Sunday, March 1, 2009

Celebrating Pinch's First Birthday with a Cakewalk

1. Chocolate Layer Birthday Cake

Before Pinch made its debut one year ago today I was in a funky place with my cooking skills. I wasn't using them in a manner that was satisfying. Since my training was almost exclusively in the pastry kitchen I found myself spreading a lot of sugar, butter and white flour love (death?) and not nearly enough about the healthier foods I served at home. It wasn’t a dramatic Lady Macbeth moment with me racked with guilt over the butter on my hands, but it was close. “What, will these hands ne'er be clean?”


2. Classic Yellow Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Coconut

3. Chocolate Layer Cake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream

A year has passed and the exercise of blogging about the foods I love and writing recipes for the meals I serve has rekindled my appreciation for the skills I amassed in the sweet kitchen. In celebration of Pinch’s first birthday, twelve birthday/celebration cakes are pictured. Since knowledge and cake are meant to be shared, the first commenter to correctly guess the oldest cake wins a chocolate torte from the Pinch kitchen. And yes, I will ship outside of Chicago. :)

4. Chocolate Layer Cake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream and Chocolate Frosting

5. Banana Cake with Whipped Cream

Getting to write and think about the things in our kitchens and markets that make life simpler and more healthy has been its own reward. It pleases me to no end to be a resource for healthy, family friendly meals and the occasional celebration cake. Thanks so much for reading this past year.

6. Mocha Layer Cake

7. Almond Amarena Cake with Mascarpone Mousse

8. Classic Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

9. Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

10. Chocolate Cake with Blackberries and Cream

11. Baby Shower Cake: Sponge Cake layered with Mascarpone Mousse and Amarena Cherries

12. Flourless Chocolate Torte -- Could be yours!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mom, i think its #12 because the rest of them are so fancy and when people start their cakes arent so fancy. Love, Caroline

Anonymous said...

it is number 1

Andy Behrens said...

Number 6!

Unknown said...

# 7 !

love, Cathy

Anonymous said...

#2? Happy Birthday Pinch, I cannot believe it has been a year. All of the cakes look delicious! We are supposed to get a big snow storm tomorrow, maybe I will bake with my girls- your cakes have inspired me. I made your spaghetti and meatballs, my 2 year old Claire loved them, I am going to make another batch tomorrow. I hope you are doing well and surviving the winter in Chicago! Noreen

Tara Burns said...

Katie,

First, Congratulations on a full year of sharing your wit, wisdom, and culinary expertise with all of us! It has been a real treat for many! Now, after much analysis (read John really wants to win the cake, as he and I are both big fans of your cakes!) we are voting for #9! Best wishes for much continued success with fabulous blog!

Tara

Anonymous said...

#11?
I love the blog and congrats for a year of wonderful blogging. You really are good at what you do!! xo - amy g.

Unknown said...

I would say 9, but someone already chose that...since I remember eating #5 I will venture to guess that....it was delicious as I remember...a VERY long time ago!! We miss the Fairbanks!!!! Didi

Anonymous said...

I am going with #10. They are all gorgeous! -Kristin

Anonymous said...

I see I appear as "anonymous". That would be Kristin and Aven, casting our vote from Telluride.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Katie and Happy Birthday Pinch! I had no idea - my how time flies! So if I had been up to date on your column, I would have guessed the banana cake with whipped cream frosting. I fondly remember it from Montessori school graduation. Is there a runner up? A second place cupcake or something??? XO, Kristine

Suryakrish said...

Wow, this blog post brings back memories! I love how Katie shared her blogging journey and celebrated with a cakewalk. By the way, have you checked out Baking Classes In Velachery? They sound amazing!