Thursday, March 26, 2009

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Today my handsome husband turned 31 years old. It's amazing to think we're in our THIRTIES!

Since we're getting older, I thought a return to the old days might help us feel younger. Anyone remember wearing this kind of hat?




That's right - my husband chose a birthday party at Burger King this year! We invited our friends: Ben & Sarah and Jon & Nicole to join us! We dined on gourmet whoppers and chicken sandwiches (provided by BK) and I made a German Chocolate Cake*, per Tyler's request.



My two blue-eyed cuties!


Jon, Nicole, Jill, & Tyler - in front of the play area!


A nice closeup! Aren't friends awesome? (Sarah - I wished that you & Ben had been able to stay for the pictures!)

And for your viewing pleasure - singing the Happy Birthday Song!



*German Chocolate Cake:

4 eggs, separated
1 package (4 ounces) German sweet chocolate
1/2 cup water
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/2 cup butter
1-1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions: Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan with waxed paper. Grease and flour the paper; set aside.
In a microwave, melt chocolate and water; stir until smooth. Cool. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in chocolate mixture and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Remove waxed paper.
For frosting, in a small saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium-low heat until mixture is thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Stir in the coconut, pecans and vanilla. Beat on high until frosting is cool and achieves spreading consistency. Place cake on a serving platter; frost top and sides. Yield: 12-15 servings.


Happy Birthday Tyler!!!

4 comments:

jennifer said...

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

nicole said...

Thanks for the fun evening! By the way, I nominated you on my blog. I think you've already received this award a few times, but you deserve it, so I gave it to you anyway! :)

Melisa said...

Happy birthday, Tyler!!!

Sarah C said...

Happy Birthday Tyler. Thanks for inviting us to your awesome party. We had a great time.