Early in September, I began preparing for a special cake. In their retirement, my parents have enjoyed growing veggies in their garden at our cottage. My mother in particular is obsessed with her pumpkins and I receive regular updates on their progress throughout summer. Much of her flower garden is bordered with flat rocks that my father has collected and relocated for her. And one of the ongoing jokes regarding our cottage is that my father seems to always be building sheds (last count there were 3). So, it seemed like a Peter Rabbit cake with a small shed would be the perfect way to celebrate them.
Over several nights in mid-September, I made fondant pumpkins, carrots, beets, and rabbits. I also made a trip to Bulk Barn to purchase chocolate rocks. I got a cake box at Michaels so that I could easily transport the finished product. I assembled everything I'd need to make the cake once I arrived in Newfoundland. I also gave my sister a list of ingredients that she would have to pick up for me (like icing sugar and graham crackers). She made sure everything was ready for my arrival.
I traveled on the ferry on a Wednesday night, arriving on the Thursday morning before the long weekend. On Friday, my parents left for the cottage and did just about everything in their power to get me to go with them (or to get me to let them stay home with me) because my sister had gone to St. John's for the day. I insisted they go without me because I had plans with my sister that night. Little did they know the plan was for their anniversary cake.
As soon as their vehicle disappeared up the road, I leaped into action. I took over my sister's kitchen, baked a cake, and made icing. I also assembled the graham crackers into a shed. About 7 hours later, the cake was finished.
My sister arrived home around 7pm. She was disappointed that she hadn't been able to contribute to the decorating of the cake, but she did pick up a LEGO quad that she assembled. We would place it alongside the cake -- after all, the most recent shed was being built to house a quad.
The next day, when my sister and I arrived at the cottage for an anniversary BBQ that we had planned, my parents were shocked to see the cake. I'm not sure why they didn't put things together and figure out that I, a baker, would make them a special dessert for their anniversary, but it just didn't cross their minds. The loved all of the details and there was no explanation necessary for the rocks or the shed.
The best part of all was when my father looked at me and told me that I could sell cakes for living if I wanted to one day. I felt very proud.
