Birthday cake

I made a birthday cake for Eri this past weekend. I love cooking in a foreign (i.e. not my) kitchen because it makes me think about tools and ingredients differently. Using measuring cups or an oven I'm not used to makes me re-evaluate my own tools. And things like vanilla or flour that aren't the style I use make me think about food chemistry. Do I need to change a recipe to make it work well or not?

On a side note, I spoke with a producer at The Food Network a little while ago, through various contacts, about the show Grill It! with Bobby Flay, to be on an episode. We spent the weekend filming my audition tape as well. To keep yourself entertained until I post my audition tape, please look at my competition.  

Photo courtesey of Erin.