It seems like I’ve seen a lot of pictures of strawberry cake lately.
It was probably only two until I googled strawberry cake images this morning. Now I’ve really seen a lot of pictures of strawberry cake, but none quite as compelling as the two that inspired this post.
It’s not my favorite cake, but when I was pregnant, I craved it, and would send random texts to my best friend from the grocery store exclaiming, “Did you know they sell individual servings of cake? I need cake by the piece. Portion control, right? I’m going to buy this cake, go home and eat it off my giant tummy table and watch America’s Next Top Model. Why am I so fat? Shit, now I’m crying again. About cake. What is happening?”
I was standing in line at the grocery store this week, and one of the magazines had strawberry cake as their cover picture. I couldn’t look away.
This note has been recreated.
I typed a quick note to myself on my phone, “I wish I was strawberry cake.”
The picture reminded me of church potlucks. Church potlucks reminded me of macaroni salad, banana pudding, and weird jell-o molds, which reminded me that I’m old enough now that I should really have a signature recipe for something to bring to parties when food is requested.
I think what you bring to parties has an evolution cycle that improves as you grow up, turn your focus outward, and start to realize the effort that can go into hosting a party. Bringing food becomes one of the ways that you can help and contribute. Having an adult income and being female helps too.
In my 20′s, I brought beer and my boobs to parties, and I figured that was enough (okay the beer was enough). I always offered to bring pasta and jarred sauce, the only thing I could make at the time, but no one ever wanted my kick-ass ‘scetti.
Their loss.
In my 30′s, I’ve started bringing fruit and vegetable trays. I usually swing by a local deli that has a great yogurt dipping sauce, and Chuy’s which has great jalapeno ranch dip, because I’m not afraid to drive the extra mile for implied effort, to avoid cooking, and to avoid losing Pyrex.
But, I really need to perfect an appetizer or dessert that makes people ask for the recipe, and that they request when I’m invited to things. I always feel a little left out of those conversations.
Maybe I’ll get there in my 40′s and maybe my recipe will be strawberry cake with perfect, fluffy frosting that wasn’t scraped from a paper container.
It’s good to have dreams.
I’m giving this cake a lot of thought, and I think I can trace the inspiration back to a book I read about a year ago called, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender. It’s about a young girl who can taste the emotions and feelings of anyone who has prepared her food. This ability begins on her 9th birthday when her mother bakes her a lemon cake filled with particular sadness.
An aptly named book.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book, the vivid descriptions, and the connections many of us hold between emotions and food. It went off track a little for me at the end, and I thought it got a little weird. It was like she came up on deadline, couldn’t figure out how to end it, and said, screw it, what if people could meditate themselves into a state where they disappear into furniture (spoiler, sorry).
Strong beginning, fizzled ending, but I probably just didn’t get it.
But, have you ever found yourself associating people with the food they bring to gatherings? Like Rudy, he’s banana pudding with real whipped cream and Nilla Wafers. Or J is spinach/artichoke dip, or basil, cheese torta (a freaking work of art) and cherry crisp. Wein is sausage biscuit/meatball thingys, and that’s cool because she’s a vegetarian but she thinks about what other people like first. M and I equally divide being the queso, and veggie/fruit trays (she has 2.75 kids, I’m just not a great cook or planner). Another friend is black bean and corn salsa.
But that’s what I meant, when I hastily typed, I want to be strawberry cake.
It’s upbeat, it’s visually appealing, and it tastes great. If a potluck dish does say anything about the person who prepared it, I think strawberry cake says, “happy person who shares delicious desserts.”
She still has her original smell and Muppet Baby tights. Her hat is strategically dipped below one non-slutty eye. Pop tarts make mini-crisps now. They aren’t very good.
It also reminds me of a Strawberry Shortcake doll I had and loved as a child (and found in my garage in about 30 seconds–memory hoarder). The doll has pink, curly hair, and still smells of artificial strawberries and plastic. A surprisingly pleasant combination.
The problem is, I’m not really strawberry cake.
I’m more like canned bean dip and Fritos that could eventually evolve into some sort of home-made cream cheese and bacon dip (this is turning into a weird life metaphor and it is making me hungry).
Being a bacon dip is probably fine too, but I wish I was strawberry cake.
Does this make any sense at all?
Do you think that the dish you bring to parties represents your attitude or personality in any way?
If so, what dish are you?
Did anyone else have this same Strawberry Shortcake doll?
Over the last year I have been bringing my favorite dish to picnics, lunchins, etc. It is a plate with stacked oreos on it. Nothing but piles of oreos about 5 to 7 high. The plate is almost always empty after the event.
But do I want to be an oreo? No way. To be ripped in half and then gutted by someone’s front teeth. No thanks.
