Kevin Lee Jacobs

Gardening, Recipes & Home Décor Tips

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Gardening
    • Annuals
    • Bulbs
    • Forcing
    • Groundcovers
    • Herbs
    • Houseplants
    • Pests
    • Perennials
    • Vegetables
      • Tomatoes
    • Preserving the Harvest
      • Soil
    • Winter-Sowing
    • What To Do When
  • Household
    • Decorating
    • Flower Arranging
    • Good Ideas
    • Etc.
    • House Tour
    • Christmas
  • Shop
  • Ask Kevin
    • Ask Kevin Forum
    • Tips
    • Email Kevin
    • facebook
    • twitter
    • Pinterest

A Birthday and a Cake

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | December 9, 2018 50 Comments

I had a fun birthday weekend! On Friday, Mr. Fox and I dined at Cafe La Perche in Hudson, NY. And last night, he threw a big party in my honor! Thirty-five friends arrived at the house for cocktails, appetizers, and a lavish dinner buffet prepared by Chef Danyal of Georgia Ray catering. Since I forgot to take pictures of the dinner fare, let me tell you about the cake!

The cake was made by Debbie Allen — a professional baker we met through our mutual association with the Kinderhook Dog Park. Debbie’s pooch Bella plays with our pooch Avery.  Mr. Fox arranged for Debbie to make a cake for my birthday, and to give the cake a culinary theme.

And what could be more culinary-themed than a stove-shaped, four-layer red velvet cake, thickly coated in blue fondant?

Debbie’s arrangement included a fondant rug in front of the stove, plus a fondant dog dish filled with fondant kibbles.

After dinner, I carved the cake according to such requests as “Can I have a burner?” and “I want the kitchen towel!”

On a side note, a few days before the party, I told Mr. Fox how sorry I was that our friend Sue Chiafullo wouldn’t be able to attend. Sue moved to Charleston, SC a couple of years ago, and we (and our whole community, too) miss her daily.

Some time before dinner, Mr. Fox asked me to sit in a chair in the parlor. “Close your eyes,” he said.  “I have a special birthday present for you.”

I opened my eyes, and there (okay, I’ve already spoiled the surprise for you), stood Sue Chiafullo.  “How could I miss your XXth birthday?” she asked.

Well. I was touched.

Are you a December baby, too? If so, happy birthday to you!

xKevin

You may also like:


  • Panna Cotta

  • How I Dry-Brine a Turkey

  • Decorating the Mantel

  • Christmas Glögg!

  • Edible Image Christmas Cookies
Easy Homemade Crumpets
Gift Ideas for Gardeners

Comments

  1. 1

    Cecile says

    December 9, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    Great to read you had a nice birthday with nice surprises.
    I am a decembre-baby too, it cannot be helped.
    Wishing you happy holidays 🙂

  2. 2

    Julie says

    December 9, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    Mine’s the same! My cake was not so delightful, I may try for a garden themed one for next year. Happy days!

  3. 3

    Jan Carter says

    December 9, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    Sweet! Happy birthday, dear friend…you do seem like a dear friend to me!

  4. 4

    Renee Coursey says

    December 9, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    What a lovely and fun cake especially for you! You have some wonderful friends.

  5. 5

    Trish says

    December 9, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Happy Birthday, Kevin. Your celebration sounds wonderful. I love your cake. My birthday is Feb. 12. When I was growing up my mother always made me a red velvet cake in the shape of 2 diagonally joined hearts.

  6. 6

    Ana says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Happy Birthday!
    You will always remember this special birthday! I love that cake.

  7. 7

    Gina says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    Happy 39th birthday Kevin! sending Birthday hugs from Nebraska!!

    We are the same age…….39 and holding

  8. 8

    Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    Masterful Cake !!

  9. 9

    Lorraine Simoneau says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    Congrats on your birthday Kevin and many happy returns. You cake looks so cool. Makes my mouth water.

  10. 10

    Judy Hines says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    What a beautiful cake! I’m recuperating from serious spine surgery and thus hearing from you is a pick-me-up! Happy birthday, dear one….

  11. 11

    Debby S. says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Happy birthday, Kevin. My birthday is next weekend. I bounced off 39 and headed back in the other direction several years ago. With our current 16+ inches of snow, I may celebrate with snow cream.

  12. 12

    Mary V says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    That sounds like some wonderful Birthday Celebrations,Happy Birthday. What remarkable cake too.

