Who doesn’t love surprises? xoxoxox Simplest ones are the best.. little notes, a gifted latté or shared lunch, a weekend trip to the mountains.. or perhaps something hidden inside a Birthday Cake.. Red Velvety Chocolate Cake.. with a Whipped Black Raspberry Chambord Liqueur ♡ Filling laced all round with girly ruffles that look like a…
Remember this Spring Oranges Pound Cake and my wee video that was so much fun to make.. { I know, it’s not raining these days.. but stay with me.. } ♥ { At the Picket Fence } inspired this little Valentine’s Day “Spring Oranges Pound Cake” “Makeover” …a little V-Day Love! ♥ It was so…
What an absolutely adorable cake! Gosh, I wonder if Sally-the-cake-challenged could be able to pull this? I would love to try it….
very beautiful, Barbara, stylish, elegant, gorgeous… reminds me of you!
So lovely! Great photos. The cake sounds yummy.
I love the video Barbara — the music, the stills — captures the essence of the dish and you so well. I’m a bit bias on videos… 
Lovely. Have a great weekend!
What a delicate cake!
Did you install the new WordPress “aroma plugin”? I know I smelled oranges and strawberries the entire time I was reading this post. Lovely as always!
Barb, what a lovely cake and your video I liked so much! You are wonderful! <3
It looks nearly too pretty to eat!
How sweet! I think I’ll have to turn these into cupcakes for my girls–and for my valentine, of course!
OK, Barb, knock it off !!! You’re always enticing me with all of these wonderful pictures of things that I shouldn’t be eating.
Have a great weekend.
Paul
This post could have doubled for the Weekly Photo Challenge of LOVE! Looks perfect to me. One bite and I know it would be love at first bite. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Barbara,
Delightful and scrumptious looking! Your photos are always so lovely – Great video!
Loving the makeover, a clever idea !
What a beautifully simple yet elegant cake. I love it!
Lovely idea
I would love for your cake to be my valentine 
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
So beautiful!
Beautiful! I love those little strawberry hearts, and your cake looks so moist and yummy. What a sweet and simple recipe xx
I am loving those sweet strawberry hearts on the cake! This is something I know my girls would really enjoy.
Perfect – strawberries were made for Valentines Day (and Wimbledon Tennis) weren´t they?!
beautiful, as always. love the video, too.
Gorgeous. I love Emmy’s idea of turning them into cupcakes. Imagine each one topped with a pretty little strawberry… Such fun!
That’s so pretty and so perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Love the love in the cake Barbara.
it’s beautiful~what a sweet treat that would be for a special one on Valentine’s Day
What a beautiful cake to make for someone you love on Valentine’s Day.
daisy
We made strawberry hearts at baking school this week. I thought they were the best thing EVER. I’m so glad you seem to agree…
Oh.. that is awesome!! were they like this or a chocolate version??xx
Thanks Daisy.. it was for my Volunteer work.. and they loved it:) xx
sounds totally yummy
Thanks:D
I do too.. I can just picture them in the cake or on a white icing.. it would be very pretty:)
Thanks.. it was fun to do, I think I’m due to make a new one:)
I was thinking it would be yummier to fold chopped berries all through the batter before baking:) xx
A beautiful cake. Made me want a cup and a slice…. perfect for a cold winter day.
Thank you for the suggestion.. I’ve added it to the group:D I’ve never done this before and it looks like fun! xx Happy Valentine’s Day to you!! xx
Hahaha.. maybe I’ll do something crafty to give you a break:D Hope your weekend has been great!!
I think that would be so pretty!! Let me know if you do:) xo
That sounds like a Simon and Garfunkel tune, no?
The strawberries are so simple, yet genius! How absolutely gorgeous!!! I can just imagine the beauty in your house and kitchen for Valentine’s Smidge!
Those sliced strawberries are such a clever idea and look how they beautify your cakes, Barb. They’re really something. And, for my tastes, love that your recipe includes an orange glaze. I really do enjoy citrus-y cakes and an orange glaze is the best. I doubt that these cakes lasted long on your countertop. They certainly wouldn’t on mine.
This sounds yummy, and I love the strawberry hearts!
I hadn’t seen your video before, Barb, and it was lovely. The music was the perfect accompaniment to the visual recipe and all the flowers. The cake sounds delicious, and the heart-shaped strawberry slices add that special loving touch!
It does look full of love 
I like that it’s such an easy make-over, it would be pretty on a lemon loaf as well.. xx
I’ll trade you for a few brussels sprouts from your garden:D
It sure is, it’s a remix by another artist, Eva Cassidy.. she had a beautiful voice…
I’m not too big on decorating my house with Valentine’s themed stuff, but it’s fun to be inspired seasonally for baking. I miss the days when my kids would bring crafts home to decorate our kitchen:D xx
Well.. we’re all on a healthy kick, so these went to my friends where I volunteer on Fridays.. I did pinch a little slice, though, all in the name of quality control:)
They’re so cute, aren’t they?
