Sid turned 3 yesterday. Figuring it was probably our last chance to do so, we had a very small gathering in the afternoon, planned somewhat at the last minute.
Shane had the forethought to makes meatballs from the Polpo cookbook, not because people would be expecting a meal at 3:00 in the afternoon, but because he knew most of us would probably linger past party time and end up wanting some dinner. And that’s what happened.
But first we had cheese, crackers, berries and juice boxes. The boys ran around in circles with balloons until Sid asked to have cupcakes. He cried when we sang for him but quickly recovered and ate his cupcake with several requests for candle re-lighting (but no singing) which we obliged.
The cupcakes were chocolate (Hellman’s Mayonnaise) cake, which we adapted by filling standard tins 2/3 of the way, and baking for 15 minutes. We frosted them with cream cheese and butter frosting (recipe below). After that Sid opened his presents, asking each time “Is this one my present?” and responding with delight when we said yes.
The Polpo meatballs make me happy, even though I don’t eat meatballs, because they don’t take very long to make. Shane made a batch of Marcella’s sauce for me—and anyone else not wanting meat—and my mom made two salads. The boys had plain pasta and wheat thins while watching Frozen on somebody’s phone.
At the end of the night, I asked Sid if he liked his party and would like to have another one next year. He said yes and that he would like a Bobcat.
Happy birthday our Siddy. We love you.
• Butter & Cream Cheese Frosting •
1 to 1.5 lbs confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
1 8oz package cream cheese at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream butter and cream cheese in an electric stand mixer until combined and smooth. Add the the vanilla and blend. Add confectioner’s sugar one cup at a time until desired consistency and level of sweetness is achieved. You will use approximately 1 to 1.5 lbs of sugar. Makes enough to frost a 2 layer 9″ cake or 24 cupcakes.