LOL, good point. Being dipped in ice cold milk first might help ease the horror of the ending for oreos
I’ve never had strawberry cake, if you can believe that. But I sure want a piece now.
I often sign up to bring dessert. My Scotcharoos are pretty popular, though my husband doesn’t like me giving any away. Or I’ll bring peanutty, chocolatey banana bread. So, in other words, my potluck signature appears to be high-calorie carbs.
Ooo, I almost put banana bread in the list. I love banana bread, and have never had it with peanut or chocolately-ness
Scotcharoos just sound yummy too. Every one loves high-calorie carbs!
I got that banana bread recipe from a Pampered Chef bread-loaf stoneware I purchased years ago. It’s really good. And naughty.
When called upon, I can make killer cakes. And with the sugar and butter and cream and….. Well, they might contribute to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and such that might kill someone down the line. It’s too bad that character associated lemon cake with sadness. Because I have a recipe for a lemon and blueberry cake that is heavenly!
Bring on the diabetes! I’ve always associated lemons with happiness too, and lemon blueberry cake sounds amazing. I love food.
To answer your questions: Yes, it makes sense. Yes, I think the dish I bring to parties reflects my attitude which is a total aversion to cooking. Bags of chips. I think one of my daughters had the Strawberry Shortcake doll.
Hahaha! Every party needs bags of chips
they wouldn’t say, “She’s all that and a bag of chips,” otherwise. Maybe people don’t say that anymore…but they should.
I want cake. This makes perfect sense, it’s kind of like colors you may associate with people…and I assume it means something that all I bring are mixed drinks that I put together….neat.
I really want cake now too. And bacon and cream cheese. Mixed drinks are the greatest party favor ever
I love this post! The entire time I was reading it, I thought of my grandmother who is an entertaining genius. She always knows the right item(s) to cook for her guests or bring to an event. I really strive to emulate her but she is pretty high up there. And I am sure that when she was young, she brought her boobs to parties
All the more reason to love her!
I am sandwiches. My sandwiches are amazing… I’m thinking about adding a feature to my blog called Sandwich Saturday… We’ll see if that ever comes to fruition.
As for YOU! Strawberry cake is pretty simple. I urge you to master and BE STRAWBERRY CAKE. Everyone loves it and therefore will love you. Or do what I do…go to your city’s chinatown and buy a fresh strawberry cake from the little hole in the wall bakery. For the win…every time.
Grandmother’s usually have a knack for this sort of thing don’t they. I hope I end up being that kind of grandma too.
Sandwiches are a nice touch for any party too. I’d definitely read Sandwich Saturday.
I will try to achieve Strawberry Cake, or at least find a place to buy the best ones
If you were strawberry cake, and I only ate the top layer of you, would you be offended?
Nah, every one knows the top layer is the best
That counts for muffins, pizza, doughnuts with bacon on top…
I have a super easy, super amazing recipe for strawberry cake, with option of bananas. If you are interested.
Yes, please share!
What’s your email I will send it to you.
It’s rflinspiteofit@gmail.com. Thanks!
I’m strawberry and spinach salad.
What dish am I ? I’m a Surf & Turf Boiled Lobster and Sirloin Steak Combo. And my wife is… don’t DO this, Chris! Just zip it! X out of the page before it’s too late!!! Oh Gawd, it’s too late… The dish my wife is, is a Strawberry Sundae, which I couldn’t help thinking of, the very instant I saw your note “I wish I was strawberry cake.” Because there was a night that I wished my wife was a strawberry sundae with whipped cream on top, so I turned her into one, and I have the photos to prove it. But she’d castrate me, and with good reason if I ever posted these photos online. (it will never happen!)
And I really just didn’t want to write this comment, but then I had to write it, and… Damn you Daniel Tosh!!! I’m never watching you on YouTube EVER again!!!
Hahaha! Strawberry Sundae. Yeah, you better keep those pics to yourself or you won’t ever get to take more.
I was too busy trying to compare food to personality that I didn’t even consider the food in the bedroom angle and jokes that might come up. You caught me slipping on that one
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING FRESHLY PRESSED!!! In all honesty, there have been many times that I’ve thought to myself how much you have deserved to be FP’d and now it’s finally happened, and I am delighted for you!!!
Second, You’re probably wondering just what the heck I’m doing here right now! When you get the chance after replying to all your comments here, or maybe you need a break – check out my post for today, and all will be revealed. Lol
Third, You made an excellent point that is absolutely true, and one I do always keep in mind, because I really enjoyed my wife as a strawberry sundae, and I’d like to be able to enjoy her again that way… as well as be able to have any physical contact with her at all, and stay married to her, and continue to live in the same house with her.
