It’s December!!! You know what that means? Time to get out the wrapping paper and ribbon, find that funny or sweet card because…. IT’S BIRTHDAY SEASON (part 2. part 1 is October). I hear there’s this other “holiday” around December 25th, but it isn’t nearly as wonderful as 3 birthdays!!

First up is my long-standing tradition of cake baking for my dad’s birthday. This year, guiness cake with chocolate frosting. I had a little too much fun making fondant leaves. *grin* Fall theme in December? That’s normal, right?

Next, but really at the same time, is my nephew’s cake. He’s a SF Giant’s fan, so I made a chocolate fondant jersey with his name and age on it. Added a “Go Giants” on the side because I wasn’t convinced the cake was properly Giants themed otherwise. This was a “kids cake” so no alcohol involved, but I figured kids love pancakes… so it’s a maple flavored cake (tastes like a pancake with syrup on it) and chocolate frosting.

Last, only because his birthday is after the other two, is my brother-in-law. He’s a quiet guy who never asks for a thing, and avoids the spotlight at all cost. Which of course, is why I couldn’t pass up the chance to make him a cake! It’s a “hot damn” carrot cake with bailey’s cream cheese frosting. (Hot Damn is a cinnamon flavored… liquor?.. schnapps ? … just call it an alcoholic liquid.) Inspired by the “carrot cake” drink, although unlike the drink mine contained carrots.