Walnut Room this way

Walnut Room this way
Rio.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Celebrating number 89

 Dad was 89 today.  It was a good day.  Dad was awake most of the day, had a pretty good check-up at the doctor (I mean, really, who has to go to the doctor on his birthday?), and we had a wonderful evening.  Our friend Boogie grilled steaks and asparagus for us, and we had ice cream and cake with Dad's granddaughter who lives here in town.  We laughed...and laughed...and laughed...at everything and anything.
 Boogie fired up the grill, with real mesquite wood.  It was hot, of course, letting the fire burn down, but the smell reminded me of my childhood and how Dad always cooked on mesquite coals.  We did not know there was any other way to do it!
 Mom used to make a fudge cake that we all loved, and Daddy would sometimes say "I am getting ready for a Betty fudge cake" so I decided I would make one for his birthday.  Here's the deal on the plan, though:

  • couldn't find mom's cake pans, so used two bundt pans--tip for ya'll: don't do it
  • out of chocolate, so used cocoa--tip for ya'll: don't do it
  • no shortening, so used butter--tip for ya'll: don't do it
  • recipe calls for baking powder and baking soda; no baking soda so added a smidgeon more baking powder--tip for ya'll: don't do it
Sis took it out of the oven for me while I went to the store to get the steaks.  I said it was pretty squatty looking.  She said it tasted fine.

I think we know that was not the case.  Good thing she had bought a cake for back-up.  But, one more time today, we laughed and laughed.  It was a good day.  As dad said, "you just don't turn 89 very often."

6 comments:

Lana Pugh said...

Is that a "One Foot In The Fire Fudge Cake?" If so my best friend's mom made those growing up and they were divine! Though definitely a once a year treat. Happy Birthday to your Dad!

Gigi said...

Happy birthday to your dad! Had to laugh a little about the cake. I will take your advice if I ever bake again. :)

Beth said...

89! Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Suzassippi said...

Thanks everybody! It really was a good day.

Lana, mom started making that cake when she and dad married in 1947, so it is probably not the same one. It was called Mallo-Nut Fudge Cake and was our birthday cake almost every year. I have been reminded to check the recipe ingredients in the future before beginning the cake. :)

LindaRe said...

Happy belated birthday to your dad. Some days don't go according to plan but still turn out to be a good day.

Suzassippi said...

Thank you, LindaRe! Dad did enjoy his day very much, and knowing that brought my sis and me a lot of pleasure. As you know, it is often the little things right now.