Buon Natale... Merry Christmas...

Another year as past... wonder where it went.  Time does seem to fly.  Traditions come to mind this time of year.  It can be a bit melancholy.  Memories of past Christmases,  and new ones in the making Keeping traditions alive for future generations... some will be kept,  others may evolve into new ones. Health and family are the hope for the future.  Making Merry for sharing and spending time with loved ones... That's what it's all about...Buon Natale a tutti... Merry Christmas to all...

Buon Natale... Merry Christmas...

A birthday cake is always on the Christmas List of desserts ... Happy Birthday Jim...

Una Torta Per Una Cara Cugina…A Cake For A Dear Cousin…

We went to Mary and Roberts for dinner the other night,  and since it was just a few days after Mary's Birthday,  I thought that I would take a Cake to wish her a Happy Birthday.  With so much going on lately,  I  was short on inspiration,  and time,  and had no idea how I wanted to decorate the cake… I ended up making a Cannoli Cake.  Four layers, filled with a classic Cannoli filling of Fresh Ricotta, with whipped cream,  chocolate chips,  rum and cinnamon, and some candied almonds for texture with a rum based cake,  decorated simply and sweetly.

Una Torta Per Giu Giu… A Cake For Giu Giu…

A sweet little treat,   for a very sweet little girl… can't believe that Giu Giu is 6…

Una Torta Per Edy… A Cake for Edy…

Somehow,  Edy's Birthday seems to go by without being celebrated the way  that it should be…being that it happens during a very busy time at the restaurant.  So…  better late than never…I decided to make the Birthday Cake that she didn't get on her special day, and surprised her with it when we went up to the restaurant .  A simple,   feminine cake seemed right for being so close to Valentine's Day.  Red Velvet,  Creamy White Frosting , and Delicate Dried Roses which had been hanging in my kitchen…Shades of Pale Pinks,  and Creamy Whites gave the cake a Vintage Look , which Edy loves…

Piaceri Autunnali…Autumn Pleasures…

Enjoying Autumn colors…   it's been so warm,  but,  finally, it seems to be cooling off and the Liquidambar Tree is showing signs of Fall… still mostly green ,  but also with some scarlet, gold, and orange.

Carrying the Fall colors into a table setting for a birthday lunch  for a good friend, along with a pretty, Pumpkin Spice Cake.

This season is passing quickly, and soon the colors of choice will be red and green,  but for me,   not until Thanksgiving passes…

Una Torta Per Una Cara Amica... A Cake For A Dear Friend...

 The party for Jody was at Linda's house... The theme was appropriate for an avid gardener like Jody.  A woodland theme,  and a cake to match.  I made a "Tree Stump"  shape and decorated it with Wafer Paper Butterflies and Meringue Mushrooms.  It was a Dark Chocolate Nutella cake... Everyone loved the way it looked,  and... the way it tasted... The party was so fun... Linda outdid herself...

Torta Con Bottoni Per Una Amica... Button Cake For A Friend...

 Another Birthday Cake for a good friend... This one is cute as a button. Sweet, and pretty too.  Palest pinks and cream... very feminine. Triple Layer  Coconut Cake with a Coconut Cream Filling,   perfect for a Tea Party...