The magic of a box.

Tied up with simple string, a simple box holds the most fabulous treats.

There’s something about a box of baked goods. There just is. The second you see that white box tied with a string, there’s the leap of anticipation, the curiosity about the contents, and often, a gathering of happy people about the box. Boxes of baked goods are just special somehow.

Today I had the privilege of working on two cakes, both of which were on missions of happiness. And indeed, when the lemon cake came out of the oven, then the Pumpkin Spiced cakes shortly thereafter, the kitchen was permeated with floral lemon notes, freshly ground nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, that sweet comforting scent of warm cake . . . all of which combined to create the scent of happiness.

Spiced pumpkin cakes cooling on the counter.

The Pumpkin Spiced Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted, Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds is bound for a team of nurses caring for a friend’s mom who is recuperating from surgery. Such a lovely gesture, isn’t it? Not many of us think to care for the care takers when they are watching over our loved ones, but if you knew Heather, then it wouldn’t surprise you in the least that she would think to do this. Thinking about other people’s needs is just how Heather rolls. Hopefully, the Pumpkin Spiced Cake will sustain and nourish them through their long working hours as they sustain and nourish those in their care.

 

 

Lemon buttercream, lemon syrup soaked lemon cake, and lemon cream filling make this a perfectly sweet birthday cake.

The Lemon Cake is bound for a birthday girl. A lovely, smart, brave, and kind girl who is turning 15 today and who, according to her mom, is a “fool for lemon”. Which I totally get. Frankly, I am a fool for lemon too. Specifically, lemon curd, but if you’ve been reading, you already know that. The pearls around the edges represent innocence and grace, and everyone should get roses for their birthday.

Not a bad way to spend the day–creating little emmissaries of happiness, a pair of cakes that will go off into the world to celebrate, to comfort, to appreciate, and to bring people together over a wonderful treat that comes in a special white box, tied with a string. Because where there is cake, there is community.