Wouldn’t it be great if we had rain.. but we’re a long ways from it now! Thanks so much, Mar:) xo
Just beautiful Barbara and I love the video!
I wish there was a love button. I have never eaten pound cake with orange juice. Sounds and looks delicious!
It’s crazy here – highs have been way below zero for about a week, and then on Tuesday they’re calling for a high of 12! It’s supposed to be raining here before dawn (following snow and freezing rain). Certainly not winter as we know it! I think a slice of your cake, a warm blanket and a good book on the couch will be just the ticket!
This is sooo pretty! It seems that Valentine’s Day and strawberries are the perfect match!
Gorgeous!
I think you should recommend that to wordpress.. it would be fun to run around clicking “Love” for V Day, wouldn’t it?
Great video, Smidge and I love the dog licking the spatula. What a cutie she is. And that’s a great cake too xx
I love the look of the baked strawberries, so pretty on the cake. And I bet the baking would also concentrate the sugars so they don’t taste like water like they usually do this time of year.
Frist of all … I would love to say that I love your little logo – forgotten during my last visit. What an hearty cake- can see how moist it’s – but why icing???? Use to do a lemon cake with the same principle with the syrup. It was my favorite for years, don’t have clue what made me stop baking it – probably happen when I moved abroad. I will make this one – during this weekend, but no icing on my cake.
Strawberries, cream and cake–so angelic-ly yummy!
I love your site and your beautiful images, this cake looks so gorgeous too. I will bookmark it for Valentines Day
Adorable cake- love the strawberries on top!
Your are one talented lady!!!!! Well done video, thoroughly enjoyed watching it and listening to the music. Lovely cake.
It certainly doesn’t need the icing.. This is a Barefoot Contessa addition, I agree with you, the less icing the better.. But I did love the whipped cream and jammy sauce;D
Gorgeous idea/ I love the strawberries!
I will do the jammy sauce .. because I will have strawberries leftover anyhow. The thing is the strawberries don’t taste much over here just now and cost … mucho.
Looking forward to make the cake.
Oh my, oh my. Total perfection Barb. Lovely, yummy and definitely valentine-y.
Very nice, just in time for Valentines indeed.
Oh how cute!!! I love this idea….and I know I’d love eating it Think I’ll make one or two of these for Hubby, who loves all things pound cake, lol.
My stomach growled when I saw this recipe on facebook… and again on pinterest… and now it’s in full-blown want-it-now mode. Yum!
Hahaha.. they were yummy:D Thanks Courtney!
The strawberry hearts are new to me and will be repeated in my kitchen. And I love this simple pound cake with oranges. I’d go for the orange syrup and orange glaze plus the whipped cream of course.
Sweet video- I did miss that last year. They are so fun to make – The couple I did took me hours and I was so completely enthralled with the process I had little need for response. Totally self satisfied cheers ma dear… xo wendy
Those strawberry hearts are such a clever idea! I love pound cake and I loooooove strawberries, so I’m sure that I will fall head over heels for this one. The addition of jam and whip-cream elevates it to a whole other level!
That looks so yummy I’m practically drooling. Love the strawberry hearts. ♥
My husband and I are big bakers. I really loved this idea! Thanks.
[...] to Barbara and her stunning cake – The Valentine’s Day Cake, it appealed to me because of the oranges in combination with strawberries. One of my favorite [...]
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve truly loved surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing in your feed and I am hoping you write again very soon!
{ Note to Bloggers: due to an agonizing slow internet connection I am having difficulty uploading pages and photos… I will be sure to get to everyone’s blogs as soon as this is remediated!! Sorry for the delay!! } Preserving Summer Jams, jellies, thick preserves Cauldron frothed, Boiled and bubbled ropy Messes of lush bliss….
You have the patience of a saint. If you can give the blow by blow description of canning – then we need to read it! Very thorough, friendly and doable.
I love raspberry jam. Sometimes for me, I’ll deseed just a portion of it but still like to know I’m eating raspberries.
Love your photos.
Your poetry was pure beauty my friend, thank you so much
This recipe for jam is stunning and I adore the tips you have given!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I love a good jam like those, butter + jam in a fresh bread, Mmmmmm!
I love your jam jars Smidge. They are like a step-back in time to when all ‘house-wives’ made preserves. I would love to try your raspberry, cinnamon and peach jam – what a wonderful combination. And the colour of your jam is fabulous – so vibrant and rich. Long after summer has past, I know you’ll be remembering it with these preserves xx
Summer in a jar. You’ve captured summer in a jar! Lovely words, friend. I enjoyed your poetry with my first sips of morning coffee. It’s going to be a good day…
Every summer I tell myself I’m going to learn how to can and I never do it! Maybe next year… Ha!
Looks delicious!
Happy Sunday ~ April
My Mom used to make the best jams! I miss her immensely. It’s just JT and I so making my own makes it seem like I would never get through them. I adore home made pickles so I can hardly wait to see that recipe.
