Sac Foodies

The color pink is not one of my favorites. I much prefer reds and golds over the blushing shade of pale pink or the startling hue of magenta. But I have learned to love this color for a very special reason.

It’s not because pink is the color of ribbons that we wear to show our solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. Neither is it because pink is symbolic of women in the workplace. Yes, Pink’s the name of a famous singer, but I have to admit I’m having trouble recalling any of her songs. And, it’s not because “Pink” is the last name of a British custom shirt-maker that I’d love to try someday, but haven’t.

No, in our home, pink is best associated with a little girl who flits around the house, celebrating all things pink: pink glittery shoes, pink socks, pink t-shirts, frilly pink dresses, polka dot pink hair bows, and pink backpacks. Our playroom is literally a sea of pinkish flotsam and jetsam, interspersed with all the other colors of the rainbow.

My thoughts turn to pink mostly due to the fact that my daughter turned four this past weekend. In advance, she decided on a ballerina theme for her birthday party. So, what better way to capture the essence of her fabulous fourness, than to celebrate with the color that we most associate with her?

Now, I had in my over-achieving mind thought I would prepare everything for the party from scratch. Yeah, right. So, on Friday, one day before the party, I found myself somewhat frantically calling Karen’s Bakery. I described my no-cake dilemma, and Karen assured me that they could create something that would be perfect for my daughter’s pink ballerina party.

When I picked up the cake, I couldn’t believe how in one 9-inch round they had captured the essence of my little girl. The pink butter cream frosting had been fashioned around the cake in delicate, wavy ribbons to resemble a tutu, and the top of the cake was adorned with jewels (edible, no less!). Amid much oohing and aahing, this stunning pink cake became the centerpiece of the party.

Not only did the cake look spectacular, it was delicious! The frosting was wonderfully creamy and not overly sweet, and the filling of strawberries and cream between layers of vanilla cake was simply perfect.

Just as perfect as turning four on a bright spring day surrounded by all things pink.

By Maria Chacon Kniestedt