The Weekender: Happy Birthday Edition

This Wednesday marked the 19th year since your Smart Cookie Cook was born. I promised you photos, and those you shall get. But first, we must review all of the delectable dishes from this week. I wouldn’t want you to miss a single bite!

Let’s review, shall we?

1. Video: When People Find Out I Have a Food Blog
This video is a can’t-miss. I talk about the various reactions & questions I get when people find out I have a food blog.

2. Oreo-Stuffed Funfetti Cupcakes with Cookies & Cream Buttercream
A heavenly hybrid: cookies & cream meets funfetti (plus they’re stuffed with whole Oreos!).3. Birthday Bash Recipe Round-Up
It was my birthday this Wednesday, and yet I gave a present to you! This is the ultimate collection of party-ready recipes.

4. Instant Chicken Enchilada Bake
The 3rd installment of my Smart Cookie College Cuisine series.5. Homemade Brown Sugar Graham Crackers
You will never, ever eat store-bought again.

Now that you’re well fed, we’re ready to proceed to the birthday party! I had a wonderful (and delicious) birthday, complete with my two favorite things in the world: family and food. I really couldn’t have asked for a better day, except perhaps to have been able to share it with all of you. Even though you couldn’t literally join me for a slice of cake, I figured I might as well bring the cake to you!

Wait…not that cake.

There we go!

It’s marble cake with whipped cream filling and the most incredible fudge frosting. I died at the first bite. The only thing wrong with it is that it existed, and it stared at me from its place in the fridge saying, “Eat me, Colleen. It’s your birthday week; you deserve it. Just a bite…” So, I’d like to thank Holland Farms Bakery for making this amazing cake, and also for adding several pounds to my waistline. If you’ve never tried Holland Farms in Yorkville, NY, then you are missing out. Everything they churn out is fresh, homemade, and delicious. Don’t liver nearby? Don’t worry! They ship their half-moon cookies all across the country. And if you’re unfamiliar, the half-moon cookie, also known as a black and white cookie, is the most amazing cookie ever. Period.

Okay, so now that we’ve had our cake, we can have dinner. Wait, is that backwards? Doesn’t matter; it’s my birthday, and I’ll do what I want! I had a delicious, calorific meal at the Cheesecake Factory, which is one of my favorite chain-restaurants. I’ll have a full review for you coming next week!

Now, I know you’re dying to hear about my presents. I got a smorgasbord of culinary goodies like a pizza stone, a new Fall-themed apron, a Snow White spatula, and these adorable owl measuring cups!

Before I go, allow me to give you a taste of what’s coming next week. We’ve got a brand new video plus a copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s to-die-for Fettuccine Alfredo. Although, I wouldn’t call this a copy-cat, because it’s not exactly like the original. It’s better!