On Saturday, I visited with the Larsens to celebrate Clara's seventh birthday (it wasn't her actual birthday, but it was when we could all get together). Last year, my birthday present to Clara (and later, Henry) was to make her whatever birthday cake she wanted -- which was chocolate with mint frosting last year. This year, I was ready to offer the same gift, but Clara requested one before I could ask. I was touched: apparently she now associates custom baked goods with her Uncle Jordan.
Clara asked for a strawberry shortcake, but I suggested something that I thought would be a fun twist on that idea: a trifle. As soon as she saw a picture of one she quickly agreed to the change. I made the pound cake and custard the night before so that I would only need to assemble everything the day of. After buying fresh bananas, strawberries, and blue berries, I washed the berries, hulled and sliced the strawberries, cubed the cake and layered everything in a trifle bowl (cake, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, custard, repeat).
When I arrived, everyone said how yummy the dessert looked.
(Ian and I shared this exchange:
Ian: Wow, that's impressive.
Me: 'Tis but a trifle.)
We did a few activities before digging in, though I added fresh whipped cream to the top of each serving. I don't think it's unreasonable to estimate that if you were to buy a similar dish from a bakery, with everything made from scratch and the out-of-season fruit included, it would cost about 60-70 dollars. Everyone agreed that it was lovely birthday treat.
I'm happy to be able to provide a gourmet dessert experience to my family and I'm glad that Clara wanted me to be a part of her birthday celebration.
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