And I don’t think that I caught you slipping at all. I’m just still trying to get DT out of my brain, which is proving more difficult than I ever imagined, and this is the only reason I made that kind of comment here.
And what I want to know, is WHY didn’t I get the same results when I made the same very long and focused observation of Richard Pryor or Robin Williams??? Maybe I should try again… And a BIG congrats again on being FP’d!!! I’m just really happy for you!
Thanks so much Chris! I know you won’t see this reply until September unless your wife has another project due and needs to get rid of you, but I appreciate it!
The book you described reminds me a lot of this film:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Like_Water_for_Chocolate
Check it out. It also ends weirdly, but, you know. Food and emotions are weird things; I guess. Awesome post – you have a witty yet down to earth way of writing.
Thank you! I will check out the link. Thanks for commenting!
I have always had great success when bringing my Strawberry Cake which has the most wonderful icing…just powdered sugar, butter and frozen strawberries with juice … you pour it over the hot cake, in which you have made zillions of little holes with a toothpick and it runs down into the cake, so when you eat a piece there are little crunchies of icing inside. My mother used to make this cake for my birthdays after I moved away and send it to me. Of course, I still think of her and that gift of love every time I eat it…maybe that is really why I love it so much.
That sounds like love in cake if I ever heard it
Thanks for commenting!
I HAD THAT SAME STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE DOLL!!!
(Sorry for the yelling, but I LOVED that doll. And I loved loved LOVED the way she smelled!)
And you know what? I think the dish that best represents you can change over time. You may be bacon dip today — but definitely strawberry cake tomorrow.
Great post!
I’m so glad there are more people who had this doll. I was instantly transported back to childhood yesterday when I smelled her hair again. I can’t believe after 30 years in a box, the doll still smells the same. Thanks for commenting! Maybe some day I can be strawberry cake (which reminds me of the movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding where she shouts, Creme Brulee can never BE Jell-O)
I read that book a couple of years ago and it was the first thing I thought of when I saw your title!
I think I’m an amazing pitcher of sangria and a cheese tray. Delicious, slightly intoxicating, and you’ll always feel a little guilty if you have too much…
I think when a book sticks with you like that, it is good, even though I didn’t get the ending. MMM…sangria and good cheese. Sometimes the simple dishes are the best anyway. I love a good sangria.
I have a few recipes that are signature ones… requested when I go somewhere. It is a GREAT feeling.
I had the Strawberry Shortcake miniature figurines. They smelled like their namesake… strawberries, lemon, blueberries. Ever after 30 years, they still smell like berries and plastic. A little bit of happiness and childhood all wrapped up together.
I even had the little plastic house/display case for them.
I imagine it is a great feeling, and I hope some day to actually experience it
Those dolls are the best. I never had the full collection, but I had this one and some coloring books. The recreated toys are never the same, but it is fun to try to re-live some of these memories with my daughter.
Hahahaha! Oh my god. This was so fantastic. I am CRACKING UP over here.
I’ve become the person who gets all ambitious and decides to try a new recipe every time there’s an event, then I spend way too long making it, inevitably feel that I screwed something up, and spend the whole gathering going, “Oh, thanks. I thought it was a little bland. Next time it needs more cumin,” every time someone tells me how much they liked it. Recipe insecurity? I don’t know what all of that fuckery is about.
Thanks Ashley! And I’m laughing so much at your comment. I think if I ever did make something homemade I would spend the whole time feeling that exact way. Recipe insecurity is a bunch of fuckery, just like no recipe insecurity is fuckery in reverse
This is funny =] I’m definitely the dessert girl. It doesn’t matter which one really, but I’d say the chocolate whatever is my thing. Some of my family prefers fruity things and I can do that to – but if it’s up to me it’s chocolate cake, cookies, cupcakes. Whatever!
Chocolate is always a favorite. Thanks for commenting today!
Oh, to be known (and resigned?) to a signature dish! I know there is clout in that, but I’m not someone who enjoys cooking; I’m the one who brings veggie trays or chips. I had to laugh that the signature-dish emotion doesn’t creep up on you til you are in your 30s. So true!
Enjoy the FP’d and your strawberry cake. Well deserved.
Cheers,
iRuniBreathe
It takes all kinds, and where would any party be without the basics and ice? The veggie and fruit trays are always well received, so even if I never get to join in one of the, “Oh, please give me that recipe conversations,” I’ll be okay. Thanks so much for stopping by today.
I loved every word of this post, thank you!
