A few years ago I decided to bake a cake for each of my friends’ and family’s birthdays. I made everything from the basic white cake to red velvet to strawberry shortcake. For those who lived outside of New York, I mailed tins filled with brownies, snickerdoodles, and linzer cookies. I like giving baked goods as presents because it’s personal and different from a store bought gift. I have always greatly appreciated receiving homemade gifts because of the extra effort and thought that goes into it. It also showcases each person’s talent and unique relationship with you that makes it even more special and meaningful.
I used to think that it was cheap to bring cake as a present, but now I totally disagree! I think it’s such a sweet (no pun intended) gift, and one that can be enjoyed with so many other people too. Some of my most memorable birthdays came with homemade cakes. For my 7th birthday, my mom and my sister cut a yellow sheet cake in the silhouette of a little girl in a dress. They used candy to make a face and create the dress. My friends and I got to choose pieces with our favorite type of candy on it. On my 16th birthday a friend baked a rainbow cake for me which was so striking and festive. It was so reflective of that time and stage in my life. But don’t be intimidated! Not all birthday cakes have to be spectacular or memorable. Even though I’ve had a lot of mediocre slices of frosting slathered cardboard, I still only ask for cake on my birthday.
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