What a useful post, Barb, one that I wish I had seen last year when I began canning. It’s a great “how to” with every step described and each concern addressed. Where was ya when I needed ya?
I’ve pinned this in my canning board so that anyone that comes along will see it and learn. On behalf of future canners everywhere, thank you! (There was a secret meeting and I was elected spokesperson.)
wow. very nice post – you make is sound so simple & straight-forward….thanks for this!
and your images of the raspberry jam are lucious!!!!
Glistening red jars of jam–it is like preserving summer. Grew up canning much of what was produced from our garden for winter, it seems almost tedious at the time, but when the ground was cold with winter rest it was so welcome.
This looks so delicious Smidge. I’m a huge fan of raspberry preserves and jams – especially the fresh variety. I’ve never gotten around to canning, it totally intimidates me. I think it’s one of those undertakings I’ll save for later down the line. In the meantime, I’ll have to find some to buy now that you’ve put the mental image and flavors in my mind. Yum!
Reading this post is like … poetry and science plus beautiful in one. Didn’t know that there altitude had impact on jam. Wonderful – Wonderful … WonderFUL …
Picking blackberries today and hoping for plenty to make jam. Love the post Smidge!
Mmmm Jam Goodness – Happy Sunday:)
Beautiful jam Smidge
Looks delish!
I made freezer jam and applesauce last year and will have to do something with the 300 pounds of fruit I have to harvest!
Phil is the jam maker in our home, but it s been a while since he last made a batch of blueberry jam.
great post, Barb… the color of the jam is amazing!
Wonderful post, gorgeous images too mouth watering.
Ah, I love raspberries. I made strawberry jam recently which was great, but raspberry was my big love. Only problem is they’re so darn expensive, but the colour and flavour they give to jam is unbeatable. Lovely jam Smidge!
What gorgeous jam you have made here. We can’t get raspberries at a decent price for jam purposes, but they do make the best! I love the idea of the raspberry/peach combo, too because I adore peach melba. Isn’t canning easy once you do it? It seems so daunting, but really you just have to have the time. Of course, I didn’t get anything canned so far this year. 
Fab, thanks Smidge! I intend to start canning in earnest, I’m working my way up to a big batch like this. Brilliant instructions, thank you again x
They look so gloriously bursting full of fruit, Smidge! If I wasn’t so lazy, I could be tempted.
Preserving Summer – what a great title. I love those jars – it must be satisfying to see them jam-filled and lined up in a store cupboard.
Been thinking — just today in fact –how much I’m due to learn the ways of canning. So thank you for this and for your darling poem too.
wow. this post is kind of a “everything you always wanted to know on jams but you never had the courage to ask” thank you so much for taking the time to share your tips. bookmarking? yes!
and I loved your poem
Lovely pictures, Smidge – they inspire me to actually try making some jam! Thanks
Smidge, thank you do much for taking the time to write this post. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I bought all the necessary “tools” for canning earlier this year, and have since made every excuse in the book to not do it. Yep, it scared me. But your post is so thoughtfully written, that I think I really can do this. Thank you!!
And I just love the poem too!
Raspberry jam is my favorite. I have never made it…
Beautiful! That jam looks almost too pretty to eat. I’ve never canned, and I couldn’t really tell you why. My mother made jams, pickles and chili sauce when I was a kid so it’s not like I don’t have a role model. One of these days … Thank you for your detailed instructions and the tip about the Bernardin website. Good reference points for when I get my canning act together!
What a wonderful way to preserve “summer”. Beautiful
Great looking jam Barb! I like to do canning too.
Your jam is heavenly.
love the bright, glowing red of the jam! beautiful! Are you giving some of those jams away?
Fabulous, really gorgeous and do not talk to me about slow connections, is it going round? I went off and made myself another coffee waiting for yours to download but i was desperate to see what you were up to! Have a lovely day.. I am having visitors fromyour mountain today!! c
I can’t wait to read about that visit.. very cool…
Lovely to see you, despite the sssllllloooowwwwnesssss! And what a beautoful photo the jars of jam make, so pretty !
I’ve just begun canning or jamming Barb! My mom has had a HUGE crop of heirloom tomatoes this summer and I have been making tomato jam like nobody’s business. Your raspberry jam looks sublime! Happy Summer!
Awww! this post took me back to my childhood. My mom used to do these each autumn. Very lovely and well worked. Keep up with the good work, hun!
I have always wanted to do this–but so far the closest I’ve come is making a character can.
Unfortunately, I have to make-do with the store-bought variety.
I love everything about this post – great pics, recipe, writing (and mason jars too!) What a joy! So happy to have found your blog…off to explore some more
anne
I really want to get into preserving, the issue I always find is you preserve in summer and it’s too hot to stand over a stove. But these photos make it look worth it!
