birthday cake

baskin robbins 

{(cookies and cream) ice cream (white) cake, 

(amazing) white/bright colored icing}

california....usa

um. yeah.  when it came to my (30th) birthday cake decision, i did not hesitate.  well, maybe i did for a second...but, just because it was a dessert decision.  i have a history of this cake for my birthdays- as my aunt and cousin always celebrate (most) occasions with this cake.  when eaten with my family, no plates are used.  let me paint a visual- lounging in pj's, cake box folded open on all sides and 3-4 forks attacking all parts of this delicious reward (of turning a year older, graduating, get married...).  

this year, this cake was another tasty success (not that i invented it or made it myself).  

the bottom layer is a slightly cold, white cake that lays below a middle layer of thick cookies and cream ice cream, which is covered with THE icing (a sugary sweet, dense richness...my favorite layer this year) and topped with tiny cones filled with baby scoops of ice cream.  

so far, 30 years old has proved that taste buds still work and this cake never disappoints.  

no judgement

see's candies (california)

presenting THE butterscotch square (a type of truffle).  

year and location of discovery:  1999 (estimated), downtown santa barbara with great friend (maya).  we loved taking long walks from our apartment,

especially ending with a little, sweet destination.  

one day the see's candy store attendant handed us this sample.... the taste mesmerized me.  

this dessert undoubtably belongs with the best of them. and, as far as i am concerned, they don't need an entire store of diversified chocolates....they simply need a stand of butterscotch squares.  let me explain.

of course, milk chocolate truffles with most fillings (aside from the ever-present fruit/nut ones) are obvious contenders for greatness.  but, if this were poker, see's milk chocolate (coating) would be an ace and the butterscotch filling would give you a top pocket pair.

now, milk chocolate is milk chocolate- it may not

have the "flavonoids" or other "health benefits" of dark chocolate--- but, what's not to like, it's the tom hanks of chocolate?  

with that being said...it IS the butterscotch bite that takes this good-after-any-meal-treat to new heights.  the butterscotch filling is rich and dense, sweet and powerful, creamy and sensational.  it is delicious.  

ps- yes, the "chain" part of this post may require a little defense.  for the record, i am not in love with most chains...or therefore even like many.  nevertheless, we must acknowledge how chains begin--- supply and demand. 

see's butterscotch square = joanna demand.  :)