Thursday was my birthday and I now 38 years old.  Getting up there, aren’t I?  😉

img_1117

I had a relaxing mid-week celebration.  Ben worked from home so I could have “time off work.”  He made the kids their meals and took them to school and parent-teacher conferences.   First we opened presents; I got many thoughtful things.  Ben got me this tortilla blanket that has become a family favorite.  (And a Le Creuset pot and Kate Spade earrings, and many other lovely things.)

img_1122

I had a massage at a nearby spa, followed by a lunch date with Ben at Hops and Pie.  Love that place.  Every meal I’ve had there is delicious.

Mom and Dad were planning to come up this weekend, but alas, another snowstorm has blown through.  They made the safe and reasonable choice to stay home.

My penpal Steffi also had her birthday this month.  I asked her what sort of cake she had, and she said she made a “Donauwelle” cake.  Despite my years watching Food Network and GBBO and collecting cookbooks, I have never heard of this cake that she claims is very popular in her country.  Intrigued, she linked me a recipe and I made my own!

Delicious!  I found “Morello cherries” imported from Germany at Trader Joe’s (Thanks, Amanda!) that looked like the ones I saw used by German youtubers making the cake.  My chocolate layer is not very dark, and the sponge was a bit dry.  Maybe I overbaked it or added too much flour (for high altitude).  But Ben and my friends, who came to share, all loved it.  Unlike American cakes, it was only mildly sweet.  I loved the pudding buttercream layer.  I’ll have to try this one again someday.  I sent a picture to Steffi to see if she approves 🙂