Hello Kitty Themed Birthday Cake

Children's Birthday parties have evolved over the years.  We used to just have square Buttercream-frosted Chiffon cakes decorated with a figurine of our favorite cartoon character on top with Spaghetti with minced meat in Tomato sauce.  Now, while the Spaghetti lives on, the cakes are definitely grander.  Aside from the food, kids and adults are also entertained by Clowns, Magicians, Dancers, Singers, and even human Beatboxers.  On a recent Birthday party, I got to witness this Hello Kitty themed Birthday cake surrounded by cupcakes with lovely decorations on top.  More pictures after the jump.

Lava Chocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Fondant (Lava Cake) Recipe

My passion for cooking and baking has been ignited again after watching the season 2 of MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA.  I was rooting for Callum Hann, the youngest contestant in that season, simply because he's comfortable in making desserts and he seems to know flavors really well!  One memorable moment was when he and another contestant made a chocolate fondant dessert!  

When you hear the word fondant, you'd probably think of that thick white icing used in decorating wedding cakes.  And if you've tried one, you'd definitely think it's nothing special!  It's just white and very sweet.  Even barely edible in some instances.  A Chocolate Fondant however is not an icing, it's usually a cupcake that been baked just about enough time to solidify the edges but not the insides.  In so doing, hot chocolate syrup flows out from the center when you cut the cake!  A very lovely surprise awaiting the diner for that theatrical effect.  After all, we always eat first with our eyes!  And melted or gooey chocolate always tastes good!