My mother-in-law started the ‘birthdays’ tradition many years ago as ‘her boys’ were all born within weeks of each other but years apart.
The tradition started when the boys (including my husband) were young but carried forward as they grew into teenagers then young adults. It was always a family affair, probably born out of the necessity to celebrate once rather than three times in two weeks. The ‘birthdays’ were casual but never forgotten and always included the ‘favorite’ dessert of one of the boys each year. To this day they have conflicting views of favorite desserts. Lightning Cake for Ted, Upside-down Pineapple Cake for Scott (he says no) and I can’t recall or even know what Paul’s was.
I have tried to recreate Lightning Cake for family get-togethers in the past. Each of us has a different recollection, maybe influenced by the flavors we like best. I still believe that chocolate played a role (I like chocolate) but Ted says no, no chocolate.
Things change, families grow, we all live different lives, but a tradition should be honored, and it always feels good when we all get together, not to mention the recounting of the recollections of the previous year’s get togethers.
The ‘boys’ have all grown up but have not slowed down. RV enthusiasts, mountain climbing adventurers, avid golfers and fitness enthusiasts.
The grandchildren have all grown up too and are spread throughout the world pursuing their own version of life. Vloggers, engineers, marketing executives, wellness and healing instructors, each with their own lifestyle and lifestyle choices.
We hosted the birthdays last year, look forward to going to one this year. This is the menu from last year.
Appettizers
Charcuterie Board
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”34863″ name=”An Italian Charcuterie Board” summary=”
Full of wonderful cold cuts, cheeses and spicy savory bites, all from your deli counter.
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Bits and Bites
Main
Easy Roast Chicken
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”33666″ name=”Easy Roast Chicken” summary=”
Easy Roast Chicken is perfect for a gathering. I just seasoned it with a homemade blend of spices and a good amount of salt, placed it on a rack and let it roast. I basted the chicken 2 or 3 times while it was roasting just to make sure that it stayed juicy and delicious.
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St. Louis BBQ Ribs
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”33302″ name=”St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs” summary=”
I just used a dry spice rub, then slow roasted and served plain, no barbecue sauce. A side of store bough Mac & Cheese and a Romaine and Bell Pepper Salad and it was perfect.
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Mac and Cheese
Romaine and Bell Pepper Salad
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”34586″ name=”Romaine and Bell Pepper Salad” summary=”
It takes minutes make and it’s usually the first to be eaten as once you taste it, you just can’t stop eating until you finish.
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Dessert
Vanilla Custard Cream Cake
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”37104″ name=”Vanilla Custard Cream Cake” summary=”
A creamy sweet delight with meringue on top.
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