The Incredible Exploding Birthday Cake

Last Thursday was my birthday (37). As a fellow Scorpio, my daughter understands very well how much attention my birthday demands. I might beat around the bush, but in reality, I want non-stop well wishes and special treats. Apparently, Dyl decided she'd accomodate my "special needs" with some baking. On Wednesday afternoon, I received the following text:

"Just so I have the recepi how do you make marsh mellow frosting"

"p.s. do we have normal white sugar?"

I texted her my recipe (just so she'd have it), and then responded to a series of urgent questions for the next hour. This one was slightly concerning:

"What does 1-3/4 mean and what does 1-1/2 mean and 1/2 and 3/4?"

Also this one:

"Is baking soda the same thing as baking powder?"

About an hour later, I received a phone call. It was Dylan, crying HYSTERICALLY. The cake had exploded. Instead of 1-1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, she used one cup plus one teaspoon. Also some baking powder. And powdered sugar instead of regular. My poor au pair had tried to help as best she could, but I think everything must be measured differently (with different names) in Brazil. And Dylan was in WAY over her head. I managed to calm her down with a story from MY childhood.

When I was about her age, I was raking leaves with my parents in the backyard and we got in a fight over something or other. I stormed into the house and decided to get out my stress by baking brownies. Instead of 1/4 teaspoon of salt, I used 1/4 cup. Like mother like daughter, I suppose.

Happy November everyone!

Comments

[Rebecca]

My sister once somehow confused the measurements for butter in Rice Krispies treats and ended up adding more than a cup. They literally SLID across the pan. Everyone's done it!

[Mir]

Ooooh, poor Dylie!! I hope your story perked her up.

You can let her know that one year I wanted to help make my birthday cake, and my mother probably felt I was pestering and slowing her down, but I kept saying I CAN DO IT and somehow, while mixing... the bowl of batter skidded out of my hands and upended on the floor. I was CRUSHED.

My mother---who was normally quite harsh and unforgiving---cleaned it up and started a new batter while I cried hysterically in my room. When I finally came out, she had everything back to the exact point where I'd ruined it, and told me to go ahead and finish it, she knew I could do it. ;)

[Heather B.]

As a fellow Scorpio, I concur.

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