Strawberry Shortcake & A Surprise Birthday for Vicki!

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We had a great time last night at Bucci's in Emeryville celebrating my mother in law Vicki's Birthday.  Jim (my father in law) did a great planning and keeping it a surprise for Vicki.  She was genuinely surprised to see us (and someone's back that looked just like Madie from outside the restaurant!).  I made the birthday cake, which was basically a stawberry shortcake.  I use the Hot Milk Cake recipe (from the Miette Cookbook that my neighbor Lorena gave me!), Whipped Cream, and Fresh Strawberries.  I covered the outside with Salted Caramel Buttercream...which was a lucky leftover that worked out well.  I figured if anyone would like to experiment with flavor combinations, it would be Vicki.  I think it was a good combo, actually.  The dinner was so good, though, that we barely made a dent in this cake.  (Especially the slow dough pizza with house-made fennel sausage!)  Ok, we finished the top tier.  Not too shabby.  Happy 65th, Vicki!!  You looked radiant & I hope you had as much fun as we all did!!  <3 xoxo

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