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A Birthday Wish, Dinner Around the World & Peanut Butter Turtle Torte

Mar 1, 2015 ·

just a sliver chocolate peanut butter torte
just a sliver

When it comes to our children isn’t there just one wish when the candles are blown out? Just one toast when the glass is raised? Just one blessing as hands fold in prayer? “To a long, happy and healthy life.” If you are a parent, that’s it.

Wedding Day photo by Campli Photography
Wedding Day photo by Campli Photography

This week we raised a glass or two to Sam and celebrated him with a most delicious birthday dinner. Sam is a real good egg. He has brought great joy to our family, not only because he loves my daughter, but also because he encourages what I like to call “my crazy”. He’s fun and just goes with the flow with any goofy thing I want to do. He also likes my cooking and that makes me very happy. He is willing to try anything including my foodie experiments, so I gave him a little culinary trip around the world in honor of his 29th! Here is the menu:

Mediterranean 7-layer dip
Mediterranean 7-layer dip with pita chips

Then……

Asian short ribs with shitakes, pickled daikon/carrot, golden Carolia rice and haricot vert
Asian beef short ribs with shitakes, pickled daikon/carrot, golden Carolina rice and haricot vert

Bring on the birthday candles……and my award winning Peanut Butter Turtle Torte. Sam loves chocolate and peanut butter, so this was an easy choice .

Happy birthday dear Sam and many, many more
Happy birthday dear Sam and many, many more

In 2005 I became a finalist in the Southern Living Recipe Contest with this heavenly rich dessert. While I wished to be the grand champion that day some things in life don’t turn out as planned. Still we pick ourselves up and keep going. We adapt. I have changed up the recipe a bit because my original version had such a thick layer of chocolate on the bottom that it was tough to cut through. For ease of cutting warm up your knife by dipping it in a glass of hot tap water and then wipe it dry before slicing.

the layering of ingredients
the layering of ingredients
looks like me, doesn't it? slice of cake on plate
looks like me, doesn’t it? Sam thought so!

cake, chocolate, dessert, holiday Nabisco chocolate wafers, peanut butter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. James Matino says

    March 1, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Those are pretty funny pictures. Sam is a good sport. Happy Birthday!

    • Lisa says

      March 1, 2015 at 10:20 am

      yes-he just rolls with it and has fun

  2. Bev Poulin says

    March 1, 2015 at 11:12 am

    I remember tasting that amazing cake and thinking that the judges who didn’t grant you first prize were crazy. That whole meal from start to finish looks fabulous. You bless your family and friends with so much love and so many acts of kindness! We are lucky to have you in our lives. And I love the bunny plate! Love you! Bev

    • Lisa says

      March 1, 2015 at 11:17 am

      The bunny plates are the best and I thank you for them. There is even one that looks like Sam wearing the same bow tie he wore in the wedding–just hilarious. I read a quote this morning about friends being inseparable even though they are separated (by distance) and I immediately thought of you!

  3. Tracy says

    March 1, 2015 at 11:27 am

    This post put a smile on my face. Happy Birthday to Sam! You really are a super mother-in-law- to him. That was quite a culinary journey!

    Where do you find those chocolate wafer cookies? I have not made a few recipes because I cannot find that cookie.

  4. Lisa says

    March 1, 2015 at 11:41 am

    I buy the cookies in the regular grocery store in the cookie aisle. Do you have a Giant food store or Stop & Shop? I’d be happy to mail you a few boxes.

  5. Daryl says

    March 1, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    I was trying to figure out how you “made that bunny” on the plate til I read they the comments!!!!

    • Lisa says

      March 1, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      I am flattered you thought I made that bunny–that is hysterical!

  6. annagins says

    March 1, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    I like Sam, the bunny plate AND that dessert.

  7. Lisa says

    March 1, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Thanks Annagins. The plates are from Pier 1

  8. Danielle says

    March 1, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    That dinner looks delicious!! I have to admit my 29th is coming up and I’m having a small meltdown over it. But if someone was making me this dinner than I might relish my birthday after all ;). Happy birthday to Sam!!

    • Lisa says

      March 1, 2015 at 1:56 pm

      see now this is why I need an apartment in NYC–so I can cook you dinner! My guess John has something very nice planned. Happy birthday in advance.

  9. Louis Matino (@LouMatino) says

    March 1, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Happy Birthday to Sam and congratulations on the award winning menu! He’s a lucky guy.

    • Lisa says

      March 1, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks….I think I am the lucky one

  10. lilypup says

    March 2, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    What a wonderful blog! Everything (including the family) looks so wonderful. I hope you enjoy your experience in Blogging 101. http://lilypupslife.wordpress.com/

    • Lisa says

      March 2, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Thanks for the visit

  11. karemack74 says

    March 2, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    Yum Lisa! ❤️💜💙💚💛🍩

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Mom, wife, retired physician assistant and multi award winning home cook including Food Network CHOPPED CHAMPION

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