  13. 13

    Sandra Payette says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:33 pm

    Happy Birthday, Kevin. What a great party and that cake oh là là. I bet everybody had a wonderful time including the pooch. Everything was done up so nicely. Enjoy the up and coming holidays too. I’m a December baby too. xo

  14. 14

    Kathy says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:33 pm

    Happy Birthday Kevin. What a darling cake. I especially love the dog bowl with the kibble in it.

    My birthday is tomorrow. I share my birthday with my daughter. She is definitely the best birthday gift ever.

  15. 15

    Addie Bambridge says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    Hi, Kevin – so pleased that you had such a wonderful birthday!
    I have two grandchildren who have birthdays in December, two weeks and two years apart. They live in CT and I’m in FL so I usually only get to see them about once a year. However, I send their mom a check every year, some of which she uses to have special cakes made for them. Your cake was especially wonderful, having been based on your incredible culinary talent. The rest of the check goes for stuff that they really want, so that makes me a really special Nana.

    Cheers,
    Addie in Florida (with the English husband)

  16. 16

    Nilli says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:54 pm

    May all your wishes come true, Kevin. What a whimsical sweet cake!

  17. 17

    BiGa says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:54 pm

    Happy Birthday! You are loved very much by your readers.
    I wish you a happy Birthday, good health, lots of happiness and love
    Cheers
    GaBi

  18. 18

    Meghan M Girroir says

    December 9, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    Happy Birthday, Kevin! I so appreciate your blog; please know how much that I look forward to your weekly youtube and blog posts. Hope that you have a wonderful holiday season. I loved Avery’s fondant bowl of kibbles.
    Best wishes to you and yours,
    Meg

  19. 19

    Margaret says

    December 9, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    Having a special person surprise you like that is the best birthday gift.
    My brother who lives in England did this for my 80th birthday in August.
    I thought I was having hallucinations!!!
    How my family kept the secret for 7 months still blows me away.

  20. 20

    Louise says

    December 9, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    Incredible cake! Creative and delicious. Happiest birthday with the wonderful surprise of a friend! Know that special cakes are a true joy to behold. You are lucky and happy so the best year yet is ahead of you! Keep enjoying.

  21. 21

    Janet Quinn says

    December 9, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    That cake is amazing!!! It looked like a toy stove that I had as a child!! So creative and Festive!!
    And, oh yes, A Very Happy Birthday!! those XXth birthdays don’t happen very often, and they are so special!

  22. 22

    MARY Jett says

    December 9, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Happy Birthday. My birthday was December 4th. I want to thank you for the recipe for the Keto Soul Bread. I am on my second loaf now. I love it. Found a recipe for an appetizer and will use this bread instead of chips.

  23. 23

    Lee says

    December 9, 2018 at 6:25 pm

    Happy birthday

    Love your posts ❤️❤️

  24. 24

    John says

    December 9, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    What a great birthday! The cake is too cool!

  25. 25

    Laura Rankin says

    December 9, 2018 at 7:01 pm

    You deserve a Happy Birthday. A JOYFUL birthday! Thank you for all your fabulous, funny, and delicious posts.

  26. 26

    Dianne Holzman says

    December 9, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Wishing you the very best of birthdays and a fabulous year ahead! Love the cake!

  27. 27

    Merrilee says

    December 9, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Happy Birthday and what an awesome cake!
    I have a December birthday, too.

  28. 28

    Joan S says

    December 9, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    Happy Birthday Kevin, wishing you health, happiness and success.

  29. 29

    patrice says

    December 9, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    Happy Birthday Kevin. I LOVE that cake.

  30. 30

    Penny says

    December 9, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Happy Birthday Kevin! Wishing you many more healthy and happy ones and many more fabulous cakes like this one!

  31. 31

    Janet says

    December 9, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    I know Sue and had seen photos that she was in New York City. How special that she was able to be your surprise. I have missed seeing her, too. Perfect icing to a wonderful birthday weekend.

  32. 32

    Samantha says

    December 9, 2018 at 9:46 pm

    Another trip around the sun! May your next cycle bring you health, happiness, adventure and all that makes your heart glow! Thanks for sharing such a special birthday and cake.

  33. 33

    Sandy Martinez says

    December 9, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    H Kevin,
    Happy birthday! I also have a December (29) birthday. My husband and friends and I will attend Mass then wine tasting at the New Clairvaux Winery in Vina, Ca.
    Cheers Dear Kevin! and God bless you!
    Love, Sandy

  34. 34

    Sandra says

    December 9, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    Me too! December 28th. Happy birthday.