First things first – you can totally be strawberry cake without mastering the making of it just yet. Visualise yourself as a strawberry cake and take your presence to the party, whether you’re bring bacon dip or a bag of chips, you will be shining strawberry cake. What do you think?! ; ) why don’t you just dress up as a your strawberry cake? That is way more entertaining than just baking one. Although eating a real strawberry cake is pretty amazing. My university house mate and I spent a whole week making a papier mâché human sized tomato costume for her to wear to a party. She had a lifetime severe phone of tomatoes
Sorry, damn this iPhone and my fat fingers (too much strawberry cake). Sent before I finished.
I just wanted to let you know of our attempt to cure my housemates severe phobia of fresh tomatoes by dressing her up as a giant one… It didn’t work. But she did look totally brilliant, and totally hilarious. Just a strawberry cake thought.
We all on here would no doubt love some photographic evidence of this!
Loving your blog. x
No worries! I’m glad you shared the story, as I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a phobia of fresh tomatoes, and I think that is a good way to try to cure it! Thanks for your comments peaches and sunshine!
I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake as well, and I agree that it was a great book at the start, but it got a little too weird for me at the end. Great post!
Thanks! I’m glad I’m not the only one who lost my way a little with the ending. Thanks for commenting today!
I used to be Chuckwagon beans, but somehow morphed into Ranch pasta salad… Now that I have been enlightened by this post on food associations, and the possibility of the “Beans, beans – they’re good for your heart…” correlation to my personality, I think it was a good move! Although, with the names sounding like I may at any moment ride in on my Stallion ~ and I’m not even a big fan of country music ~ I believe that I may need to aspire to a more elegant dish. Food for thought! {oh, my Lord, I really went there, didn’t I? My apologies!}
As for dessert scented plastics, I was just wild for Apple Dumplin’ in all her frilly baby doll cuteness. And because I have 4 children addicted to Disney channel, I can share this link that you may not be aware of & would definitely appreciate… “So Random” did a sketch called, “Strawberry Shortbread Saves the Earth” ~ Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82_0H1S2xwU
Good for the heart is a good association to have, and hey, I almost put a food for thought line in here too, so no need to apologize. Thanks for the link! I will check it out
Thanks for commenting today.
I agree, ‘good for the heart’ is the association I would hope for! It’s the next line that the kids love to chant, I would want to avoid. Here’s a hint: “The more you eat, the more you…”
I just got stuck on the part when you mentioned that your friend has 2.75 kids?
She has two kids and is in her last tri-mester of pregnancy with her third and people always say 2.5 kids. She just doesn’t really have time to worry about making something homemade, where I have the time, but my excuse is based more in being lazy.
Ahhhh, Gotcha. I thought that was just a funny way to describe that. Great post by the way! Very clever, and congrats on getting a Freshly Pressed!
Thank you! I appreciate it
I posted a photo to FB on impulse just last week of pasta salad. Nothing special, but beautiful nonetheless, with vibrant colours from the red, yellow, orange peppers and pink, maybe fuschia, of the radishes along with the green of the cucumber skin. A friend whom I hadn’t seen in quite some time commented, “I remember your famous pasta salad, it was soooo good!”
I don’t want to be known for my “famous pasta salad”. The pasta salad is not my own dish – the dressing is from a Club House package, the pasta bow ties, Farafelle, is dry pasta in a bag and the only work into it is chopping veggies bought from a store, not grown in my backyard, mixing the dressing with oil and vinegar and boiling the dry pasta.
I want to be known for the dishes I put my heart into like my bruschetta, my garlic/dill/feta cheese ball, my spinach dip, or even better, my goat cheese stuffed risotto balls! Ahhhh, who am I kidding? I’ll take any compliment I can get
Those all sound wonderful, but I know what you mean about wanting to be known for something that you put your heart into, especially if you’ve grown the ingrediants yourself! Thanks for commenting today. I’m hungry all over again after this comment!
Good post – funny and poignant. It made me think about what I bring to potlucks/parties and what it says about me?
I have a few things I call upon depending on the season/event:
Sinfully good Calzones made with puff pastry – got the recipe from watching an ex-boyfriend’s mother.
Killer macaroni salad – got the recipe from a different ex-boyfriends mother. Super easy crock-pot macaroni and cheese – got the recipe from a girlfriend’s husband.
It seems as I reflect upon myself that I would/should have learned these from my mom and not the many other “mothers” and others around me! But on the rare occasion she was invited to a party/potluck – we were the family that showed up empty-handed! Sorry mom but it is true.
Secondly since these items are ALWAYS a hit I realize that I spend a lot of energy seeking approval from others. Probably something I never got in my childhood. Sorry again mom.
