October 7, 2008

Tuesdays with Dorie: Caramel & Peanut-Topped Brownie Cake

Thursday was my 35th birthday. I am not one to let birthdays bother me; I love celebrating my birthday. In fact, I was excited to turn 30. I bragged to everyone..."I'm thirty, and I still get carded for R-rated movies!" At the time, my (now ex) husband and I were starting to talk about having kids. "But I've got another 5 years to make that decision," I protested, thirty-five being my baby deadline.

Oh my, how quickly those 5 years have gone by.

So, here I am...35. My life is completely different that I expected it to be. I am 35...and babyless. That's okay, though, I haven't really ever been thrilled about motherhood. And, who knows...motherhood may still be in my future ( I think that clock thing might finally be ticking). And, I still get carded all the time!

Don't get me wrong...I don't fixate on having babies. Quite the contrary, actually. I'm just saying that 35 is hitting me just a bit harder than 30 did. Nonetheless...

I had a wonderful birthday, a celebration that lasted a long weekend. On Thursday, Jerad gave me a huge Le Creuset dutch oven, new wine glasses & decanter, and a wine & cheese pairing book. He also took me out to dinner at Niche, and it's as good as I expected it to be. We tried the "fried pig's head" (pork cheeks) with foie gras, the chicken liver terrine (the best pate I've ever eaten), a green apple & rosemary sorbet (compliments of the chef), seared scallops, the "pork duo," liquid chocolate cake and carrot cake semifreddo.

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On Saturday, we took a few of my girlfriends out in a limo. We had dinner at Vin de Set, beers at The Stable, White Castles at 2:00 in the morning, and copious amounts of champagne. At dinner, my best friend Sarah asked, "Do you realize we've been friends for 21 years?" She went on to remind me of all we've been through together...high school & college, 1 almost marriage, 2 marriages, 1 divorce, 1 baby, several deaths, a period of silence, so many concerts...all of the good times and bad times. She then took out a small, black velvet box.

"After 21 years, I think it's time we make it official," she said as she opened the box. "Will you be my BFF...forever?" Inside was a silver diamond ring.

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It was hysterical!

With all of the birthday festivities, I didn't make myself a birthday cake. So, I am considering this my birthday treat.

This week's Tuesdays with Dorie recipe, Caramel & Peanut-Topped Brownie Cake, was chosen by Tammy of Wee Treats.

I decided to make cupcakes that would be easy to take to school. I imagined that the batter wouldn't rise very much, leaving room in the cupcake liners to spoon in the peanuty caramel. But, I was wrong.

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So, using a spoon, I created little wells in each cupcake when they were still warm.

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I then spooned the topping into the cupcakes, letting it spill over the edges a bit.

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13 comments:

Jessi said...

Your cupcake version looks great!

Dianna! said...

Happy late birthday! I am days away from turning 40 and feel quite similiar to the way that you feel (or maybe "felt" by now!). But at least you can cook! (and besides the fact that you are brilliant!) I recognize that I am quite useless at almost everything BUT will continue to try and cook something that looks somewhat like the picture on the recipe (my goal in life now!). Again, happy birthday! It sounds like you had a fabulous celebration! Cheers, Dianna

~Kimberly said...

Happy belated Birthday! Your cupcakes look awesome!

Engineer Baker said...

Happy birthday! Your BFF sounds like just the sort of person to have by you all the time. We need people like that in our lives. Oh yeah, and your minis look delicious :)

White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghouse said...

Loved reading your b-day story, esp the part about Sarah's gift!

Tammy said...

Happy birthday!!! thanks for making my pick - the cupcakes are very cute!

eve! said...

So. Much. Fun.

I'm sorry I missed the limo, the booze, and the food. But the proposal is the sweetest thing! You're a lucky lady, lady!

Marthe said...

Happy late birthday! I hope you had a great day.
Your cupcakes look very good!

kimberly salem said...

happy birthday!! sounds like you had a great day. the cupcakes look delicious! :)

Heather B said...

Happy Belated Birthday! I love your cupcake versions! Great job!

Bungalow Barbara said...

Happy birthday! Love your little cupcakes with the caramel-filled well. What a great idea!

Shari said...

Your cupcakes look great! Happy birthday!

Shelby said...

I love how you did these! My birthday was on the 30th....but I turned 45! Happy belated one!