  35. 35

    Dana says

    December 9, 2018 at 11:57 pm

    Sounds very lovely! Amazing cake…and Happy Birthday!

  36. 36

    Julie R says

    December 10, 2018 at 3:11 am

    Happy Birthday Kevin. It sounds like you had a perfect Birthday with wonderful friends. I love the cute Birthday cake along with the dog dish and little rug. I have a December Birthday too, on the 26th.

  37. 37

    Nicki says

    December 10, 2018 at 7:54 am

    Happy XXth Birthday!! I look forward to your e-mails every week and they sure give me a chuckle!

    Best of wishes to lots more!

  38. 38

    Molly says

    December 10, 2018 at 11:04 am

    What a lovely and delicious birthday!
    And a guest appearance by a dear friend!
    Fabulous cake for a fabulous guy!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

  39. 39

    Elaine Morin-Olly says

    December 10, 2018 at 11:12 am

    Happy Birthday Kevin ! Myself, my sister and grandmother all have April birthdays a few days apart. My Mom being a working mom made one special cake for all of us. It was called Miami Beach Birthday Cake, there were crushed graham crackers in the batter & chocolate chips & walnuts sprinkled on the top, with whipped cream between the layers instead of frosting.

  40. 40

    Debbie - MountainMama says

    December 10, 2018 at 11:55 am

    That cake is fantastic!!!! I’m going to email you privately regarding her contact info….and happy birthday!

  41. 41

    Joan says

    December 10, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    My birthday is the 24th! Happy Birthday to me and Jesus!

  42. 42

    Kristine Fox says

    December 10, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    My birthday is on the 8th. This year, it’s Hello Social Security!

  43. 43

    Pam says

    December 10, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    Hi, Kevin!

    Happy birthday! That is one of the cleverest cakes I’ve ever seen. And how nice that your out-of-town friend could make it.

    I was watching your wreath-making video (thanks) and – you know what? – one of the reasons that I like to watch your videos – out of many reasons – is that you have such a soothing voice. So pleasant.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

    Pam in Virginia

  44. 44

    Amy says

    December 10, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Happy birthday, Kevin! Adorable cake!

    My birthday is on December 27th and I apparently insisted as a child that my presents were NOT to be Christmas gifts pretending to be birthday gifts (I could TELL) and that said presents were NOT to be covered in red or green wrapping paper. My amused parents always gave me a pink cake with pink wrapping paper (indulged only child). My husband has duly followed suit (indulged only wife).

    You have to put your foot down early with a December birthday.

  45. 45

    Ardelle F Tuxen says

    December 10, 2018 at 10:47 pm

    Happy Birthday, Kevin!! Red Velvet cake – how awesome is that? Lovely stove to honor your passion – cooking! No, I don’t have a December Birthday – it’s worse than that. My birthday is January 2nd when the final parties were (possibly) overdone and recuperation is the name of the game. My birthday comes and goes with hardly a mention. However, we have a birthday celebration for me and my 2 sisters and my daughter-in-law around mid-January which is perfect as we live distances away and 1 big celebration suits us fine. Again, Happy Birthday!

  46. 46

    Pam R says

    December 11, 2018 at 6:51 am

    Happy birthday Kevin!! What a wonderful party for you.! To many more!

  47. 47

    Sherry in Willow Grove says

    December 11, 2018 at 10:44 am

    It sounds like a wonderful birthday for a terrific guy! Love, love, love the cake. And she added sweet Avery too. Wishing you many happy, healthy returns of the day. Thanks again for your wonderful blog, recipes, and snippets of life.

  48. 48

    Lee says

    December 14, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    To have friends is the best gift of all. One December baby to another.

  49. 49

    Lisa says

    December 24, 2018 at 9:29 am

    I’m a December baby also! The 23rd. Your cake looks amazing.

  50. 50

    Maria says

    December 24, 2018 at 10:57 am

    Hi Keven (and Mr. Fox and Avery)

    Happy belated birthday. Very glad you were born!
    You sweeten these hard times for me (not personal—well a little personal—-but the larger American condition right now).
    Peace and beauty and balance and imagination and kindness: that is Kevin.

    Thanks (and you inspire to play the piano which I am going to do right now)
    Maria

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Get my new cookbook!

Buy The Book

RETURN TO TOP
COPYRIGHT© 2009–2022 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | KEVIN LEE JACOBS