Today (or at least the day I write it, the 24th of November) is the birthday of a special friend. He’s the husband of a friend and the father of two girls who are well represented in my sometime-series “In the kitchen with juliyya.” I’ve made birthday cakes for him and his family since they … More Surprise Birthday Cake, meaning full of surprises
Saturday was the birthday of the man who gave me his previous Yamaha electric keyboard piano when he got a new, updated model with gazillions of bells and whistles. We were introduced during the heat wave this summer in the only air-conditioned room here. It wasn’t long afterwards when he walked into it again one … More Happy Birthday to Jazz Pianist
To my friends and those celebrating Eid Al-Fitr as Ramadan 2021 ends beginning at sunset tonight in Seattle, May 12th, I wish you all a Blessed Eid. Today I made this Crazy Cake with Penuche frosting, a sprinkle of Sprouts’ Chocolate Gems and used my Arabic writing skills for the wish: Eid Mubarak. The cake … More Eid Mubarak
I’ve made the acquaintance of a couple new children (and their parents) in the neighborhood who’ve just returned from a fantastic sailing adventure. One of them turns five years old on Valentine’s Day and I offered to make his birthday cake because he drew a picture for me which was inspirational. Once an interest was … More Ninja Birthday on Valentine’s Day
Tuesday the 26th of November is National Cake Day. When I saw it trending on Twitter, it reminded me that I hadn’t yet posted about the cakes actually made and decorated for the space-themed birthday for which practice* was had. Have a look at results: Pictured are: an eggless chocolate Crazy Cake** with cream cheese … More In the kitchen with juliyya: Space Birthday Cakes & Crispy Rice Planets
I’ve been a busy baker over the past few days and am behind in blog posts, so they will be in reverse order, like tweets on Twitter. The 23rd was the 87th birthday of a friend whom I invited to choose the flavors of his birthday cake and frosting. He chose caramel frosting on a … More Chocolate Cake with Caramel Fudge Frosting for A Birthday
There’s a birthday party next month for one of my favorite children and collaborator on cake. She will be nine (9!) and we’re doing some things the same way and some things in a different way. Her sister’s recent birthday* taught us a bit about cake architecture and this cake will teach a bit about … More In the kitchen with juliyya: (Rocket) practice makes perfect.
I had a day of activities with two of my favorite children last Saturday and I took the opportunity to teach them how to make peanut butter frosting and then use it in two ways instead of one. I’d made a batch of Crazy Cake cupcakes, both regular-sized and minis, and asked the girls’ mother … More In the kitchen with juliyya: Peanut Butter Frosting for Graham Cracker Sandwiches and Cupcakes
Pot lucks because that’s how the family does gatherings for every occasion. Everybody brings something, usually made by hand. Lots of salads and barbecue and desserts. My mother’s birthday in on July 6th, a Saturday this year and also on a day which is part of a lengthy holiday weekend so some folks may miss … More Mother’s 90th Birthday Party Potluck
Perhaps we let the photos show how a few layers of chocolate cake and a dozen mini-cupcakes with peppermint frosting became the birthday cake for a sleepover party with 12 girls, all around the age of 11 years. I did the baking and shaping, frosted between the layers and applied a bit of crumb coat … More In the kitchen with juliyya: Octopus Birthday Cake
Ms Chef in Seattle 