I recently threw a graduation party for a my boyfriend- he just got his master's degree! Lots of people from both of our families were there. While the party was for him, May is an important month for our families, and we wanted to surprise and recognize all the other special dates.  Aside from my boyfriend's graduation, May is his birthday, both of his brothers' birthdays, his parents' anniversary, my mom's birthday, and Mother's Day (and this year, my sister's first Mother's Day as a mother). Plus, his parents have two poodles, and one is named May.

I wanted a cake that celebrated everything and everyone.  Cakes are important parts of celebrations- blowing out candles, cutting the cake, and people save cake to eat on their anniversary.  We tend to remember cakes, especially if they're unique and special.  The party was in New Hampshire, so I went on a search and found an amazing shop in what seemed like an unlikely place (unlikely at least to me, a New Yorker): Jacques Fine European Pastries in Suncook, NH.

When I went looked at their website and went to their store, I knew that they would be able to make an amazing cake. I had an idea to make a cake that had edible figurines of all the people with special days in May.  I gave Jacques photographs to help them build the figurines, and they came up with a spring and forest themed background to tie it all together.

I met with them at the store in February, but I didn't see the cake until the day of party. It blew me and the guests away!  It was the first thing they noticed when they came into the dining room at the Hancock Inn.  Everyone quickly and enthusiastically recognized themselves and started taking pictures.  Even other diners who weren't part of the party could help but look and take a few photographs. It was breathtaking and a great centerpiece for the party.

The cake looked great, but the moment of truth was when we actually tasted it. It was delicious.  Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting and hint of raspberry- to die for! Even better, when we cut the cake, we got to pass the figures out, and they became instant family fun. It made dessert unforgettable, and ultimately it was an easy way to make the guests feel special.

So, if your ever looking for a special cake, and you live in New England, make sure to remember Jacques Fine European Pastries.  You won't be disappointed.