I have, very inexcusably, not updated in a while.  Honestly, my day job has been just kicking my butt over the past several weeks.  I wanted to cook Easter dinner so badly yesterday, but my mother-in-law insisted on cooking.  I was really, really worried about the outcome of that meal, so I weasled my way into her kitchen and played uninvited sous chef anyway.  Not in a mean, belligerent way…but when she asked I was willing to give guidance.  I also insisted on bringing dessert since I couldn’t wrestle the whole meal from her.  I made a Strawberry Cream Cake recipe that I found on Cook’s Illustrated.  I’m sure I’ve said this before – desserts are my downfall in the kitchen if there’s baking involved.  But this turned out seriously divine.  We are still finishing it off today.

So, Saturday is my birthday and I’ve decided to have a party at my house.  I never get to spend my birthday with my friends – booooo – but this year I get to do that AND cook for them – yeah!!  Still not sure what I’m making for dinner, but I definitely want caipirinhas to drink and my Grandma’s red velvet cake for dessert.  She used to make them for me, but we don’t live in Ohio anymore, and she’s not doing so well these days.  Mom emailed the recipe to me – cant’ wait to make it!  I need to remember to tell SQ he’s only allowed to play music I like….  Well, I can’t give away my grandma’s recipe just yet.  I need to try it out to make sure it’s just as wonderful as my memories think it is.  You know how those things can go.  I’d like to cook something French(ish) for dinner on Saturday, but I fear none of the kids will eat it.  Well, except mine…but, anyway, I guess that would be selfish.  I’ll have to plan something like that for another night as I am celebrating birthday MONTH this year.  It’s the last year of my 30′s, so I need to go kind of big.