Birthday Dinner for Friends

During my catering days, I had the blessing of rarely having to make desserts, especially birthday cakes or wedding cakes. It's something that I have always conveniently avoided by having my partner or other bakers to do it.

Growing up in Korea, I never saw my mother bake a cake; we did not have an oven in our kitchen. So when my friend asked me, "Oh, could you do a cake?", the word "yes" just rolled out of my mouth before I could think how stressful it would be for me to make one. Was I in a trance? My "yes" personality is still very alive even after forty-something age.





I wrestled with the cake and spent more time than the entire meal. And after completing the cake, I was completely exhausted. Baking is so hard for me.....I wish I liked baking.


With the left over batter and icing, I made some cupcakes for my four children. They were so happy to get such special treats. Glad that they enjoyed them because it will be a long~ time before they get something like these again!

But for the rest of the meal, I was HAPPY to put together a nice summer menu for my friend and her family:

Appetizers:
Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip with Crackers
Tomato and Cucumber Sandwiches

For Entree:
Kabobs of Beef Tenderloin, Pesto Chicken, Shrimp, and Vegetables
Orzo Pasta Salad
Blanched Asparagus with Basil Cream Dressing
Fruit Platter
Assorted Bread with Boursin Cheese

Dessert:
Chocolate-Raspberry Ganache Cake with Chocolate Butter Cream
(aka: Why-Did-I-Say-Yes Cake)


Cucumber and Tomato Sandwiches


Beef Tenderloin, Veggies, Shrimp, and Chicken Kabobs


Cool, refreshing Orzo Salad with Lemon-Mustard Dressing (for recipe, click here)


Fresh Fruit Platter


Blanched Asparagus

Assorted Bread with Boursin Cheese