Birthday Cake

Tyler has helped me with baking projects lots of times over the years, but today she made her first cake all by herself.  Auntie Kim had prepared the frosting in advance, but the cake and assembly was all Tyler.  The recipe was the America's Test Kitchen (ATK) German Chocolate Cake.  In typical ATK fashion, this recipe has lots of ingredients and steps in the directions.  As you can see from the videos and photos, the cake turned out perfectly and Phil was honored to be the recipient of Ty's first baking masterpiece!

Surprise Breakfast

We were enjoying a nice morning out on the patio when Ty excused herself and went into the house.  She came out about 15 minutes later, breakfast in hand.  She whipped up the most delicious breakfast sandwich, complete with perfectly cooked eggs and fried (reduced fat) salami, on a nicely toasted kaiser roll, served with a side of sautéed fresh pear.  Incredibly good.  

And to top it off, after we finished eating, she cleared the plates, took them in the house, and completely cleaned the kitchen - even the stove.  She's always had a serious interest in cooking, but has now taken it to the next level; creating and executing, and cleaning up after herself, completely on her own.  I'm one proud mom!

Kale snack

We went to the grocery this morning and Ty insisted we get some kale to make for lunch.  While I was working on a project on my computer, she went into the kitchen and whipped up a little "kale snack" for herself.  I tried it - it's yummy!  Can't wait until she makes it for us for lunch!