Everyone's wondering what all the surprise and something sweet is...hehehe... :o) Well, I must ask you to wait an extra day on the something fun that's brewing...I need to take a photo in relation to it, so I hope to share more about this tomorrow.
But for now I can show you the tease of something sweet, which is Dear Husband's birthday cake. He thanks you all for the birthday wishes--he was very flattered by that! His birthday is actually today, we just decided to make a fuss over the weekend, when we had more time to indulge a bit, since today is back-to-the-usual-Monday. We made a great dinner, which I plan to post more about later. But the big indulgence was this cake, a Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. This was the first birthday cake I made for Dear Husband, after we got married, and it's become a favorite since. He often asks for this one come his birthday. It has an almost cheesecake-like center. And it is a great way to use up some less than spectacular strawberry jam. This is what happened to me, the jam looked super in the jar at the store, but was more sugary taste and jelly like texture with but a few berries--very disappointing. But it gave this cake a fruity delight. It looks a bit too much brown in the photo, and then all those toasted almonds...But try surprising your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, family, guests--anyone!--with this cake...and watch it disappear!
Wishing you all a happy week! :o)
Hey Tracy! I'm back!! Could not do much without my computer the past couple of weeks so I'm REALLY glad to be back. I thought I could use Pei's Mac laptop while we were in Singapore but I just couldn't get use to the keys on that Mac and it almost drove me nuts. Anyway I had a super time in Singapore. Do check out my blog and read about Krystal & Alec. I really do need your help and support on this one.
Posted by: Evelyn Lum | July 16, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Hi Tracy...
Strawberry cream cheese coffee cake! Sounds delicious and your husband is in for a real treat! Enjoy your day, and again Happy Birthday to your Husband...
Hugs..
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | July 16, 2007 at 08:49 PM
Happiest of Birthdays to him! Enjoy the cake :)
Posted by: Felicia | July 16, 2007 at 09:28 PM
A belated Happy Birthday - I hope you both had a great celebration and I'm sure you must have done with that special cake.
Just noticed your post about England too Tracy. I've put it down mentally in my mind as you just have to come and visit and see the Cotswolds too.
Posted by: Simmy | July 16, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Happy Birthday TJ... great talking to you online today Tracy! Your cake looks delicious.
Marie x
Posted by: marie | July 16, 2007 at 11:49 PM
Happy Birthday to your husband!
Posted by: erin | July 16, 2007 at 11:51 PM
That cake sounds great - happy birthday TJ! Hope it was a good one ...
Posted by: dottycookie | July 17, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Yum! I have most of all the ingredients..Bluberry jam in the fridge...must go make this cake!!! Or the blueberry version...mouth watering...need a napkin.....
Posted by: Laney | July 17, 2007 at 01:02 AM
Ohh, sounds like T got thoroughly spoiled on his birthday! And why not!!! I have made this cake often and used raspberry jam, which is very nice and blueberry works well also! I bet cherry would also be very good. Actually I can't think of a jam that wouldn't be delicious in this!!! Oh drat it!!! I am hungry now ... and it's so early in the morning too! You are such a tease making us wait for the surprise! I can only surmise that it will only be all the sweeter for having had to wait!
Posted by: Marie | July 17, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Happy birthday to your dear husband. Thanks for stopping by our new blog, we've left a little thankyou over there for you.
Posted by: cd&m | July 17, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Happy Birthday to the Mister and I like your recipe album! I might have to try the lemon cheesecake when I get off this diet! Have a great day! Kim
Posted by: Kim Sherrod | July 17, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Happy Birthday to your husband!!!
Lovely looking cake!
Have a restful week. HUGS!
Posted by: Tiffany | July 17, 2007 at 02:21 PM
Happy Birthday to Tracy's Dear Husband. Do you know what the best gift of all is?? Why it's having precious Tracy as your wife of course!
Cheers!
Posted by: Lisa | July 18, 2007 at 05:09 AM
That cake looks lovely! But I'd have to buy strawberry jam to make it because I refuse to eat anything except homemade! Yup, only homemade strawberry jam for me! Talk about particular! LOL!
Happy belated birthday to your dh!
Posted by: Maureen | July 19, 2007 at 03:19 AM