2 cakes and a pie, oh my!

I have been on a bit of a baking spree of late, and of course, my paper work has fallen waaaay behind!  But, I am having fun!  I know that we are just beginning March Madness, the big NCAA basketball tournament, for those of you who may not be aware.  So, all the leagues are now finished with their seasons.  As you know, we are University of Michigan fans, and it was a very tight race at the end of the season with Michigan in a three way tie for first place. Whew!  So, to celebrate, I made a U of  M cake for my "boys."  It was a lemon cake with lemon curd between the layers, yum!  I got the idea for this unique decorating technique from GloriousTreats.blogspot.com.  I think it turned out pretty well, and it was tasty, too.  The "boys" loved it.

LET'S

GO

BLUE!

It was my nephew's birthday last week and he is a big fan of Michigan State University.  His dog is even named "Sparty."  Yes, our family has a divided allegiance.  I was going to make him a "shark" cake, but decided that since MSU was in the three way tie with U of M and OSU, I would make him an MSU cake.  

It worked out well because MSU ended up wining the Big Ten Tournament. Now we begin crazy March...does everyone have their brackets ready?

This cake was a white cake with almond flavoring and the filling was our homemade strawberry jam.

GO GREEN!  GO WHITE!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

My husband's birthday was at the end of February and although he loves all desserts, he usually wants a cherry pie for his birthday.  And, of course, he loves his cherry pies to have a touch of almond flavoring.  I have made lots of cherry pies since we were married and they have not always been successful, mainly because cherries are very juicy.  I think I have finally come up with a recipe that I  like and he loves, which has been very consistent and  yummy..yea!

Yea, it was gone a long time ago.  I have fun with this pie, because I use my cookie cutters to cut the pastry for the top design. Lots of choices!   He was very pleased....Happy Birthday Brad!

I hope you're having a nice prelude to spring.  It has been very warm around here, which never seems to happen in March.  I keep waiting for another snowfall.  But, it looks like tornado season is upon us.  We spent one evening in the basement this week.  Stay safe...enjoy March Madness 2012!