Birthdays and Cakes

-evidently i was very ready for that raggedy ann and andy cake, or a balloon-

1st birthdays are awesome. i can't say i remember mine, but i am sure that it was rockin' because well, my parents rock - thusly i rock - right? hmm. anyways mostly what i can remember are birthday parties held in my garage. yes i said garage, don't knock it until you've tried it. basically you get a bit of an indie-rocker feel to your party.

well anyways i love my birthday - so much so i made my mom give it to me a month early. i love my birthday not so much for the presents and attention - i don't really take either of those very well. i love my birthday because its always at the time of year when the weather finally gives in and gives us a break with some sun and warmth - maybe even a few flowers and some grass. life just seems better, or at least that its working towards that.

it seems that another little lady shares my birthday zone. Meet Harper Willow, April 1st 2009 only 26 years 362 days younger than me.

- miss Willow munching down on cake, a little more chill than me -

close enough. evidently she really like bananas and although they may not be my fruit of choice i am more than happy to comply with this fellow spring chick's wishes and provide one serious 1st birthday cake. there are 8 full bananas, roasted to perfection to really bring the fruits flavor to in your face status. the honey and cinnamon in the frosting is just enough to make you say m

mmm - warmth!

BANANA CAKE w/ HONEY CINNAMON FROSTING

8 ripe bananas, skin on

3c cake flour

1 1/2c sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

8oz butter, melted

4 eggs, slightly beaten

2 tsp vanilla

1c finely chopped pecans (for the sides of cake - optional, but pretty)

*preheat oven to 325F, lay bananas in a single layer on baking sheet. roast 15 minutes turning once until the skins are black.

*let the bananas cool then remove from skins and mash.

*turn oven to 350F, lightly grease (3) 9" cake pans

*sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg

*beat together the butter, eggs, vanilla and mashed bananas to an even consistency

*quickly combine the wet ingredients with the dry

*pour into prepared pans and cook for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean

*let cool completely before icing

HONEY CINNAMON FROSTING

8oz butter, room temp

1tbs milk / water

2 1/2c powdered sugar

2tbs honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon

*beat the butter to light and fluffy

*beat in milk for a about 3 minutes

*add in cinnamon and honey, beat well to combine

*gradually add in the powdered sugar until you get the consistency you want