Birthday beauties

Birthday cakes are an integral part of birthday celebrations. No matter what age one is, the thrill of blowing out the candles and saying hello to another year brings with it a sense of excitement and possibilities. I like to write names and ages on cakes, an edible birthday card of sorts – although decorum normally dictates that 21 is the official cut-off point for age for that, until the bigger milestones arrive.

Baked Alaska, for me, represents a little bit of magic. I was bewitched the first time I saw this incredible vision appearing from the oven. A culinary contradiction with its warm golden meringue exterior and ice cream centre.

It ticks all the boxes for a child’s birthday cake – it’s impressive, it includes ice cream and has lots of gooey marshmallow. As the hidden frozen centre is the major player in this showstopper, the quality of the ice cream used is of vital importance. My boys’ favourite combination is chocolate ice cream layered with mint, while mine is chocolate and raspberry.