Our household has a tradition of organzing themed Birthday Parties. Now for my American or UK readers this might not seem like a big deal. In Switzerland it is! Unless you decide to throw one of the two "hot" themes of the moment (in Ticino these seem to be Hello Kitty and Pirates) it is very difficult to find a good selection of partyware. When I say themed Birthday party, I mean the full works: Decorations, ballons, murals, lights, plates, tablecloth, cake, cupcakes down to the Pinata (remember we lived in Spain for a while).
Over the years our local friends and neighbours have come to appreciate our mad parties. We have introduced them to Hannah Montana and High School Musical. We have made them dance to Mamma Mia (even the mummies), taught them to catwalk like princesses with a stack of books on their heads at Princess Parties and went totally wild with various Football Galores. We are still working on the Spanish Pinata song with them. ;)
I get most of the party stuff online. Check out my Party site link here: Party & Toys
In full swing with Expat daughter's Birthday Party preparations I decided to share a few of my ideas with you. I'll start today with the basics: the cake! This lemon yoghurt cake tastes delicious, is moist and mixes with any topping or filling, from fruit to chocolate! Here goes:
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp grated lemon zest
3 large eggs, separated
1 cup lemon flavored yogurt
Lemon Frosting:
2 cups icing sugar
3 tbsp melted butter
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp candied lemon peel, coarsely chopped
Preparations:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degree Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line with waxed paper. Butter the paper. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy.
2. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, until just blended after each addition. With mixer at low speed, gradually beat in the dry ingredients, alternating with the yogurt. With mixer at high speed, beat the egg whites in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form.
3. Use a large rubber spatula them into the batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes or the cake shrinks from the pan sides and inserted toothpicks into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn out onto a rack. Carefully remove the paper and let cool completely.
5. How to make Lemon Frosting: Mix the icing sugar and butter in a medium bowl. Beat in enough of the lemon juice to make a thick, spreadable frosting. Spread the top and sides of the cake with the frosting. Decorate with the lemon.
6. Enjoy!
Stay tuned for more Party Tips tomorrow!
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