Happy Birthday Honey

I know it was hard for Gavin to move out of the early thirties, but we tried to smooth the way for him by having a lovely birthday celebration. 

With his fantastic cooking skills, it's getting harder to think of something extra-special to make for Gavin's birthday!  OK, well, he made most of this.  Lamb shank with a balsamic glaze over butternut squash and risotto.  Mmmm, so good.

 As a gift to me, or so he says, Gavin got me this amazing book.  If you're into baking, this is the "go-to" textbook to hone your skills.  Advanced Bread and Pastry.  It is a bit intimidating, but you can learn how to bake just about everything you've ever thought of and much, much more. 

So, Gavin requested something from the book for his birthday dessert.  I chose a Strawberry Frasier.  It is a chiffon cake infused with a citrus glaze layered with strawberries and pastry cream.  So, even if it doesn't turn out beautifully, it should still taste good right?  The cake fell a little, as our high altitude is not too friendly on cakes, but it still turned out OK and tasted good.  Labor of love, just for you honey!  Happy Birthday!