I grew up canning with my mom. Every year we would have a garden packed full of tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow wax beans, and blackberries and by the time the end of August rolled around the basement pantry would be stacked to the top with fresh spaghetti sauces, jams, dill pickles, yellow wax bean cinnamon “pickles” (these were my favorite!) and dozens of other concoctions. Spaghetti sauce was always the worst, and jams were always the easiest. Enjoy canning, and if you ever need a totally random recipe for a veggie, let me know, I’m sure my mom has several
~Emilie
How wonderful to catch and bottle or can up that height of summer!
[...] Post navigation « [...]
Art in the kitchen… Beautiful photographs and delicious recipes and wonderful poem… Inspired me. Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
Oh, how glorious! My favourite jam, I love the colour, Smidge! xx
Your post brings back memories of all the canning my mom used to do. Those summer jars are well worth the spattered sticky aprons!
[...] 4 500ml jars as outlined here. Simmer lids over low heat, do not [...]
Thanks for the tips, Smidge ! I made marmalade out of the blue the other day – it must have been a psychic inspiration from you
Yes, I have a sweet tooth in general (and grew up with a mother who was a world-class canner, preserver, etc)–but despite my love of nearly all sorts of jam, I suspect that in my heart raspberry will always reign as the ‘best of all possible’ jams. Yours sounds so lovely that I’m salivating just thinking about it.
[...] While it’s cooking you can prepare your jars, lids and equipment for canning. Sterilize everything. And prepare. Again, check out Antoinette’s canning tips or Barbara’s detailed step by step canning @ Just a Smidgen. [...]
my parents had the family over for dinner last night { before they headed out to the lake.. thankfully flooding has subsided } i was asked to bring “a salad” i’ve been making salads for my mom since i was old enough to stand on a chair and whack out a few carrots on her…
Good looking salad!
Love prawns. I bet they tasted delicious in this salad.
Oh Smidge! I adore every single word in this post. What a fun read! I just love your new bike!!!! And of course, that salad could not be any more perfect for this time of year. I have got to try it. Thanks so much for this!
I love the photo of your graduation. Love the hair! What a great bike. And that salad – so many yummy ingredients and that dressing must be delicious. I’ve never candied nuts. I’ll have to try that. xx
Fair warning, Smidge, I’m kopying your bike! And maybe even your skirt, and for sure your salad! (…or, wait, did i already?? crimeny, I can’t keep us straight, except you make way prettier cakes!!) xoxo
Love this and your fab photo! Wow Smidge you must have given all the boys a run for their money! Beautiful!
Hahaha you can make anything you want spree… You’re my foodie hero and it would turn out so pretty!! And much more gourmet!! I’d love to see you do a makeover:) xoxoxo
Sent from my iPhone
I love Earls (we just got one here) an this salad looks great! Congrats on the new bike, it looks like fun. I recently got a basket for my bike, and it makes those trips I the grocery store and library that much easier!
Hi, Sarah.. I’m glad you enjoyed.. I can’t wait to go zooming around the neighborhood.. Baguette in the basket as they say:D
Hahaha.. We had fun with our Farrah Fawcett hairdos:D
Excellent grad photo! I’m just getting ready for a high school reunion and have been doing some things with grad photos – such great hairstyles! Looking forward to making this salad! Thanks!
Your new bike is super cool just the thing for whizzing to the shops on. I like the sound of this salad and it its so healthy – I am going to make it this weekend. xo
Loving the sound of those candied pecans – what a delicious addition to an otherwise wonderful sounding salad! Great idea – thanks for sharing Smidge
This was a really fun post my friend (she copied… Flattered you by wearing the same gown )
Stunning salad of course!
Cheers
CCU
I’m with Spree! I wanna be just like you!! Though I haven’t been on a bike since I was about 12 years old…
That’s the way I choose to think as well:D Thanks CCU!
They’re my favorite part:)
Cool bike and you were rocking that Farrah Fawcett hair style
Hahaha.. We just loved to flip our hair back then!
I seem to run out for one last ingredient all the time, so this will be handier.. Unless it’s raining.. Like it has almost every day so far:P
Hahaha.. It’s funny looking back now, eh?!
What a lovely summer salad, Smidge. I hope your weather has come around and is a bit warmer, if not, let me know and I’ll send some of our hot and humid weather round to you! The bike is adorable. I had fenders put on my bike so I don’t get the splash up on my back. When you get a basket, make sure it’s not too heavy; I got a very sturdy one, but it puts about 10lbs onto my bike which makes it tough to carry up stairs.
It’s funny, I had Farrah hair too…very funny.
I have a bike quite like that — with a basket in the front! Lovely salad. Must try it soon.
Oh.. So there are lighter baskets.. I’ll take a closer look at those. I will also look at getting fenders put on, that’s a great idea! Yes, the Farrah Flip.. We thought we were so stylin’:D
So I’m copying you;) We could go for a ride… with a salad packed up front:D
I haven’t been on it this year. Truth told, I fell off it last year and made rather a mess of myself. I must work up the nerve to try again.
Yep, I think I might have to copy that bike – love it!! And the recipe, it sounds delicious. (And I adore your blast from the past picture, too.)
