The cake of destiny

This has been the year of the chocolate cake for us and I don't think we have been singing a one-note tune. We have explored many different aspects of the fundamentals with regard to chocolate cake.

We were tempted to go with yellow cake and chocolate frosting for Cole's birthday, but we stuck to our guns and persevered on. The final tile in the mosaic fell into place on Tuesday night for Mary's birthday. I baked a cake so dark and rich we had to refrigerate it so that the full measure of its chocolate creaminess wouldn't hit us square in the face. I don't think it is within the reach of human emotion to experience this cake still warm from the oven.

The bad lighting in our kitchen doesn't do this cake justice.

I must confess that this may have been the first piece of birthday cake that I was not able to finish. I looked down on my plate at the half eaten piece as a broken man not able to endure any more fantastic-ness. Maybe it was the three fajitas I ate during dinner that filled me up, but I like to think this cake has the power to satisfy the seemingly unquenchable craving for chocolate.

Oh, I know I tend to exaggerate, but this is the real deal. We were even afraid to give it to the kids. As Cole lay down to bed that night he asked Mary "why wouldn't you and daddy let me finish my cake?". Well Cole, we didn't want to ruin every cake experience you have for the rest of your life. We want you to enjoy a life of color; of shade and shadow, not to be eclipsed by this one recipe.

Where was Cora during all of this? Asleep in her bed. She has been skipping her nap lately and Mary wisely put her down to bed early. The thing we needed less than an emotional two-year-old close to bed time, was an emotional two-year-old who was hopped up on chocolate cake.

And before you ask, the answer is "no." The only way you will pry this recipe from me is if you actually hop on a plane and experience it for yourself. I know this puts the folks on the other side of the puddle at a disadvantage, but think of it as an investment in your chocolate salvation. Mad props go out to my friend Katrina for sending the recipe my way.

my lovely wife

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Cole was also in the mood to shoot some photos Tuesday night with mixed results. These are my two favorite. A keen eye will note that he likes the same particular angle for both shots.

mini-wolverines

Cole wanted me to build him some claws. I have no idea where he comes up with some of his requests of me. I think this one was after watching the "Brother Bear" movie and he wanted to be able to climb walls and trees with his claws.

My mind started turning and I was envisioning how I could modify some of his gloves with wire. Then I realized I should use something that will bend when he inevitably takes a swipe at his sister.

I am learning too. I made a pair for Cora as well and she was standing there vigilantly to ensure that her claws were just as savage as Cole's.

Rawr.

Whaaaaaaa!

I wonder what the neighbors think seeing our children chase each other around the back yard with cardboard hands. But then, they are our neighbors and have seen us do far stranger things, this is just in keeping with our regular routine.