birthday boy...

happy birthday!!!

the last couple of days have been crazy busy...but super fun! We went to Chipotle for D's birthday dinner...(and we brought C. along as well! Can't celebrate your birthday without your best friend...)

I have been getting things ready for my man's birthday. Lately his favorite candy has been York peppermint patties... WELL... I found the coolest recipe. Yep that's right, HOMEMADE peppermint patties. They were super easy-peasy too! (click here to get the full step-by-step instructions...)

Peppermint Patties
2 1/4 c. powdered sugar
2 T. softened butter
2 t. peppermint extract
2-3 T. cream
12 oz. Melting chocolate

aren't they pretty??

Since I already had melted chocolate on hand, I couldn't help but dip some strawberries as well :) They made for convenient and classy cake toppers (and so were the peppermint patties!)

Husband's favorite cake is German Chocolate. However, I only had one chocolate cake mix on hand, and that meant the cake wasn't going to be tall enough...so I got creative and put a yellow-cake layer in the middle...it helped tone down all of the chocolate, the coconut pecan icing, and fudge frosting (which is delicious by the way!)

Fudge Frosting

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 T. vanilla extract

3 1/4 c. powdered sugar

2-3 T. heavy whipping cream

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in cocoa and vanilla. Place confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Pour in cocoa mixture. Beat well (mixture will be extremely thick). Beat in cream a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.

 D's birthday was a success! Yummy food and great company.