I placed candles between the strawberries...it was really cool lit up. I forgot to take pictures of that one though. Oh well...


     We took it to a gathering of friends and shared it, and the comments were all good about the cake. The strawberries weren't as awesome as I'm sure they'll be in about a month or so. I am tempted to try this with raspberries because I love love raspberries. And then on the top part I can line up the raspberries and then drizzle the chocolate over the top...wouldn't that be divine?

Oh hello again

Sorry its been so long since I last posted! I have been crazy busy! I found out that I got all Bs in my classes!!! Some people may be a little disappointed in all Bs...I am not one of them. I rejoiced thoroughly! Just ask my sister in law, and my sister. They both got calls to share in my rejoicing!
    The next three weekends are going to be busy for me because I have a birthday cake each of the next three weekends. This weekend is Digger's birthday. He turns the big 3-0. He's an old man, I know. But very attractive for his age. Any way, I told him back in January I'd make his birthday cake if he wanted me to and so I am. I am making my delicious chocolate covered strawberry goodness cake. For a reminder of which one that is, you can look at it here. Yeah, its going to be amazing, except this time its all me, Emily moved away and its up to me to re create this amazing cake...but I'm pretty sure I can do it. And, it will turn out amazingly.
     Next up in the cakes will be an Incredible Hulk cake...I'm still deciding what I want to do with that one, and then the third cake is either going to be X-Men or Captain America themed. yeah, I have my work cut out of me. But, I'm still excited for them!! YAY!!!
     In other news, I am listening to a ridiculously large amount of Maroon 5 these days. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their new CD Hands All Over. Yes, the title is kind of....um...interesting? But the CD is AMAZING. I LOVE it. Also, I read the book Beastly on Friday. Yeah, I read the whole book that afternoon. Really quick read, and it was a pretty good story. I kind of want to see the movie now.
     Speaking of movies, I went and saw Fast Five last weekend with my brother and BFF Fort. It was really good, if you like the Fast and the Furious movies. This one had more plot, I felt, and was really good.
     Any way, there is your update on my life. I made Lemon Tarts yesterday because I now have church at 8:30AM in Provo. I get home around noon and have the entire day to do whatever I want!!! It has truly become a day of rest and I love it!! HOORAY!!!

A Much Anticipated Recipe

I know that you have all been DYING to get your hands on this recipe....well, those of you that don't already have it! Ha ha...I got this recipe from my sister in law when we were cooking it up once a month (which, BTW, we need to start doing again!!) And this has become a favorite of my friends. I make these all the time because they are easy and delicious and look super fancy.

Mini Chocolate Tarts

Tart shells:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup butter melted.

Mix ingredients together. Fill well greased mini muffin pans 3/4 full with batter and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Do not over bake. Once they are baked, I usually let them cool for a minute and then I use a tart press to press the centers down, but you can use a 2-liter soda lid, or something about that size. then I let them sit for about 5 more minutes before I take them out to cool completely.

Filling:
1 box instant chocolate pudding (the smaller box)
1 cup half and half
1 8oz. container cool whip

combine the pudding mix and the half and half until smooth, then fold in the cool whip. I use a pastry bag and tip to create a swirl pattern on the tops of mine, but you can just spoon them in as well. I have topped them with toffee, smothered them in white and milk chocolate. I've cut strawberries up and put those on top, but my favorite is probably to take Ande's Mints chips and top the tarts with those and then just drizzle some milk chocolate on top of those. The possibilities are ENDLESS. I hope you enjoy!

Also, you can try different types of pudding mixes. Lemon cake mix with lemon pudding for the filling is delightful (one of my sisters in law made them and I fell in love!) Also, cheesecake pudding is a huge hit with the different parties I've taken them to. So, go crazy, have fun, and make up your own creation!!