It's a Birthday Cake Bonanza!

I know, I know... yesterday's post was all about eating healthily because I'd had loads of cake over the weekend but today's post is about cake. Well, since it's cake related I know there is no need to excuse myself.

It's my birthday at the end of next week and I am debating what cake I want to make. Last year it was Boston Cream Pie which was tasty, but not spectacular as I was hoping. I have been perusing my Pinterest board for inspiration but I can't make up my mind. Please help! I want it to be pretty special - more dessert than mere cake.

This is what I have narrowed it down to:

Caramel Fudge Brownie Cheesecake

Add caption

Candy Apple Pie

Chocolate Midnight Pie

Caramel Brownie Trifle

Coconut Caramel Drizzle Pie

Better than Sex Cake 

I was considering profiteroles, but this looks even better!

What do you think I should choose, and do you have any other suggestions? Man, why do birthdays only happen once a year?

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn

I pin so many American recipes without the intention of making them. I just love the photos and the sound of them - kind of like window shopping, I guess. I have 5 kids over this afternoon and the weather is pretty rubbish so I thought I'd try this recipe for Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn I found at Chef-in-Training. I was going to do a s'mores version but stuck to this recipe because at least I know this one works.

These are the instructions but make sure you check out the website as Nikki has some awesome recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 package microwave popcorn popped (I did it the old fashioned way)
  
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup or honey (I used honey)
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 12 large marshmallows (I used half a packet of mini marshmallows because this is what I had)

Instructions

1. Pop popcorn until done, remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
3. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and marshmallows.
4. Turn heat to medium and stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth.
5. Pour over popcorn and stir in until popcorn is evenly coated.
6. Store in an airtight container.

It  goes all sticky when it cools, and it's worth stirring it again before it cools completely as the sauce sinks to the bottom of the pan. It is gorgeous but very sticky