I know there are some people who dread their birthdays because it’s proof that they’re growing another year older. Then there are others who downplay the day – don’t want any fuss. Neither of these descriptions fit me. I love the anticipation – wondering what presents may arrive, reading sweet cards, and reflecting over a flood of Facebook messages. In a busy world, it’s easy to let events pass by without much notice. That’s why I appreciate birthdays and holidays. They are scheduled events that force us to take a little time to sit and breathe in a bit of happiness that we are alive, and that we’ve gotten to appreciate another year.
As you may have guessed from this lead in, I recently celebrated my birthday, and was joined by several family members for a day of sweet treats and a hike by the lake. My pre-teen niece even surprised me with a creation of her own – homemade Oreo’s from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar. She is a consummate baker, and last fall we were talking about her penchant for cookie-making. She was asking about the differences between making vegan cookies and the kinds she typically makes with animal products. An idea was born, and in addition to the other things I’d already planned on getting her, Isa & Terry’s adorable book of vegan cookies found its way under the tree with a bow and a nametag with her name on it.
On my birthday she told me about her favorites from the book (Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows top the list), and she graced me with these chocolate sandwich cookies, which are reminiscent of devil’s food cake and filled with vanilla cream. That she went out of her way to surprise me with vegan cookies (and mighty delicious ones at that!) was a highlight of the day.
In lieu of traditional birthday cake, I couldn’t let summer’s berries get away without using them to make the strawberry shortcake from Spork-Fed. The only work that has to be done in advance is letting a can of full-fat coconut milk partially-solidify in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, the cream is taken from the top and the liquid underneath is thrown away. The shortcake came together fairly quickly with my dad on strawberry slicing duty, my niece whipping the coconut cream, and me cutting biscuits. The shortcake is wonderfully light and sweet, with tones of lemon underneath. It’s amazing that something as simple as coconut milk, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla extract can make such a decadent whipped cream. The only changes I’ll make next time are reducing the salt in the biscuits and whipped cream and slicing each biscuit in half through the middle for a stacked presentation with coconut cream and strawberries in the center.
Jenny Engel & Heather Goldberg have the recipe for Strawberry Shortcakes with a Coconut Whipped Cream Topping here on their website. Check it out before berry season is over! (To read about more of my favorites from Spork-Fed, check out this post.)
After celebrating over sweets, cards, and presents, it was time to pack for a weekend getaway. More to come…
Disclosure: The links to cookbooks are connected to my Amazon Affiliate program. When you buy products through my site, I make a few cents.
What an awesome b’day surprise! and that strawberry shortcake looks delish. I just got a bunch of almost overripe strawberries from Whole Foods the other day — Perfect time to try out that spork foods recipe.
I know! It was so sweet of my niece. I was really touched!
Definitely check out the shortcake recipe. It has three separate components (whipped cream, shortcake, and sugared strawberries), but it all comes together pretty quickly and easily. With super ripe strawberries, it should be especially good!
I saw your little note to Spork Foods on FB last week, and I was hoping you were making this for your birthday (and that you would share it)! It looks so dreamy! I love that your niece made you vegan oreos too- what a sweetheart! It certainly looks like your sweet tooth was catered to on your birthday, just as it should be.
My sweet tooth was definitely catered to on my birthday! No doubt about it. Then I went away for the weekend and my fried tooth was catered to. Now I’m back to catering my kale tooth! (That one is an unsightly green, but it keeps me healthy.)
The Spork girls were so quick and helpful when I posted a question on FB about if the separate components would keep okay being made ahead of time. (They said that they would.) It ended up being a moot point, because I didn’t get everything done before my guests arrived. Luckily my guests were happy to help!
My niece is a blessing in every way.
I tend to downplay my birthday, but i like your view on how it’s a good way to slow down and take time to appreciate another year.
The shortcake looks yum!!
I figure, if we can’t celebrate our own birthdays, what day can we celebrate?
The shortcake was super yum! I look forward to making it again!
Ooohhh Happy Birthday Cadry! I like to keep mine low key but I like the points you have raised, I’ll have to re-read your post when my next one is approaching! That is so sweet of your niece, what a lovely gesture.
Yes, it was a lovely gesture, indeed! As you know, it’s not often that non-vegans go out of their way to make vegan desserts. She knows how to make someone feel special!
As soon as I saw the oreo cakes, my stomach started growling. That I haven’t had lunch yet had something to do with it, but STILL. They look so scrumptious.
I have tended to be one of those people who kind of ignores their own birthday. But I love the way you worded your approach and your whole attitude about it! I’m already looking towards my next birthday with new eyes.
That’s why I love following others’ blogs. It can really shift your own thinking and get you out of ruts you didn’t even realize you were in.
Thanks, Cadry, and Happy Birthday!
~Katrina
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Katrina! I’m glad you’re thinking about your next birthday with new eyes. After all, you’re definitely worth celebrating!
Looking at those homemade Oreo’s makes me hungry too. I can’t wait to see what she surprises me with next time!
What an thoughtful and talented niece! The Oreos look mighty tempting, as does the strawberry shortcake. I’m glad you had a wonderful birthday celebration with your family!
Thank you! I think she’s pretty wonderful too!
I’m with you – I’ll take any opportunity to celebrate. Life is too short to ignore birthdays!!! I’m glad your family and friends know that there is no better way to feel loved then to have someone make something with their own hands just for you. Happy Day Cadry!
I love that quote! “Life is too short to ignore birthdays!!!” Amen, sister! There are no sweeter gifts than those made by the hands of someone you love.
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
how sweet is your niece! those oreos look amazing and so do the shortcakes! Happy Belated Birthday!!
I think my birthday is more stressfull for hubbs than me.. like he wouldnt know what to gift or something and eventually a few days before his bday( mine is just 5 days later), we will decide if we are gifting this year or not.:))
Thanks for the birthday wishes! It sounds like you should start making wish lists on Amazon or Etsy or online at your favorite stores. That way your husband can just peruse your list for something he’s sure that you want.
I love my birthday, too, and I’m very pouty when people don’t make as big of a deal out of it as I want them to.
And it was in July, too! Happy belated birthday! (About your other posts) I’ve been to KC many times, but I’ve never gotten to eat vegan there. Hopefully next time.
Happy belated birthday to you as well! There’s a lot of wonderful vegan food to be had in Kansas City. I hope you’re able to try it the next time you’re there.