Back in the day

 

our Mama would make our birthdays special 

with a chocolate cake 

[I'm sure it was a mix, because the only cake 

I ever really knew her to bake from scratch was that coconut 

one with the syrup poured over it - oh my! But, I digress...]

with seven minute frosting

[Here's Paula Deen's recipe, 

and I'm pretty sure she got it from our Mama. ha]

It always seems like A LOT OF TROUBLE. 

And it was only made for for special occasions, 

like our birthdays...

Somehow, a few months back we were all reminiscing and talking about childhood memories and the topic of our traditional birthday cake came up. 

 And I remembered that the frosting for Craig's favorite cake of all time [Tres Leches] 

was almost identical [and oh, so much easier to make!] 

So I whipped one up for my sweet sister in law's birthday back in January... 

[A chocolate cake from a mix 

and the delicious frosting I'm going to share with you today -]

Brother RAVED about how it took him right back to childhood...

And dare I share this? 

I got a photo [texted] of it before I could even get out of town 

and ALL the frosting had been eaten off the top. Ha. 

So, I knew I'd make one for his birthday as well -- 

 

Only the boys in my house had the grand idea to hollow out the middle of the cake and FILL it with this wonderful frosting. So I did. ha.

[And yes, I continue to use out-dated paper plates...it's not Thanksgiving y'all. 

Although - I am thankful for my brother.]  

So here's my 'Seven Minute' Frosting recipe 

[or marshmallow frosting as my boys call it - ] 

 Bring 1 cup sugar and 1/2 water to a boil in a saucepan.

 Meanwhile, beat three egg whites until stiff peaks form -

 Check the syrup, and boil to soft-ball stage - 

It's right there on the candy thermometer -

NO STIRRING.

 When it's there, simply pour it into the egg whites while they continue to beat.

[I actually turned my egg whites off while waiting on the syrup to cook - 

Then turned them back on to beat it all together -] 

Continue beating until cool - 

Disclaimer: this is actually a double recipe so I'd have plenty for filling, 

your bowl may not be this full - and this recipe makes PLENTY for a regular two layer cake -

Then frost your cake.

I ended up having to cut a little 'lid' for the top because it all just kept sinking in...

 

I was able to meet brother for lunch on his big day 
[something we aren't' always able to do since we all live in differnet cities] 
He loved the cake....

But then saw the inside 
and realized he had a REAL treat.

And I've gotta say - it WAS delicious.

Good thing I sent it home with them to enjoy!
Have I started a new tradition?

Or brought back an old one?

Either way - it's fun to have a little bit of childhood on our birthdays, isn't it?

Oh, one other thing - don't make this on a rainy day - 

It just won't 'set' right, or might be grainy, etc.  

Enjoy!