We were in California last week, where Jaithan's mother Rani celebrated a birthday in the rose garden of their home north of San Diego. She was the mastermind behind the menu of Jaithan's party in July, so I decided to bake her a decadent birthday cake of her own. Her favorite, she said, was either an Italian almond or a golden rum cake. The result combines both flavors, topped with roses from Rani's garden and served on a vintage gold platter we gave her for her birthday last year. We even made a special trip to dazzling Seaside Home in La Jolla for celebration candles in just the right shade of pink. I love using fresh flowers on a cake, like the one I did two summers ago for Pop pop and Mom Mom's anniversary, garnished with white roses and strawberry blossoms. Just make sure you rinse the flowers in a colander, then let dry on a sheet tray in the refrigerator, lined with paper towel. Happy Birthday, Rani!
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January 09, 2012
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Clearly I am behind on my blog reading, but I CANNOT believe you were in La Jolla/Del Mar and I missed you!!! Insert sad face. I know, I'm a little obsessed but you guys kill it...every time. Oh to tag along on a design adventure... :) Hope it was fun and happy belated Rani! XO
Posted by: Amanda | January 27, 2012 at 07:53 PM
Eddie ... the cake is just so beautiful - it's amazing. What a very lucky mom she is! Your talent is so over the top. I hope you don't mind if I share the photos on my blog tomorrow.
Posted by: Sherri Cassara | January 22, 2012 at 03:14 AM
What a gorgeous cake you made her. I love the colours of the roses, the matching candles, and especially the tablecloth that just pulls it all together.
Posted by: Grace | January 18, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Wow! The cake is amazing. Very lovely!
Posted by: Interior Design News | January 18, 2012 at 09:03 PM
What a gorgeous cake and the candles are absolutely perfect. Well done!
Posted by: Laura-Bear | January 16, 2012 at 01:41 AM
Somehow I missed this post! Happy Belated Birthday to Rani! And that cake looks yummy and beautiful, you can't beat that combo!
Kat :)
Posted by: Kat @Low Tide High Style | January 15, 2012 at 04:39 PM
Happy belated birthday Rani! (You raised one terrific boy!).
The cake is absolutely beautiful. Martha will be pretending it is hers!(:
It looks like your new year is off to a great start. Happy happy, E, J & R!
oxox, Mon
Posted by: Splendid Willow | January 15, 2012 at 01:53 PM
So beautiful. Gorgeous decorations on a cake are like gorgeous wrappings on a present- intensifies the entire experience. You are wildly talented!
Posted by: Jennings & Gates | January 14, 2012 at 11:03 PM
aww I love this esp with the gold platter and the fact that brings in birthdays past :) you guys are amazing - I think I have a crush :) hee hee le
Posted by: le@third | January 14, 2012 at 07:11 PM
Oh How I want a piece of that gorgeous cake LOL really
Posted by: Curtains In my Tree | January 14, 2012 at 04:41 PM
One of the most beautiful cakes I have ever seen!
Posted by: Marianne {Style For Living} | January 14, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Love the roses and the almonds on the cake....mmmmmmm! Did it taste as good as it looks? Many happy returns, Rani!
Posted by: Joanne | January 13, 2012 at 11:34 PM
omg those candles are amazing!
Posted by: Adora | January 13, 2012 at 09:41 AM
WOW! Gorgeous! That cake alone makes a birthday extra special:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Posted by: Debra from Capersofthevintagevixensblogspot | January 12, 2012 at 05:37 PM
Gorgie! Thanks for commenting on my blog. MADE MY DAY! Have a client who wants to work with you. Can you email me? Thanks!
Posted by: One Fabulous Mom | January 12, 2012 at 04:14 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Sarah Baynes | January 12, 2012 at 01:55 PM
That cake is KILLER!
Posted by: CourtneyOutLoud | January 12, 2012 at 11:49 AM
It's lovely and extra special because of the connection with the roses. Well done!
Posted by: Barbara@HausDesign | January 12, 2012 at 05:52 AM
Just beautiful! Happy New Year! xo Susan
Posted by: susan | January 11, 2012 at 01:05 PM
One of the most beautiful cakes I have ever seen, that in and of itself, had to been the most magical gift.
Best Wishes in the New Year to you and Jaithan!
Posted by: Acanthus & Acorn | January 11, 2012 at 11:14 AM
Yes! Yes! Yes! Beautiful! Perfect!...and Yes! The recipe???
Almond and rum cake...OMG, I remember the ones at the gourmet market when I was a kid. I would save my allowance in order to buy a piece and had an Italian Rum Cake when I was married!
Please Eddie, pretty please???
Posted by: Christine Hooker | January 11, 2012 at 12:15 AM
Beautiful...and, really, just so sweet!
Posted by: Ragland Hill Social by Gwen Driscoll | January 11, 2012 at 12:06 AM
I've never had such a beautiful (and delicious) birthday cake made especially for me. I was amazed at how Eddie placed the flowers and even the leaves so perfectly. Having them both with me to celebrate this year was a gift unto itself. Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes!