I have nightmares of sleeping with curlers in all night – great BIG curlers!
Definitely a blast!!
Beautiful Post and that salad looks delicious – YUM:) Have a Wonderful Day!
You too
Sent from my iPhone
Awesome bike, Barb! Please get streamers. You must have streamers!
This salad sounds like a winner, too. That dressing is definitely going to make an appearance here — and soon. And I’ll be making those candied pecans, too. I just don’t think many will make it to the salad bowl. Who am I kidding? None of them will.
Hahaha.. For some reason I knew you’d tell me to get streamers!!
The salad looks delicious, but I love the graduation photo most of all! Matching Farrah Fawcett hair!
Nice photo, Smidge! Fantastic, hehe. Also, great salad Love strawberries in unusual places
I’d love to ‘copy’ this salad – sounds like a wonderful summertime treat. And I love the throwback picture, you look fabulous!
Excellent salad and nice bicycle too
This looks bright and pretty, with plenty of protein from the feta, pecans and optional prawns. I know you will enjoy your new bike. My particular vehicle fantasy is an adult tricycle, but, if I have to choose, I’d rather go back to France next year.
There used to be a TV show called “Dinner and a movie” where the hosts would share a recipe and, if I am not mistaken, suggest the most enjoyable movies to watch while eating the meal, or actually show a movie with a few interludes for cooking. I am not sure which anymore, but now I am thinking “Salad and a Bicycle,” a new show by Smidge. Doesn;t it sound good?
I would love that! A video of someone (you and I?) going down a dirt path with a picnic in our bike baskets:D Ah.. It’s good to dream! xoxo
Oh… I saw one of those when I was out scouting for a bike! They are really cool.. And much more practical than mine.. I was worried it wouldn’t get on my bike rack to take to the lake or I would’ve chosen that one for sure! But France… Hands down that’s the best choice:)
This is definitely my kind of salad. I might just have to copy you copying someone else now. It looks delicious. Love the pecans!
Ring ring… Ring Ring… Smidge is passing through. A basket is a must so that you can bring your yummy treats to the neighbors. What a fun post and a yummy interesting salad.
I’m in! You do the cooking though… we would not want to scare anyone with mine.
This is for sure how recipes get around.. And then someone else will copy you.. And on and on:)
I’m looking at which basket to get.. Some are wicker, but I think they’d fall apart in this rain!
Yum, this sounds delicious! I love candied pecans and feta in salad. Enjoy your new bike!
Love the bike, adore the hair, and I want to make this salad (except we don´t have pecans so will have to make do with walnuts)! And yes, imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery (as long as credit is due)
…as long as credit is given…but you knew I meant to say that
You make me want to eat salads !!!
What a perfect salad for a warm summer day like today. That looks delicious! And your bike looks like the opportunity for such wonderful, spontaneous fun…enjoy it, Smidge!
OMG I want your bike!
That grad picture – I think was the most sincerest form of flattery, hair and dress and shoes and all, and why not! Are we gonna see a picture of the bike with the basket for grocery? I hope so. It sounds good enough to want one!
Salad will be copied.
I just got my bike on Friday.. It took a while to pick out the right sized basket and attach it. Then I had to buy a lock.. Then a bell.. Hahaha.. I forgot about all of those things. Next.. It will just be groceries, but then I might need a back bumper basket:D
This salad sounds wonderful. I love the bike. Congrats!
That bike will suit black tie too *smile – really like the model. Can I replace quinoa with couscous in the salad? We don’t have quinoa in Sweden. Love everything about this salad. Especially with prawns or chicken ….
[...] on November 25, 2012, by admin in Lifestyle a. b. There’s nothing more charming than a pedal pusher. I love the banana seat bicycles [...]
sometimes there are no words… and we are struck by the harsh contrast of all that is starkly splendid and we seek solace in this place… lost in our wonders and why pleading words and if we’re quiet, in the stillness there is an answer “be of love, a little more careful than of anything”…
An absolutely exquisite post, beautiful in every detail. Happy Anniversary, Smidge and many more years of growing together, in love!! xx
Happy anniversary to you and to your friends, Smidge! The cupcakes look lovely, and the quotes are beautiful.
Happy Anniversary my friend – celebration of friends and cupcakes is unbeatable
Cheers
CCU
Lovely photos, Smidge! And the little cupcakes are exquisite, too.
Everything is so beautiful…the words, the thoughts, the photos, the cakes. Congrats to your pals! And congrats to you too presumably!
What a beautiful and loving post. Happy anniversary to you, too.
The cupcakes look so pretty.
Happy Anniversary! Lovely pictures!
Happy anniversary! How beautiful.
What a lovely post, Smidge. Happy Anniversary to your lovely friends. The cupcakes are absolutely gorgeous. Glad to see your weather has warmed enough for your beautiful blooms.
I want to wrap this post up in a big warm hug! Just gorgeous Smidge.
Happy anniversary to your friends and to you and your hubby.
