Leo turned one last week, and we celebrated with a “Lumberjack” theme party complete with lots of flannel, buttermilk flapjacks, bacon and sausage—and cakes, of course. At this age though, the parties are really for the adults, right? Still, Leo seemed to enjoy it, too.
Kellie requested a “Lumberjack Smash cake” for Leo, and she made a delicious “lumberjack” red velvet cake for us to enjoy. Wait until you see the inside of her cake!
Here’s the inside of Kellie’s red velvet cake. Beautiful! And the chocolate ganache between the layers was scrumptious.
Meanwhile, I made my first ever SMASH cake—and loved every minute.
Kellie shared that she wanted Leo’s Smash cake to look like a stack of pancakes but for it to really be a funfetti vanilla cake on the inside. And she wanted it to be rustic looking (good thing for me!). So I started googling and came up with this…
The birthday boy took some tentative bites at first, then dug right in!
Even though I’ve baked almost since I could stir, this was my first time to work with fondant, and I’m especially grateful to Rose at Rose Bakes for her tutorial on how to make a pancake Smash cake. And for her recipe for marshmallow fondant. So easy! She helped me tremendously! (Thanks, Rose!) Just please don’t compare my cake to hers! LOL
I always love to know the step-by-step process, so here was mine…
After Leo’s bath time that evening, we cuddled up and read one of his new books (thanks, Miss Kim!), and Kelsey got some snuggle time in, too. It was a sweet night.
If you can’t tell, I’m loving being GramTam, which is a good thing since Kellie and Kurt are expecting Leo’s little sister (daughter Ari) in late January. We’re pretty pumped!
So tell me…
Have you ever made a Smash cake or worked with fondant? Are you gearing up to bake for Christmas? If yes, what are you making? A traditional pumpkin pie is on my agenda, along with a pecan pie. I love being in the kitchen. Only thing, I always miss my sweet mom even more during the holidays because we were always in the kitchen together, cooking and baking up a storm. Such precious memories!
Since I won’t see you again until after Christmas, I wish you a warm and wonderful holiday with loved ones—and the peace of Jesus Christ which passes all human understanding.
Much love from Nashville,
Tammy
Have you entered this month’s GIVEAWAY yet?
Have you seen The Chosen Season 4 Trailer yet?
Tamera Alexander
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Yes, I watched The Chosen Season 4 trailer yesterday. I have a feeling this Season is going to be hard to watch & there will be tears.
I got that same feeling, Lori. Then again, I have already cried so many tears while growing closer to Christ as I’ve watched The Chosen. I’m so grateful for that show and for how it’s bringing so many to Christ.
Brilliant smash cake. Though I have to ask–wouldn’t it have been easier just to make a stack of pancakes? LOL! Still, as a baker, I have to admire all the work you put in. I hope he appreciates it 20 years from now! :-). Hugs for the holiday season!
LOL, yes it certainly would have! But a “cake” was desired so a cake it was! But it was fun to make and surprisingly not that much time involved. Of course, it was a SMALL cake. : )
WOW! You and your daughter-in-law are fantastic bakers. Prue and Paul would be impressed ;-). Thanks for sharing your delicious looking creations. Would love a piece of each.
LOL at Paul and Prue, Amy. I LOVE that show. I love reading cookbooks too. Old cookbooks, new cookbooks. Watching shows about cooking. Love it all! ; ) Thanks for sharing today!
That party idea is adorable. So glad you all enjoyed it! Merry Christmas blessings!
Thanks, Paula. Kellie did a great job!
What an adorable pancake cake! You did a great job! First birthday parties are so much fun.
Aren’t they though, D’Ann. This first year flew by though. Makes me want to slow the clock down and “cherish” more.
Wonderful pictures of a Happy Birthday! No, I’ve never heard of a smash cake. The fondant pancakes are amazing.
I’m fortunate to be spending Christmas with my daughter in CA. We decorated the tree Saturday night and want to bake cookies this week – sugar cookie dough made yesterday.
Merry Christmas!
I hadn’t heard of a Smash cake either, Betty, so you’re not alone. Making it was such fun, especially when thinking of Leo annihilating it. : )
I’m so glad you’re spending Christmas with your daughter. It’s good to be with loved ones during the holidays—and making cookies with your daughter sounds heavenly. Enjoy every minute. BIG hugs.
Happy, happy birthday to little Leo!! I love the lumberjack theme of his party and am blown away by both cakes. Amazing!
Aw, thanks, Becky. It was such fun. You’re considerably younger yet, but your Smash Cake time is coming! ; ) CONGRATS on your upcoming new release. So proud of you and all you’re doing. Wish we could sit down and chat through it all. Exciting times!
I still can hardly believe that WASN’T a stack of pancakes! SO real-looking! I’m impressed!!
And so excited for Leo to have a little sister and for GramTam to have TWO! ♥️
Thanks, dear friend—and Mimi to 13!! You know the joy of grandchildren quite well. Such an incredible blessing! Hugs…and we need to plan a meeting in Paris for the spring!
Paris, TN that is. : )
Now that she’s a world traveler, I suppose it’s necessary to clarify! LOL!
Exactly! LOL
Oh my goodness but he’s adorable! And the plaid inside of the cake…I’m way out of my league. My nieces had smash cakes for their kiddos.
Thanks, Kelly! SO good to chat in our recent book club Zoom. Thanks for inviting me to join you gals—and thanks for reading Christmas at Carnton!