CAKE!

There aren't many reasons to bake a cake with multiple layers and a three page recipe on a 90 degree day in an apartment without A/C. However, there are some traditions that can beat the heat.

Ali and I had originally planned to get together in May to celebrate our shared birthday but the best laid plans don't always work out. Between Ali's recent trip to Spain and my exam schedule, yesterday afternoon was the first date that worked for both of us. And of course, no birthday celebration is complete without candles. Ali and I decided to bake a cake called "Berry Surprise" because our kitchen escapades are always full of mishaps and surprises.For example, this cake wasn't supposed to be a layer cake but it was only half an inch high when we took it out of the oven which made it challenging to hollow out half an inch to make room for the filling. Believe it or not, it was still delicious. Just ask my roomie.

When we finished baking the "Berry Surprise, " the fans she bought us in Spain did not keep us cool in the apartment which had also been baking at 350 degrees. We walked to Spot Coffee for iced beverages because it was cooler outside than it was in her apartment. Upon our return, we discovered that my car was parked in the middle of a parade route and we watched the festivities from Ali's bedroom window:

When the parade was over we decided to watch Labyrinth, an old 80's classic, while we sat down to enjoy our goat cheese salad and vegetarian twice baked potatoes. We had a great afternoon and are looking forward to choosing another recipe with lots of ingredients and multiple steps for our next kitchen adventure.