Mandy
What a wonderful way to commemorate your friends’ anniversary! I hope yours was a happy one, too, Barb. Your photos are really quite beautiful, too. This is just an exceptional post.
Your photos are beautiful! Happy Anniversary to you and your friends!
Wow. That second flower image and the first one of your beautiful cupcakes just about knocked me off my chair. The icing on the cupcakes perfectly mirrors the porcelain of the dish…or at least it looks like porcelain. What a lovely post and a lovely way to celebrate an anniversary. Happy, happy to you all.
How loving and lovely! Happy anniversaries to you and to your friends. Marriage and commitment done well should always be celebrated…and the cupcakes, as gorgeous as they are, would be a great way to begin! Debra
The cupcakes look poetic and the flowers beautiful. Happy anniversaries! xo
What beautiful words – for lost words! Congrats to you all on your anniversaries!! (gorgeous cupcakes, too, m’dear!)
Happy anniversary… and what a brilliant feast!
What a wonderful tribute to your friends and celebration of your own love. Quite beautiful, Smidge. Belated anniversary wishes!
So beautiful… So romantic too… My best wishes too, Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
A touching post, and the cupcakes look divine. A lively way to celebrate your friends’ anniversary, and your own. Happy wishes!
What lovely anniversary cupcakes! Here’s to the next 22 years!
Gorgeous images.
I love that strawberry feather icing – it’s so glossy and perfectly smooth. I must try it! And what a beautiful congrats message to your friends on their anniversary! They would be so thrilled at your lovely words. xx
Beautiful Flowers and Delicious Cupcakes too – love it:) Have a Great Day!
What a beautiful post Smidge. Happy Anniversary to your friends – and to you! Our anniversary was the 24th. June weddings. Loved the quotes especially. So touching.
I need to get a lickable screen! that frosting looks amazing
Love the peonies and the iris. The quotes were so insightful + touching. You brought me peace this morning, and made my heart tender towards my own husband. Thank you.
a gorgeous dedication to love Smidge. Reading the words and enjoying the photos makes me feel all Angel and Feathery just like the icing on the cake!
Beautiful post, Smidge…thank you! x
Happy anniversary to you and your friends Smidge !
I think you are so right ‘if we are quite in the stillness there is an answer’ – thanks for reminding me. xo
Stunning flowers, stunning cupcakes. I can see where you get your inspiration from!
Gorgeous, all of it!
Thank you so much, spree:) xoxo
Thanks Sam, they’ll appreciate your wishes:)
Phil always joked that having ours the day before was a handy reminder;)
We had a lovely weekend, the sun keeps struggling to stay out.. whenever it does we all run outside to bask:)
What a great metaphor:) xx
The flowers were sooo soggy… that they ended up being very pretty when photographed. I love when something accidental like this happens:D
Woah! Now don’t go hurting yourself, lol! I hadn’t noticed, but they did have the same shine, thank you for pointing that out:)
It’s hard to believe it’s been so many years.. Dave and I were dating when our friends got married.. and *flash* here we are so much later…
Thanks, Kammie!
Thank you Courtney, I really enjoyed writing this one..
Thanks so much! I’ve been rushing about so much this June, I can’t wait now that summer’s officially started.. I get to read everyone’s blogs and write at leisure!
Thank you.. it is meant to convey a message of love and support for my friends… xoxo
Yes… many more anniversaries we hope xoxo
I hope they are, Charlie.. it is difficult to write in a more directly personal style.. you do it so naturally!
Awwww.. How many years for you? Happy Anniversary!! xoxo
Hahahaha.. Tandy, you’re onto something.. at least “scratch and sniff” would help us bloggers, wouldn’t it? Btw, I like your new “gravatar” photo!!
Isn’t it amazing how powerful it is to read each others’ words? I’m often shifted in perspective and feel so fortunate to be a part of this group… xoxo You’re welcome:)
Claire.. I suspect you’re always Angel and Feathery:)
It’s seems so for me, when I stop trying to rationalize and resolve and “fix”.. the answer just pops into my mind..
Thanks for visiting and your sweet words:D
Thank you, Korena:)
You’re so welcome, celia xxx
Thanks, Carolyn xoxo
xoxo Glad you loved it! xoxo I hope you’ve had an awesome day!
You’re so sweet, nia, thank you for visiting and always writing such positive notes for me to read, I always look forward to your words… xoxo Smidge
Thanks!
I’m sure they’ll read your comment:) Thanks!
The cake portion was quite lovely and the icing was a nice texture.. just a little sticky.. xoxo Smidge
Well… the addition of chocolate might have been nice as well;)
So glad you’ve stopped by and enjoyed!!
Thanks so much! xxxooo
It was such a sopping wet, drizzly day.. I’m glad they worked!
Gorgeous! Happy Anniversary. Rx
Beautiful, all of it!
What a sweet, sweet post. Pun intended of course. The strawberry cupcake looks so ethereal and are simply romantic. Your friends are lucky.
