It’s a Surprise Birthday Party
I know I’ve said this time and time again, but five years ago when I started this little blog, I had no idea the sense of community that would come from being a food blogger. I have met some really interesting people, both online and in real life, and made some amazing friends through blogging.
Today is one of those amazing friend’s birthdays! Fiona from A Boston Food Diary is celebrating a birthday today. Fiona is one of the most caring, funny, passionate, and enthusiastic people I have ever met. I wanted to do something to celebrate with her and some of her blogging friends.
I decided to throw a virtual surprise birthday party for her today! Similar to the online showers I’ve participated in throughout the years, I asked some of her blogging friends to post about something Fiona would enjoy to celebrate her special day. Be sure to check out what everyone made to bring to Fiona’s birthday party. And, for an extra special treat, be sure to wish Fiona a Happy Birthday on her blog, or twitter!!
Amber from Bluebonnets + Brownies made Sunday Cupcakes with Fleur de Sel Caramel Frosting
Aimee from The Apron Archives made Carrot Raisin Scones
Erica from In and Around Town posted Ocean Views at Legal Harborside’s First Floor
And last, but not least, I made a Happy Birthday Cocktail. I didn’t really know what else to name it. It is reminescent of some great cocktails I’ve been enjoying lately. The drink contains Hendrick’s Gin, St Germain, and Champagne! How could that not be amazing?!?
Two Years Ago: PB&J Omelet
Three Years Ago: Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Happy Birthday Cocktail
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
1 part gin (recommended: Hendrick's)
1 part St Germain
3 parts champagne
1 cucumber slice
1 lemon wedge
Directions:
Fill glass with ice. Add gin and St Germain. Stir to combine.
Top with champagne.
Garnish with cucumber and lemon.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
This looks like such a perfect gift! Are those your homemade marshmallows I spy in the mug?
Of course they are! I seriously can’t justify buying marshmallows anymore. They’re just so easy and SO good homemade. I even whipped up a batch to put on our twice baked sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving.
I really wanted to do this this year for gifts but time escaped me. Looks great!
Soooo here’s the deal- A Boston Food Diary is going to look A LOT like Beantown Baker next week as I steal your recipes 🙂 Looks great Jen!
Why have I never thought about doing this? It looks so easy and it definitely would give me an excuse to make some homemade marshmallows!
That looks like an amazing gift! Making a homemade hot cocoa would definetly save money. Thanks for the recipe(:
Ghirardelli cocoa is very good and your homemade hot cocoa mix …too!!! May you have a special merry Christmas!!!Hugs, Flavia
I have never thought of making my own cocoa mix OR marshmallows. I feel a winter project coming on. Looks delicious!
I have had this bookmarked to make to some gifts for a couple of my girlfriends. So awesome and easy to make!
-Amanda
Loads of thanks to you. I can make everyone happy this Christmas. This recipe is even easy to follow.
Yum! What a great holiday gift idea!