These sound like great recipes, and I’m laughing about showing up empty-handed to things, because I think we did some of that ourselves. It is definitely about approval seeking for me as well, and I just want to be a part of the recipe swap crowd at least once in my life
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I love it! I hope that you get to be Strawberry Cake someday… I tried to be cream cheese filled pumpkin walnut muffins once, and they were darn good muffins but most of them were left on the plate at the end of the night… so I went back to being store-bought cookies
Dang, I hate it when stuff gets left on the plate. Store bought cookies all the way!
Great post! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
I have a few go to dishes that I like to bring to parties. They are always a hit, but I never thought about what the dish says about me. If I start worrying about that, I may never go out again
I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, too and had the exact same reaction you described. I thought the premise was great, but at some point the whole book went off the deep end. I was reading it in my hammock yelling, “He’s a chair?!” The best thing about that book was the delicious looking cover.
Thank you! Yes, I agree, it isn’t something to dwell on for very long, or I would never go out again either. It was a great cover…I wish she had stayed the course because it was so good in the beginning. Thanks for reading and commenting!
One time in an interview the person asked me, “If you could be any kitchen appliance what would you be?” Without hesitation I said, “A Grilled Cheese Maker – not only does it grill your delicious sandwich, it cuts it in diagonals as well!”
The reason I love diagonals is because it reminds me of my childhood and school lunches. Quite honestly, I think it even tastes better. So I guess I’d be a grilled cheese because when you’re young it is plain and simple, but you grow up and you start throwing tomatoes on it, basil and maybe even bacon. Much like how your life evolves and gets a little more complicated, but maybe even a little more fancy.
I still cut mine into triangles too for that very same reason. Grilled cheese is one of my favorite sandwiches. I think that is a great appliance to pick, especially in an interview where a great answer will often elude me. Thanks for commenting!
Yes what Ashley said…..
I’m cheesecake or chocolate cake with marshmallow frosting. I’m the dessert person.
I can totally recall the smell of Strawberry Shortcake dolls – and it is a good smell. I’m also fond of Playdough. And the original aluminum black barrel markers
Awesome posting – I look forward to following your blog ~
Playdough has a great smell too! Thanks for commenting today. Dessert people are my kind of people
Jesus Christ, that was a funny post. My favourite line, hands down: “In my 20′s, I brought beer and my boobs to parties, and I figured that was enough (okay the beer was enough).” I’m definitely chocolate cake – I’m all about over-the-top, in-your-face flavour.
Thanks! I’m glad you got some laughs from it. I need to learn how to make a great chocolate cake too. That is my husband’s favorite! Thanks for commenting!
I read the same book, The particular sadness of lemon cake, and the title of your post made me think of it! I started reading your post wondering if you had read the book or if it was just one of those strange coincidences! Like you, I loved the book at the start, then kind of lost interest as I felt it got weird. Now I want cake!
It took a weird turn, right? I even looked up the author, and if I remember correctly, she typically writes more in a science-fiction genre (I will have to revisit that, so don’t take that as fact), but I felt like that explained a little bit. It was a great idea though, and it has stuck with me for a long time.
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I am chocolate carmel cheesecake.My niece had all those Strawberry Shortcake little smelly dolls and the tree house and everything else.She was very selfish and people would sneak in her room to play with them which totally ticked her off.
Yum, chocolate carmel cheesecake. I’m going to have to go back to the grocery store for more sweets! I’m laughing at the image of people sneaking into your niece’s room for the Strawberry Shortcake dolls. They seem to have that effect on people
Just saw you are on Freshly Pressed. Congrats!
Thanks, Janet!
I really enjoyed reading your article, and in my new family of in-laws, I guess I am chocolate cake. I am always asked to make it and drag it through heat or cold three hours to any and all family gatherings. It has been to our church for more than one occasion and of course helped celebrate many birthdays in our home. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed. It was well deserved. And good luck in your quest to become Strawberry Cake.
I’m glad you liked it. Dragging around chocolate cake sounds like less fun than eating it! Thanks so much for reading and commenting today.
I actually read a lot of your posts today. I was going to go into a long diatribe on the joys of coffee, but the story is so interwoven with how my recent wedding came to be, I think I’ll save that one for my own blog. Ha ha.
Happy to hear it. Looking forward to seeing the coffee story
I love this post and can empathize with wanting to be known for a recipe. How did this happen? How and when did we transition from bringing the beer and being fine with that, to caring about baking something perfect? I like to believe that I can cook well, but honestly I just make things for my husband and he’s extraordinarily kind when he tells me how good everything is. And when it comes down to it, that’s really all that matters. But I still want to be able to make a perfect carrot cake.
Congrats on yet another Freshly Pressed, lady! It is very well-deserved.