Thanks for a timely reminder and a sumptuous recipe, Smidge…
I love the strawberry icing, it looks yummy! Beautiful pictures.
I’m definitely lost in words!
“…and if we’re quiet, in the stillness there is an answer”
beautiful Smidge, just beautiful.
Exquisite. An extraordinary love letter, with the delicious addition of those enticing cupcakes! I think the combination of strawberry and almond would be almost too perfect to take in these treats. *Almost*.
xo
Beautiful post.
Truly beautiful, those flowers are heavenly and your cupcakes and the giddy icing, always a weakness of mine.
Beautiful floral photos. I’m into the gardening thing so I like those. As for the cupcakes, your cooking always makes me hungry – looks so good. Wish you live nearby! Jack
This is so beautiful … love the combination with cakes and flowers – you should work as food stylist.
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Wishing you much love for a very happy birthday today Smidge. May your day be filled with all the love and joy which you so richly deserve and may your year ahead be a wonderful one.
Mandy xo
You are a very special friend to have sharing such wonderful birthday cake surprises! Your cake is exquisite!
That is such an elegant cake! Wow, you are so talented.
I hope you have a very happy birthday.
just lovely…..like lace.
Happy Birthday, Barb !!!
…despite the obvious calories, I will try this cake. It looks great !!!!!!!!!
Paul
Sending you birthday wishes, Smidge!! I hope you have a lovely day today. Such beautiful, ethereal photos of your cake. I do love your cake plate too…
Happy Birthday Smidge. What a glorious cake!
This cake was for a dear friend.. my cake hasn’t been made yet.. still deciding:D
What beautiful birthday wishes, Mandy, thanks so much xo
Thanks! xx
Calories? I’m sure there are none in a birthday cake, lol!
Thanks, Allison:) That plate was at Home Sense here.. it’s a discount outlet for interior decor. It was a great find for sure. xx
Thank you.. it’s always great having a birthday:)
Sorry I’ve been an absent friend of late. Nice to see you haven’t lsot your touch! Delicious post, young lady!
Happy Birthday! hope is a fantastic year ahead in your life!
Look at that!! How beautiful, Smidge!! Something tells me one of your birthday presents was being able to make and give away a cake like this
It’s an artful masterpiece! I love your talents…there are many.
Happy, happy birthday Barb! I hope your day is everything you want it to be and that you have so much fun. Cheers! xoxo
Barbara, this .. is priceless – and even if I’m not a fan of icing … love the cream filling in the middle – so beautiful like everything else in your “sweetie shop” – what a cake … I would die if I got a cake like that on my birthday – I would save it and just look at it .. and the Tiffany box I love to have too. Was it your birthday – that I missed completely, I read it was your daughters best friends mum .. how stupid can I be.
Happy tomorrow .. and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and … and as we say in Sweden, GRATTIS!
Haha, you know me too well.. You’re absolutely right, Sarah:D xx
It was my friend’s birthday party.. And mine is today:D You are priceless, Viveka! xx
Happy Birthday!
I absolutely love those cake pans!
And the recipe for the filling looks delicious.
AHH I love the heart in that cake!! BEAUTIFUL job!! And a little blue box!? OHH what a good birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO!
This happens to me every time I show up here and see one of your Creations! My eyes pop wide and my head won’t stop rocking back and forth!
They might have a name for this condition, I’m not sure? But I think I might have heard the term Smidgeon-Syndrome and I think I must have it! Absolutely wonderful, Smidge!! Spectacular!! Have a wonderful birthday celebration, Barb and a year to follow of Life’s many good things!! love, spree
I should not follow your blog while on diet
That looks so elegant and yummy!
Happy Birthday:) What a STUNNING Cake – love the ruffled frosting!!! Happy Thursday
Happy, happy, happy birthday to you (all the best gals are born at the end of January!). That is an incredible cake and what a funky mould – have never seen one like that. A work of art, do hope you get something beautiful too
I think I would be baking many cakes if I had that pretty cake stand at the ready in my butler’s pantry!
I’ll look for that post too!
That cake looks amazing!
Happy Birthday Smidge
This is truly a sight to behold. What a gorgeous cake and a beautiful way to surprise someone on her birthday.
A very happy birthday my friend, you deserve this incredibly elegant cake
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
So I didn’t miss anything … great. I hope you had a fantastic day … and you got some nice small boxes too.
Just made your orange cake .. I think I got the measures all mixed up. It came out okay, but very sweet. I halved the recipe. This with cup and ml .. cup and grams .. get different measures depending on witch converter online I use.
It looks so perfect and fairytale-like!
Wow that is such a cool cake tin! Love the cake, just beautiful and so delicate looking.
Happy Birthday.
This. Is. A. Piece. Of. Art. Do you hear me? This is not baking, this is taking it to a whole new level where it should be in an art gallery if it wasn’t making me drool so much. The cut cake is just so amazing with the bright red cake and filling. And happy birthday smidge! I hope you get spoilt.
