Alison's Best Birthday Cake

That said, you will need energy like Alison's to make this cake. A rich tower of eggs, butter, and milk takes time. It's not difficult, per se (that is, not if you have an electric mixer - and am I the only person who doesn't?), it's just time-intensive. In other words, if you make this cake for someone, you are saying loud and clear that you love them so much you'd rather turn on the oven than lay by the pool. And isn't that the message the best birthday cake should send?

For my birthday this year, Alison made me this cake, covered with lavender icing and fresh pansies, and transported it via public transportation to my party. I felt honored to have such a cake. It was as good as my 6th birthday when I woke up from a nap at Disneyworld to a carrot cake from my parents, or when my friend Katie carried a surprise homemade chocolate dream to the dinner table when I turned 22. The best presents are the ones that take your breath away - not because of their gorgeousness or extravagance - but when you can sense that someone is handing over so much more than the gift itself.

Cake
1 cup butter at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs at room temperature
1.5 cups self rising flour
1.25 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
Add eggs one by one
Combine flours and add to mixture in equal parts
Add vanilla

Icing
1 cup butter at room temperature
8 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Add confectioners sugar to butter gradually, mixing in milk and vanilla intermittently (to keep consistency moist). Beat to desired consistency. Divide and add coloring.

Convert measurements here!