Birthday Wish

I spoke with my niece today, whose birthday is coming up in March. "What do you want for your birthday?" I asked. In typical teenager's fashion she started "I don't really know" song but then her voice came alive with excitment, "I know, I know. I want Ted's chocolate cake." Such a sweet birthday wish for a person who will turn 15.

The wish has its history. Back when my niece was barely two years old and we all lived in Moscow, my husband introduced us to his chocolate cake. I think it wasn't even the taste of the cake that made it so special for my family but the fact that the man took time, prepared it and brought it to my mom's house. Since then the cake made its appearance every time my family visited us in our travels. By now everybody is aware that it is made from Betty Crocker's mix but it is still known as Ted's chocolate cake.