Birthday Cake

Earlier this week we celebrated my husband’s birthday. I’m making it a tradition of baking his birthday cake myself. Last year I made him Black Forest cake, and this year he asked for a chocolate one.

I used the recipe called ExtremeChocolate Cake that I found on All Recipes website.

The cake turned out pretty well and I’m definitely saving the recipe for future use, but there are a couple of things that can be improved.

First, I need to learn better ways to decorate it. In the recipe instructions the cake was simply frosted on the top and sides. But since my cake was for a special occasion, I wanted it to look fancier.

Well, it didn’t work out that way. I couldn’t come up with any decorating ideas other than putting some chocolate dipped strawberries on the top. Even though they were a delicious addition to the cake, they didn’t look right there.

Some time ago I pinned an image of a cake that was decorated with swirl roses using a piping bag (you can see it here). I think that could’ve worked on my cake, but unfortunately I didn’t remember about it at the time. The good thing there is always a next time!

Despite the less than perfect appearance, the cake was very delicious. It reminded me the cake my aunt once made back in Ukraine many years ago. The only difference was she used some kind of sweet liquor to soak the layers a bit.

I would like to try that next time too, but I have no idea what to use. Could anyone suggest what kind of spirits can be used for soaking cakes?

In addition to the cake, I made Linzer Torte Cookies for my husband to take to work for his co-workers. I had used the recipe a few times before, so I didn’t have any trouble. These cookies look very pretty, so they are perfect for special occasions.