prep work

shhhh, this is a secret!  joseph is (and, by default, i am) trying out a recipe for Nana's birthday celebration with us this coming weekend.

hint:  it uses a stunning amount of red food coloring, which we may reconsider.

we both thought this looked like nothing we'd ever seen.

 

although i suggested the shortcut of a box mix, Joseph wanted to learn how to make this secret item from scratch, including the icing.  he came with me to the grocery store to shop for the ingredients we couldn't find in our pantry.

it was quite an experience taking a fan of the cooking show 'Chopped' with me to the grocery store.  he is developing some very definite culinary ideas & tastes!

the dry run went well, so we will be making&baking the real-deal in a couple of days.  shhhhhhh.

happy birthday, Nana!