Happy Birthday dear Barbara, the photographs are so beautiful as always. And yes, how delicious, I am sure! Thank you, love, nia
Your cake looks divine! Wow! And a feast for the eyes!
You make the best cakes, Smidge. What a beautiful gift for your friends. They must have been blown away. How gorgeous. And I just love the heart centre xx
Happy Birthday! Your cake is just lovely! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday Smidge! (Shengri Kuai Le! ) May your day be filled with funs surprises just like your beautiful red velvet cake. Take care, BAM
Birthday blessings Smidge
Barbara, your baking prowess never ceases to amaze me, not to mention make me hungry when I wasn’t before I read your post. Beautiful cake beautifully captured by your photos. You have such a feel for flavor profile coupled with impeccable technique. I’m sure your dear friend was pleasantly surprised by such a delightful, elegant treat from such a special and talented friend. As for your own birthday, I hope you had a very Happy 39th Birthday and wish you many more 39th birthdays for years and years to come.
Whoever said “Life’s too short to stuff a mushroom” had never visited your kitchen! Fantastic cakes. Have a very birthday and maybe a rest from cake making:)
My being behind in y blogging duties has come with a price, I missed your birthday. So sorry, barb, and I hope you accept my belated birthday wishes. I hope it was a wonderful day filled with the people and things you hold most dear.
Now, about this cake. WOW! “Surprise!” is right. The frosting alone made that cake exceptional. That heart inside was something else! I’m almost sorry to learn how you did it. I’d prefer to continue to believe that you’ve a magic wand that wave around the kitchen when you “bake” cakes. Or did you use your wand to make those cake pans just to throw us off the trail? Hmmm …
Happy belated birthday, Barbara, cannot wait to see the “cakelet” your daughter make for you, I am sure it is as gorgeous as yours. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
What a stunningly beautiful cake you made for your friend.The surprise photo said it all.
YUM! never thought I would crave cake at 6am but this is doing it for me! Happy belated birthday!! xx
Ahhh how lovely!! What a beautiful idea.
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear, sweet Barbara, Happy birthday to you!
I’m not a big red velvet fan (I just don’t get it) but I would certainly drive into this gorgeous cake, without prejudice! I love those blue boxes too, I received one for Christmas and what a lovely surprise it was!
Just have to say that I just saw your “interview with Cheri Lucas” (She’s the one who found my blog for the Freshly Pressed award) and how totally wonderful that she chose yours to feature for that informative page! Congrats!
You blog has been gorgeous from the start and it’s lovely that it’s recognized as such! OH, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What a simply stunning cake!
Beautiful! Happy Birthday!!
I knew that as soon as I saw it that I would welcome
a very large slice, and wow it certainly looks delicious
My daughters birthday is Feb 18th and mine is the 26th. Im going to Mexico a few days after my birthday and I think the 10 pounds I will most likely gain after eating this cake will be well worth it….doubt I will run into anyone I know sunbathing in Mexico anyways.
You are the best. seriously girl. <3
haha dont know why that went under someone else’s comment..oh well
Happy Birthday! This cake looks heavenly. Your cakes are exquisite and masterpieces. I love that inside surprise too
Hope your birthday was absolutely heavenly, my angel! xoxo, Kathryn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMIDGE!!!!!! Enjoy your fabulous weekend away
This cake looks absolutely lovely, especially those little stars. Thank you for such a fun recipe!! xx
Nicely done! I love the middle part as well, its a nice surprise
Love your heart cake pan ! Can one buy it in Calgary? I love stopping by your website and love your blog and your recipes!
Thanks so much.. Michael’s Craft Store has them:) xxx
Sent from my iPhone
How special! How lovely! Happy belated birthday, Smidge…I hope your day was filled with much joy and some sweet surprises too.
You are the ultimate cake maker LOL. Seriously, you always seem to make a cake that i want to make right away knowing it will not look anything like you made it. But I will try lol. Love this
Beautiful and the fact that you have the palest of blush color as the center flower makes it spectacular. I love the subtleties and then bam, that wonderful inside when you slide right through! Happy Birthday!
That looks so perfect Barbara. I’ll bet your friend was very happy. What an amazing cake to surprise her with!
And Happy Birthday to you too dear lady, I hope you had a wonderful day.
xx
One more little happy birthday from the blogger catching up… beautiful and delicate, this cake you made- a true celebration of friendship. xo… wendy
Enchantingly lovely … I aspire to make cakes like yours. Happy belated birthday! I’ve been behind on my reading lately, and look what I’ve been missing! Ah well, I always say the belated greetings just keep the party going
that is beautiful!
Happy, Happy Belated Birthday Barbara! I hope your day was amazing and filled with lots of love and laughter. Your cake is exquisite. I adore that cool pan that makes the heart filling. You have a very lucky friend to receive such a delicious surprise. Take care.
Thanks, Geni! It was a lovely birthday, I’m a lucky gal to have her as my friend:) xx
Oh, Barbara, that is just stunning! Exquisite work!
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