You might recall from previous years that this is not just a special occasion for Australia but today is my grandma's Birthday. She is turning the spectacular age of 96! As we all do, every year she gets a little older but never any less fabulous. She still lives on her own, does everything herself and takes on more projects than I do (latest one was painting a pair of shoes to match an outfit).
She is a wonderful wonderful lady. This year she's having a quiet celebration on the day with her two kids in Brisbane and we will continue with a few other smaller celebrations. Maybe that's where I get my Birthday 'week' from.
I may not be there on the day but the cake she'll be eating is made by me. For the last 5 years I have been chief Guppy's-Birthday-Cake maker. I whipped it up on Tuesday and it has been in mum's freezer since then just in case Bubba arrives early.
Guppy always has a little pile of magazine clippings waiting for me when I visit - mostly recipes - and the recipe for today's cake was in there so I took it as a hint that she'd like it.
Last year, the cake on the day was a variation of black forest cake - two of my best ever chocolate cakes sandwiched with cream and cherries and the cake above is Nigella's chocolate olive oil cake.
The year before was a torta caprese and my goodness was it good. It's made with roasted pecans which give it a lovely subtle nutty flavour.
The year before I got a bit Women's Weekly and made a bunch of flower cupcakes. I can't remember which recipe I used but the decorations were so easy - just marshmallows cut in half and pinched and some fondant icing, tinted green and rolled into 'stems.' She was very happy with this one.
So while you're celebrating Australia Day save one toast for my grandma's 96th Birthday.
molly kelly says
Good job Bub!!! xx
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
I almost missed this post Claire. Happy Birthday dear Guppy, what a special and beautiful lady you are!
Claire says
Thanks Chris x
Danielle says
Belated Happy 96th Birthday to your grandma! She is an inspiration, that's for sure!! Such beautiful birthday cakes you have made and may you continue to be her chief birthday-cake maker for many more years.
Claire says
I hope so Danielle :-)
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Happy Birthday to your very glamorous nan! :D
Claire says
Thanks Lorraine!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
My goodness she's gorgeous at 96! You are SO lucky that she's happy, healthy and busy. Your cake is wonderful and I think it's cute that she saves clippings for you.
Claire says
I am indeed Maureen.
celia says
Happy Birthday Guppy! Your grandmother is amazing, Claire! :)
Claire says
That she is Celia!
Hotly Spiced says
It's so wonderful that she's looking so good and in such good health for 96. She's truly blessed! And how lovely to be able to live independently at her age. Amazing. It's lovely that you're her chief cake-maker and long may it last xx
Claire says
She is one amazing lady Charlie! x