
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.

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:

Then……

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 .

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.


Those are pretty funny pictures. Sam is a good sport. Happy Birthday!
yes-he just rolls with it and has fun
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
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!
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.
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.
I was trying to figure out how you “made that bunny” on the plate til I read they the comments!!!!
I am flattered you thought I made that bunny–that is hysterical!
I like Sam, the bunny plate AND that dessert.
Thanks Annagins. The plates are from Pier 1
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!!
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.
Happy Birthday to Sam and congratulations on the award winning menu! He’s a lucky guy.
Thanks….I think I am the lucky one
What a wonderful blog! Everything (including the family) looks so wonderful. I hope you enjoy your experience in Blogging 101. http://lilypupslife.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the visit
Yum Lisa! ❤️💜💙💚💛🍩