Rani
Posted by: Rani Kochar | January 10, 2012 at 08:44 PM
what a beautiful cake and as a san diego girl myself I am sure you appreciated the amazing weather we have been having...love the little house too..so nice to build something in so cal that doesnt look just like the house next door.
Posted by: diane | January 10, 2012 at 05:41 PM
E+J- The cake looks so pretty in it's glow of candlelight. Happy Birthday to a lovely lady!
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | January 10, 2012 at 04:23 PM
This cake is so pretty. I love the flowers. They look amazing.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 10, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Absolutely DIVINE cake, it is beautiful! I just happened upon your blog today and I am in love...so many beautiful images and inspiration for entertaining!! I am so happy I found your site. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
Toodles,
Twirling Clare
twirlingclare.blogspot.com
Posted by: Clare Christine | January 10, 2012 at 03:11 PM
Such a beautiful cake. (I tweeted it.)
Posted by: Miss Charming | January 10, 2012 at 01:10 PM
"Like mother-Like son"
The cake is really amazing and the fact that you spent the time and effort and used her flowers from her garden, show's great love...
xoxo
m
Posted by: melissalee22@msn.com | January 10, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Happy birthday, Rani! A stunning cake for (as we can all tell) a wonderful lady!!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | January 10, 2012 at 10:34 AM
I feel certain it tasted as good as it was beautiful!
Posted by: The Devoted Classicist | January 10, 2012 at 08:31 AM
Happy Birthday Rani!!! Rani is one lucky lady , a gorgeous cake and two perfect people to share it with. You and Jaithan are always so generous with your talents.
Posted by: Lizziefitz | January 10, 2012 at 08:12 AM
That is an absolutely marvelous looking cake. I'm not generally into sweets, but you certainly had me at Italian Almond. Please send along the recipe...I'd love to give it a go. Thanks!
Posted by: Jenn | January 10, 2012 at 07:44 AM
THat is the prettiest cake I have ever seen! You continue to amaze!! Happy Birthday wishes to the lucky girl Rani!
Posted by: amy@maison decor | January 10, 2012 at 07:07 AM
Happy Birthday,dear Rani...what a divine cake! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy | January 10, 2012 at 12:13 AM
the most exquisite cake ever, the roses are simply heavenly and the different shades of the softest pink hues beyond perfect.....oh what a lucky birthday lady and it is truly a feast for the eyes, i bet it tasted as scrumptious as it looks....the photography, the linens, and then the perfect candles are truly the icing on the cake LOL....now i am off to check out the pop pop cake link, Eddie you are an artist and a genius and an inspiration to us all!!!!
Posted by: Rose | January 10, 2012 at 12:03 AM
Hello Eddie and Jaithan:
I was delighted to meet and speak with Jaithan's lovely mother several years ago at some event (can't remember what it was for the life of me) and found her charming, intelligent, and elegant. This is the perfect cake for such a lady! Reggie
Posted by: Reggie Darling | January 09, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Wow, now that's just a piece of art. Gorgeous!! In my next life, my cakes will look like that...
Posted by: Julie in Provence | January 09, 2012 at 10:52 PM
what a gorgeous cake and it looks delicious too! just FYI my b'day is in September, can you bake me one and deliver it? (LOL).
I got my new Southern Living magazine yesterday and loved seeing your latest makeover.
Hope you and Jaithan had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Judy | January 09, 2012 at 10:34 PM
So Beautiful dear Eddie! I know she absolutely loved it!
xoxo,
Jennifer (Fiddle Dee Dee)
Posted by: Jennifer | January 09, 2012 at 10:11 PM
What could be better than flowers and cake?
Gorgeous!!!!
pve
Posted by: pve | January 09, 2012 at 10:04 PM
What a stunningly GORGEOUS cake!! Sumpyuous! Ya did good, guys!
Posted by: Linda@limeinthe coconut | January 09, 2012 at 09:58 PM
It looks so beautiful. So, glad you got to visit CA. I am from Northern San Diego County. I miss the weather.
Posted by: JennyLynn | January 09, 2012 at 09:38 PM
What can't you fellas do?! You cook, decorate, entertain with style, wrap presents like a master, style interiors and bake/decorate gorgeous cakes! You two are on my list of favs! Happy Birthday to Jaithan's mother. Kudos to you two for making her celebration super special. Happy New Year. All the best for a super wonderful year. xoxo.
Posted by: hamptontoes | January 09, 2012 at 09:34 PM
BEAUTIFUL !!!!!
Posted by: joanne nixon | January 09, 2012 at 09:20 PM
What a specatular cake! (now I would like to see the recipe).
Posted by: Mid-Atlantic Martha | January 09, 2012 at 09:10 PM
Hi, I love this cake. I have also used real flowers to
decorate my cakes. It adds a special touch, makes the cake seem
better and more delicious......thank you for posting such a
beautiful and elegant image of this celebration. Loved the pink candles as well. Happy New Year. Brunie Feliciano, Oceanside, NY
Posted by: Brunie | January 09, 2012 at 09:01 PM
Oh, what a lovely cake... Yummy and beautiful ! I would love to know what kind of Roses
you put on top of the cake. They are just what i have been looking for. A new house in the country
deserves new rose bushes.