Thank you! I’m really not sure how it happens either. One minute we’re all having fun at the parties, and the next we’re competing for best recipe (an award I will never win). It’s funny to watch, but I can’t say I don’t wish I could join in those conversations.
I can honestly say that I did not expect this one to get FP, but it’s probably a better feeling than being strawberry cake.
Oh well, I always try to compliment people who bring anything at all
Funny! I’m a strawberry cake too!! I try not to be, and when people ask ‘Are you bringing your strawberry cake’, I try to make excuses not to! My strawberry cake’s amazing (goes without saying
), but I guess I like to be a showoff and bring different stuff. Ha ha… Here’s a link to my cake (its legit, don’t worry) if you like : http://makeityum.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/strawberry-cake/
Hahaha! My best friend is like that too. She wants to keep bringing different, awesome things, and people love her easiest dessert the most (the cherry crisp). I will check out your recipe, and thanks for commenting today!
Oh I LOVE this post. I am kind of the same about Lemon Cake. Hence the blog name, which was definitely inspired by Aimee Bender’s book. Or book title. (Like you, I totally didn’t get that ending…)
I’m in my 20s and I can’t cook at all. You make me feel better!
I’m so glad you liked it, and that you’ve also read the book and felt the same way. I’m not even close to a good cook, but I have definitely improved from my 20s to my 30s, and I think there is still hope that I will continue to get better as life moves on
Thanks for commenting today!
well…i know what YOU should do. Make strawberry cake, or at least buy some. I totally understand your random food cravings, i have them too. I always seem to want new york style cheese cake
i never get it but if you can you should (your cake not mine) 
good luck on that, i hope you succeed in being strawberry cake
That does seem to be the solution doesn’t it? Make some strawberry cake! I crave cheese cake a lot too, but I try not to give into the cravings too much. Thanks for commenting.
I loooove your writing!!! It made me crave strawberry cake like a lot. You may remember a Strawberry Shortcake baby doll that would blow scented kisses when you squeezed her tummy. I asked for one for Christmas when I was about 10, but Santa screwed up and brought me the lemon one. I didn’t even wanna learn her name! When you mentioned the book you read, I immediately remembered that doll!
Thank you! I do remember that doll, but sadly, I never got one. I probably would have been sad if I’d gotten the lemon one instead too. Too funny! Thanks for stopping by today!
I don’t think I have my dish yet, but I have my desert. I’ve even received several requests for the recipe, which I sadly haven’t sent out yet. It’s Reese’s PB bars. So easy to make!
I think strawberry cake is a wonderful thing to have as “your” desert. And hey, if you personality is not synonymous with what you think this treat speaks, then maybe it could challenge you to lighten up a bit or work at setting your mind on the best things, etc–whatever might be able to make your soul become more light and airy and filled with pleasure.
Yum, anything with Reese’s is probably amazing! I could definitely stand to lighten up a little
Thanks so much for reading and commenting today.
It’s so funny I never thought of what my potluck dish says about me! This thought made me laugh because what is bring is comparable to everything else I do in my life. I never bring the same thing anywhere and often drive myself crazy trying to make a new recipe. How I decide what to make is totally and thoroughly dependent on my cravings.
That sounds like a good approach, and a great way not to get stuck bringing the same old thing every time
Thanks for commenting today.
I didn’t have that same Strawberry Shortcake doll, but I had a similar one, which suffered the terrible fate of being chewed by my childhood dog, who I’m sure did so because she smelled like an edible product. It was quite traumatic, I was 8 or 9. As for what food I would be… I think I would be a cheese-filled poblano pepper: Warm, comforting, but still with a touch of spice.
Oh, I bet that was hard to watch. I can see how a dog would find them appealing though! I love a good chile relleno. Yum!
Man, just when you think you’re the only one that used to bring beer and boobs to parties…
The only dishes I was ever asked to bring more than once to a party or potluck are buffalo chicken dip and impossible cheeseburger pie (that is actually quite the opposite of impossible). I guess this makes me hot, creamy, spicy, and…easy? My husband might agree with that statement.
And yes, I totally had a Strawberry Shortcake doll. The bigger one that blew gloriously sweet strawberry breath in my face when I squeezed her stomach. She was the best.
I’ve heard a lot of women use this beer and boob strategy
Hahaha! I like your dishes. I’m tempted to try to find one of these strawberry breath dolls on eBay now.
Thanks for commenting!
All I’ve ever been called upon to bring to parties is bags of ice, and onion dip once, but that turned out to be meant for someone else.
I would like to be sweet potato fries; mine kick some serious butt.
But I suppose I’m bagged ice, and there’s no way out.
(by the way this made me really hungry!)
