Saturday, June 25, 2011

Zak Zak turns one

I can't believe its been a whole year since little Zak-zak was born. (See his strange birth story here) It has been a fantastic year. We have so enjoyed the newest member of our family. Even Joe loves him to smithereens, which I was quite surprised about. I thought as a little 4 year old he probably wouldn't be that interested in him. He adds a whole new dynamtic to the family. Essentially he has been a good baby, eating and sleeping when he should. I love that first year when they are babies. As a mum, I like that they just so darn cute and mostly compliant before the horrid toddler years. I love his strawberry blond hair and deep blue eyes. He is fearless, social and rearing to catch up to his older siblings. I look forward to seeing him grow and wonder at what surprises I will be in for.
We celebrated his birthday today with our imediate family. He had a good morning nap and so was in a great mood for the family gathering. I spent most of the morning on my VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR CAKE. Getting the colours of the butter icing right seemed to be a real trick. But heres how it turned out.
Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake
I used a round silcone "bundt" cake mould for the chocolate cake and cut into bits to make the shape of the caterpillar. I also made another cake in a loaf tin to make up the head and tail. I was trying to get the greens right like on the book, but I just didn't have the right shade of yellow. It came out more orange than yellow. I found the fruit lollies at the supermarket and had a great idea to include them around the cake plate, incorporating the foods that the hungry caterpillar eats. Hersheys kisses made for great feet. I had fun whipping up some yummy finger foods for our lunch and trying out some new recipes. I tried making some mushroom filled Vol au vants. The cases I made out of pre rolled puff pastry. I also wanted to try mini chorizo quiches...which turned out delicious.


Happy Birthday Little man!


12 comments:

Happy painter said...

His cake looks just like the picture book and tasted good too, Clever Mumma.
Very right for a little man who used to get round the floor just like a caterpillar and a very hungry one he was today. He certainly apreciated a lot of his birthday food, Happy birthday Zak.

PaisleyJade said...

Happy Birthday wee Zak-zak! Can't belive how fast this year has gone. Jackie - you are seriously becoming the cake making queen! Love the cake as well as the delicious spread you whipped up.

Our Whanau said...

That is an exceptionally awesome cake. I LOVE IT!!!! Happy birthday Zac!

Lyns said...

What a cutie!! Cool cake. Happy Birthday Zak x

Sima J said...

SOSOOSOOOO cool cake!! I am in love with it :-) I don't know what you're talking about it not coming out the right colour .. that was the first thing I thought when I saw it - "how the heck did she get those colours SO good!!" ;-) Well done you - what an awesome mummy :-)

Elizabeth said...

WOW - that cake looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Jaz from Treacy Family said...

I love that cake, well done. It's neat seeing the cakes other mums create!!
I really love that photo of you and Zak. You look happy, tired and blissfully happy all at once!!

Katie said...

Happy Birthday to the wee man :-) That cake looks awesome and the rest of the food looks yummy too!

dearfutureme... said...

Wicked cake Jacksta! Love it! You're a baking queen!

Weza said...

Fabulous cake! Happy birthday Zak Zak. xxx

jacksta said...

Thanks for the feedback about the cake girls!

Johnny said...

Oh Jacksta that's awesome! What an excellent job you did. I love the lollies around the edge as an extra touch too.
Happy Birthday to your wee man. xxx