Birthday Dinner

Yup, its that time of year again, the birthday month in the Clement household. Tonight was my turn, and your turn in this household means you get to choose your birthday meals.

Have you ever made Sushi Rolls? Or Nori Wraps or California Rolls, whatever name you want to call them by they're pretty darn tasty! Don't worry, we didn't have any raw seafood in these. Just chop up your favorite colorful vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, avocado and cucumber here), cut cream cheese into slices- or mini (cooked) shrimp- cook the sushi rice according to the directions on the package.

Spread a thin layer of rice on most of the Sushi Nori wrap, leaving an inch at the top uncovered so it will stick to itself when rolled. Spread your desired toppings in a thin line towards the bottom of the wrap. Dampen the last uncovered inch of the wrap so it will seal when rolled and then roll it tightly from the bottom up.

Slice it, like so:
Dip it in tamari/soy sauce and wasabi if you like, and enjoy!


These girls loved it! They were eating them as fast as I could roll them!
This is one of my favorite potluck meals. The host provides the wraps and the rice and each guest brings a favorite topping or two. Mmm mmm mmm!





Mitch, the chef extraordinaire tonight, outdid himself with dessert, a delicious chocolate cake made from scratch, Texas Sheet Cake.

My favorite chocolate cake ever because it always turns out so moist.

If you're looking for a never-fail chocolate cake recipe, try this one out. I've even made it with 100% whole wheat pastry flour and it was still incredible.

Texas Sheet Cake

2 c flour

2 c sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 c butter

1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder

2 eggs

1/2 c buttermilk (or sour milk)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 recipe Chocolate-Buttermilk Frosting

Mix first four ingredients. Melt butter in a small saucepan, add cocoa powder and 1 c water. Bring mixture just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add cocoa mixture to flour mixture, add eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. 350 degrees for 35 min. Pour warm Chocolate-Buttermilk Frosting over warm cake.

Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting: Combine 1/4 c butter, 3 T cocoa powder, and 3 T buttermilk in a saucepan. Bring to boiling, remove from heat. Add 2 1/4 c powdered sugar, beat until smooth. Add a smidge more milk to reach desired spreading consistency if necessary.