Reminds me of that Friends epidsode when Pheobe gets put in charge of cups and ice. I always want to say that when I’m put on cup/ice duty. “Oh I will be in charge of cups and ice!” Sweet potato fries rock! Thanks for commenting today.
Good press
if anyone would like to visit my blog sweettweat.wordpress.com 
Thanks!
your welcome ^_^
I love to bring cakes to occasions – it makes it all the more fun making them when you know that a whole load of people are going to revel in eating.
I think I’d be some kind of cheescake… or maybe lemon meringue pie!
I agree completely. One of my friends brings mini cheesecakes, and these things are so good. I could eat a dozen of them in one sitting.
OK, this is my second attempt at posting a comment, since the first one disappeared, but the system insisted it had posted (?). I said something like…
I did have a Strawberry Shortcake doll, but it looked different and smelled to strawberries (Did all dolls do that?). Mine suffered the terrible fate of being chewed by my childhood dog, I assume because of its smell and thus “edible” indication. It was most traumatic to me, seeing my doll with her arms chewed out. I was nine.
And as for what meal I am… I’m more savory than sweet, so I would pick a Mexican Chile Relleno, the cheese-stuffed poblano peppers I love. Why them? Well, my personality is warm, comforting and spicy.
I got a little behind in moderating the comments, so I’m sorry your first one was late showing up. Thanks for posting again though, I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts
I had one of those cupcake dolls – a purple one – same strangely sweet and plastic smell. And I never thought of the item you bring being an extension, or perhaps description, of yourself. Sometimes that’s ok, like when I make Laura Calder’s Flourless Chocolate Cake – very French, chic. But what if I bring Guacamole – fresh, green Mexican? Or my layered dip – soft and crunchy? That would actually make for a lot of amusement at a dull party. Note what different people bring and then how it could describe them
Thanks for the smile you brought to my face over my old cupcake doll, how I begged my Mum for her after I saw the commercial.
http://dyefeltsool.com
I’m glad it brought a smile, and I agree, it would make an interesting conversation at a party
I bring booze to parties, but that’s getting kind of boring as I get older. I think I’d what to trifle, with glossy, syrupy coated fruit, smooth custard and springy sponge cake. So yummy!
Booze, boring? hahaha! Never!
I think I’m more crepes or chocolate cake!
Delicious!!
And oh! I really like your style of writing! It’s fun and unpredictable!
Thank you so much!
It does make sense and one’s taste could be figured out through the dishes they bring, I agree.
Dips are generally hearty ( black beans and such, in mind), while that cake is light and fluffy. Hearty reminds me of a family enjoying the presence of each other– nothing particularly fancy but essential, nonetheless.
Timely post. Thank you for sharing!
I like the way you’ve described hearty dishes. That seems even better than light, fluffy, and happy cake
Thank you for commenting!
I do think that food does represent who you are when you go to parties. I know for me, if I have a sweet tooth, it’s usually something sweet but low in carbs and fat. Which is weird but it it’s always something good and healthy.
Like natural red velvet cake… with real beets instead of food coloring.
Also, I prefer to bring salad or soup.
If you’re interested in eating a healthy kind of Strawberry cake, how about replacing the cake flour with almond flour instead of regular flour for baking. It will be easier to digest and you’ll be less likely to eat it faster. Also, use less sugar, replace it with natural sugar or use honey instead.
Really helps cut down on the carb intake!
Great suggestions! Bringing healthy dishes is a great contribution, and I wish I had more healthy food recipes. Thanks for commenting!
I love this! It makes total sense. The dishes we bring definitely reflect, in one way or another, something about our personality. Personally, I’m a total health nut, and am thus always called upon by friends to bring “rabbit food.” As boring as that might sound, don’t be fooled, I make a killer salad. It’s the heartiest, most delicious salad ever. I am a vegetarian, gluten free, and mostly sugar free, so I always know that I better bring something I can eat, or chances are, I’ll end up going hungry. Anyway- I love to cook, and while I’m certainly capable of more than just salad, I suppose people just figure if they must eat salad, better let the girl who KNOWS rabbit food well bring it. Nothing is worse (in my humble opinion) than a bowl of pre-packaged ice-burg lettuce mix as a lame attempt at “salad.” Yuck! But you should definitely master Strawberry Cake. If strawberry cake is what you desire to “be”, you can definitely achieve it!! Great post
I actually really enjoy hearty salads, although I tend to take all the health benefit out of them with dressing overkill. I agree that the pre-packaged mixes are not good salad! Thanks for stopping by today
Congrats on being freshly pressed! Sorry I couldn’t read through all the posts, so I hope I don’t repeat others sentiments.
First, I haven’t read “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake”, although it is on my list. Your description and others that I have read sound similar to Laura Esquivel’s “Like Water For Chocolate”, which is an amazing novel.