Posted by: Diana Browning | January 09, 2012 at 08:41 PM
What sweet perfection! Absolutely beautiful, I love those coral roses and candles. Happy Birthday Rani!
Posted by: Splendid Market | January 09, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Abigail rigby | January 09, 2012 at 08:24 PM
That is gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Carrie Waller | January 09, 2012 at 08:16 PM
Eddie,
Have you ever 1/2 way, 3/4 of the way or even 9/10 of the way done anything? That case and it's perfectly complimented table are like ebony and ivory living together in blissful harmoneeeeee! Uh-Maz-Ingly beautiful! Not an almond sliver could be anymore perfectly intentionally misplaced.
Wow, Whitley Hamlin
Posted by: Whitley Hamlin | January 09, 2012 at 08:11 PM
Recipe please.....that cake is gorgeous!!
Posted by: Janet | January 09, 2012 at 08:10 PM
Eddie and Jaithan, what a gorgeous cake for Jaithan's Mother. I love the colors and it must have been scrumptious!
The tablecloth is perfect as well!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | January 09, 2012 at 08:09 PM
You had me at
roses in January ~
{I'm in Minnesota....}
What a special, gorgeous
cake for a lady that
I'm certain is just as
sweet. And the flavor
sounds fantastic.
I bet you all had a
wonderful time celebrating,
too!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | January 09, 2012 at 08:08 PM
This is one of the loveliest cakes I've ever seen. It's just perfect.
Posted by: onestorybuilding | January 09, 2012 at 07:56 PM
It's absolutely perfectly wonderful and I know it was just as delicious!! You just can't beat fresh flowers on a cake. And love that gold plate. :)
Posted by: Lynn @thevintagenest | January 09, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Just beautiful! How special you made her feel.
Posted by: marlenewwilson | January 09, 2012 at 07:47 PM
Happy Birthday to Jaithan's Mother!!!! And the cake looks gorgeous!!
Posted by: ElleX | January 09, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Eddie,
Great pictures of the beautiful cake with Creative Candles Celebration Candles! We'd love to feature photos in our social media. Would that be okay?
Ken
Posted by: Ken Weiner | January 09, 2012 at 07:32 PM
The picture with the candles lit---that is stunning!!!
Posted by: Suzie | January 09, 2012 at 07:24 PM
Now, THAT's a cake!!! What a beautiful gift for Jaithan's mother. I'm sure you all hated to actually cut into it. But the reward is that it tasted every bit as good as it looks - because that's how you roll!
Wishing Rani a fantastic year! And a happy new year to both of you!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | January 09, 2012 at 07:12 PM
What a gorgeous cake! It's almost too pretty to eat.
Posted by: Paula | January 09, 2012 at 07:10 PM
OMG -that is the prettiest cake I've seen in ages. Wow. Can you guys come to my birthday party in March?
Lovely! And Happy Birthday Rani!
xo Terri
Posted by: Terri | January 09, 2012 at 06:58 PM
Wow! That cake is stunningly beautiful. She must have loved it so much. I know I would have.
Suzanne.
Posted by: suzanne spina | January 09, 2012 at 06:30 PM
Beautiful Eddie! I love the way it all looks on that gold plate and that beautiful table linen.
Posted by: Beth | January 09, 2012 at 06:27 PM
I don't much care for cake, but I think I would eat this one. Lovely!
Posted by: Pamela Munger | January 09, 2012 at 06:14 PM
So beautiful...every little detail!
Happy Birthday Rani!
xoTrina
Posted by: Trina | January 09, 2012 at 05:24 PM
We decorated our wedding cake with fresh flowers. It saved us money, since piped on decorations are expensive. Our florist used wax paper liners to protect the top of the cake.
Posted by: suzq | January 09, 2012 at 05:17 PM
Gorgeous! It's beautiful!
Posted by: Jessica at Lavender and Lilies | January 09, 2012 at 05:11 PM
What a wonderful cake and if you made Rani her favorite I bet she loved it because it came from your heart. Personally if it were my birthday that beautiful cake would be all I needed besides friends and family around. I hope you all had fun!
Hugs!
Debra
Posted by: Acquired Objects | January 09, 2012 at 05:06 PM
Some guys have all the talent! Just beautiful and I know you made her birthday with this thoughtful gesture.
Posted by: Cindy in Austin | January 09, 2012 at 05:03 PM
WOULD LOVE THE RECIPE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL CAKE.
Posted by: IRIS HYMAN | January 09, 2012 at 04:50 PM
GORGEOUS!!!! Happy Birthday to Jaithan's mom! It looks like she's very spoiled:)
Posted by: Lindsey A. | January 09, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Just beautiful Eddie and Jaithan. That would make any mother smile :)
Posted by: Nenaghgal | January 09, 2012 at 04:41 PM
Rani must have been thrilled with this gorgeous treat!
Happy New Year E&J!
xo Cathy
ps: if I tell you my birthday.....
Posted by: stitchfork | January 09, 2012 at 04:15 PM
Lovely!
Posted by: patti | January 09, 2012 at 04:09 PM
Stunning!!
Posted by: Sarah K | January 09, 2012 at 04:05 PM