We had the family over to dinner on Sunday night to celebrate dad's Birthday. The menu wasn't all that fancy - steak on the bbq - something dad doesn't get all that often as mum and my sister aren't huge meat eaters. He loves it blue to rare (practically mooing) and Will, although a little nervous at the thought of over-cooking it, cooked it perfectly. He even managed to make mine well-done without it drying out.
Mum said dad didn't need a cake because he's not much of a cake eater (did I marry my father?) but then she remembered how much he loves Pat & Sticks ice-cream sandwiches. Inspiration suddenly struck me and I had the brilliant idea of making a peppermint ice cream sandwich cake - basically a giant Pat & Sticks.
I baked the biscuits in round tins and they turned out perfectly. I then lined the tin with plastic wrap, placed one biscuit on the bottom, filled it with melted vanilla ice-cream mixed with peppermint essence and then pressed the other biscuit on top and froze it for a few hours.
The cake presented perfectly but I made a little error in judgement - I should have taken it out of the freezer to thaw a little first. It was like getting through cement and after sawing through it with the electric knife, we had to give up on serving wedges as the knife smelled like it was about to burn out. Mum was even more entertained by the whole thing than she looks in the photo.
We ended up splitting each half down the middle and sharing a piece between two people. It was absolutely delicious but how no one broke a tooth is a little beyond me. It definitely provided a lot of entertainment for everyone. Dad loved it though so that was the main thing.
I won't share the actual recipe because I think the biscuits may have been a little hard. Really you could use any biscuit dough you like and if you're really clever, make the ice-cream. I just used softened store-bought vanilla. Just take my advice and take it out of the freezer well in advance. Enjoy!
What about you? Have you ever had a Birthday cake disaster? Did it turn out ok in the end?
My Kitchen Stories says
What a great idea Claire for a great cake for your Dad. I always try to do this kind of cake for my son who also does like cake!. I often make him one with discs of meringue
Claire says
Ooh yum!
The Life of Clare says
What a great idea! J's not too much of a sweet tooth, but loves red velvet. Your mum looks like she's having a blast!
Claire says
Doesn't she?!
Jessica says
Lol - i loved this! Adventures in ice-cream-cake-eating. It's shocking how hard that stuff can freeze, but it sure made for a good story. Love that picture of your mom - she really does look like she's getting such a kick out of the whole thing.
Claire says
Isn't it? It sets like a rock!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
What a great idea for the non cake lover! I know, how did we end up with so many of these people around us? lol!
Claire says
I don't know!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
That looks like a perfect birthday cake for someone who doesn't like cake. Happy birthday (belated) to your dad.
I think you could use any cookie recipe you wanted and this would be a fantastic dessert. Well done, Claire!
Claire says
Thanks Maureen. Yes it would definitely work for whichever cookie you like.
molly kelly says
It was fabulous!!! xx
Claire says
Thanks mum! x
Hotly Spiced says
Your mother is stunning and I love her dress - so summery! And I love the shot of Will exerting pressure with the electric knife to try and cut through it! I've made that mistake myself - not taking the frozen dessert out of the freezer when we sit down to eat the main. My husband likes his steak mooing too! xx
Claire says
He and dad would get on well at a BBQ! I will tell mum you like the dress. Isn't it a great shot?! I will learn for next time (hopefully) x