Second, I think, as much as I hate to admit it, I am deviled eggs. I associate them as cheesy and stinky and a little, ahem, declasse, however, my friends and family are devastated if I don’t bring them. My version does break the mold of standard, boring deviled eggs. Anyway, great question, and fun blog! Thanks for sharing.
Deviled eggs are always a big hit! My grandma used to bring those to all the holiday gatherings as well along with a pickle/olive/relish tray (unless she was hosting it, and then she did most of the cooking herself). Like Water for Chocolate has been mentioned once I think, but I’m going to put it on the reading list
Thanks for commenting today!
I actually found a deviled egg recipe that’s replace with avocado instead of mayo… I have yet to try it though!
I’m looking forward to doing that sometime before the summer is over! Perhaps that could cut down on the smell? Worth a shot and it’s healthy! Have fun!
That sounds like it would be pretty good!
I’ll try it soon and let you know how it is!
My thing is homemade marshmallows. The first reaction I get from people is “I didn’t know it was possible to make homemade marshmallows.” The second reaction is “These are incredible and nothing like store-bought marshmallows.” The third reaction is “Could you make these for my wedding (or baby shower)?”
Thanks for a great post!
My first reaction is, I didn’t know you could make homemade marshmallows! They sound amazing
Thanks for commenting!
great creativity… nice post like it very much
Thank you very much!
I have always brought my family’s pasta salad. Tri-color rotini noodles, grape tomatoes, canned mushrooms, cucumbers, olives, all marinated in the fridge in Wishbone Italian dressing for an hour or two. I don’t know what that says about me. Maybe I wish I was Italian? Maybe I wish I lived in Italy? Maybe I want to be marinated in Italian dressing?
Hahaha! I bet there is a spa treatment where you could be marinated in Italian dressing
The pasta salad sounds delicious!
love this post. i wanna be strawberry cake too. i’m more like banana pudding: goofy and sweet.
Thank you! Banana pudding is a good one to be.
I’m potato salad. One weekend I had to make four separate batches of potato salad. What does that say about me? All I know id that I smelled like mayo for a few days.
Making potato salad is an art as well. The mayo smell does stick with you for a while! Thanks for commenting!
Bodacious Post! Great Writing skills as well!
Thank you!
I’m a baked caramel cheesecake, which now that I think about it, probably describes my personality perfectly – well received by all, but have too much and it’ll make you sick.
And thanks for mentioning that book – I think I might add it to my “to be read” list (even though I know the ending!!).
Hahaha! I don’t know if there such a thing as too much caramel cheesecake
I am sorry for posting a spoiler, I probably would have left that part out had I known so many people would see this post. Even though it got a little a weird, I still enjoyed the book, and hopefully I didn’t give enough away to ruin the book!
Hey it’s ok – I usually spend the first few pages of a book trying to figure out the ending. So in reality you have probably done me a favour – now I can just focus on reading!!
And believe me, if you ever ate this cheesecake, you would understand that it’s best in small doses – the filling is really rich so you really can’t eat more than your fair share, otherwise you end up feeling a bit yuck.
On the plus side, it does make the cheesecake last a whole lot longer!
Hey, thanks for following my blog…yours is very tasty & makes me hungry!! Hungry for more! Ha!
You are very welcome! Thank you for your kind comments, and I look forward to reading more of yours
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I had the same Strawberry Shortcake doll and yes, she smelled of artificial strawberries and plastic! But I must admit that Strawberry’s friend, Lemon Meringue was my favorite. So much so that, at the age of 5, I decided to change my name to Lemon Meringue when I got old enough. I never followed through with that one, but it shows my dedication to the doll!
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading and commenting! That’s hilarious that you wanted to change your name to Lemon Meringue. The power of a great toy!
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Thank you for sharing your talent for writing and keeping me blissfully entertained!
I totally get your post. It’s so cute…and yes I do remember the “strawberry shortcake” dolls. I think boobs are more than enough – but if in doubt, take Vodka Jelly Shots. Colorful and always popular in an innocent and happy looking package. For children’s parties I like to double the Vodka….er no… substitute the vodka for a lolly snake. So easy but the kids love them! Just don’t mix the two up…hence the snake in the kids’ ones.
Hahaha! I could probably keep them apart as long as I’m not sampling as I go. Very good advice.
OMG – is this the post that made me discover you? I have been “retro-reading” for so long now I forgot how I even stumbled on you – but it must have been “freshly pressed!” FUN!
PS Banana Bread and Calzones made with puff pastry crust are my signatures!
I believe this was the post where you started reading! It was fun, and umm…Banana bread and calzones…yum!