9.25.2009

{delightful} 13 year old's birthday cake

photo by ann west

It is my daughters 13 birthday this weekend. Do I want to cry or cheer??? Ok I am a little torn about her reaching this milestone. Our relationship is changing ... sad to see my young little girl grow but I soooo love the depth of our relationship now. A teenager. She deserves a wonderful cake at the very least. I am looking forward to spending some time making this cake. I hope I can let the memories flood in and the anticipation of what comes next excite me. She is an awesome girl... fun, creative, sensitive, loving. I love her dearly and I hope it shows. This one is for you my dear daughter of 13.

yellow cake with chocolate icing by ann west

yellow cake -

cream together :
2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter soft
2 cups sugar

add & mix well:
4 large eggs
2 large egg yolks

sift together:
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbls baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk ( I like to bake with whole buttermilk) add in 2 tsp vanilla

Alternate mixing into the butter mixture the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture and mix well. Pour into prepared cake pans. (Let the Birthday girl lick the bowl). Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. Don't over cook.



chocolate ganache frosting...

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbls sugar
2 tbls light corn syrup
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla

I based this recipe on one that I got from epicurious. I think they said it was Chef, Ed Kasky's. I decreased the amount of chocolate for cost and added vanilla because (chocolate and vanilla make the ultimate pair). If you have never frosted a cake with a ganache... its time. It is lovely to spread - it goes on like silk. This recipe makes just enough for a 9 in double layer cake. I hope you enjoy!


17 comments:

frenchie said...

i hope you keep a copy of that for her to read in 10 or 20 years.
it's funny how i never thought of the way my mom was perceiving me as a person. i love what you say about your daughter. happy birthday to her.
xxx

Line said...

yummy, 13 birthday is a big moment they grow so fast, there not children anymore!!Teens!!

Anonymous said...

there is a whole lot of love going into that cake! serious. yum too!!

Shari Lidji said...

It's beautiful Ann. Happy birthday wishes to Claire. She's a super girl!!!

Courtney at SL's No Ennui said...

It's BEAUTIFULLY contrived!

Purple Flowers said...

The cake looks divine, however, what is even more special is the wonderful and loving relationship you and your daughter share.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to your young lady.. Isnt it funny.. that I now can relate to you.. since I have a seven year old. But never thought about it when I was 13.. Wonder what my mom had to go thru... Time to say Thank You!!

paula said...

this looks delicious! Happy birthday to your young lady.

Char said...

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm cake

hope she has a beautiful birthday

Camilla said...

Happy birthday to your teenager :) My little guy is still small (allthough growing too fast, I think), but my dear niece turned 13 this summer, and it's like she grew over night. It's both wonderful and a bit sad.
Looks like an amazing cake! YUM!

christina said...

I really like the pretty sprinkles on the cake. Grown up and girly at the same time. So pretty!

christina said...

oh 13, my daughter turned 13, this past summer. : )
i know, i know, the emotions are up and down~ i mean my emotions. lol
hoping your daughter has the sweetest 13th year. and that cake- it's just brilliant. yummy.

We Blog Artists said...

Happy Birthday Sweet 13!
I question too whether or not our daughters actually realize HOW much I love them...but Ann, I'm sure she knows and you exude LOVE in your pictures and posts...so enjoy her Teenage years...U have a little while to go before ours are teenages...I remember my teenage years very well and am a little fearful of the *Payback* I may be receiving with our daughters.
Have a lovely day with her.
Char.

amy and ann said...

Oh sweet C. Huge hugs from Maryland. B gives big hugs. Big hugs!!! Happy day to her. I know you are making it soooo special. You are such a great mom! She's a lucky little lady. XO
Amy

by the way! I've made a speedy recovery. I'm fine. Thank god.

sue whiteside said...

Happy Birthday Claire! We love you so much, and wish you the Happiest Birthday. Enjoy your yummy yellow cake! xxoo, The Whitesides

Blake Nelson said...

ok I am crying. Lots of love to her and you. You are right she is awesome and before you know it she will be sharing this wonderful cake with her college friends. Happy Birthday special girl . Kerri

Rachel Follett said...

Yum Yum Yum! Beautiful photo! WOW!