Happy Birthday With Gourmet Turtle Cheesecake
I am preparing a surprise birthday party for my husband. This year is a milestone birthday for him. He will be entering a new decade of life, so I want to celebrate this event. Since my husband is a man who likes the simple things in life, I will keep the guest list small. He surely would not enjoy a grand affair, nor would he want a lot of gifts. That's why I'm asking the guests to only bring lighthearted birthday wishes in the form of humorous greeting cards. For those who insist on a present, I'm suggesting they give a charitable donation to those less fortunate than we are, in my husband's honor.
In order to keep costs to a minimum, I will have this party at our house, rather than renting a party room. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate because we have a lovely back yard which my husband adores. We have ample seating for everyone with our patio furniture and lawn chairs. The outdoor fireplace and our solar garden lighting will provide just the right amount of illumination. Our outdoor stereo system is perfect for providing festive music.
In the past, finding suitable birthday refreshments has been a challenge because my husband is not a lover of cake. I have substituted with various treats like pudding cups, chocolate chip cookies, and candy bars. Since this birthday has such significance, I have chosen an almost sinful turtle cheesecake to take the place of the traditional birthday cake. The crunchy, salted pecans and rich chocolate and caramel swirls which drizzle over the creamy cheesecake will be a treat my husband will find scrumptious. It's a delicious alternative that will satisfy all of our guests' cravings.
(Later, now.) Upon completion of the plans, the eagerly anticipated date of my husband's birthday party celebration has finally arrived. As luck would have it, the evening is beautiful...clear skies, sparkling stars, warm temperature, and a light breeze. As I excitedly lead my husband outside in the pretense of taking a stroll around the garden, our loved ones surprise him by singing "Happy Birthday" to him. I hold the turtle cheesecake as he proceeds to blow out lots and lots of candles. As each guest takes their first mouth-watering bite, they rave about how delicious the turtle cheesecake tastes. My husband whole-heartedly agrees. He thoroughly enjoys this birthday cake substitution.
The surprise birthday party I planned for my husband turned out to be exactly what he likes most...a simple get-together with our family; enjoying the easy banter among loved ones; appreciating the time spent in each other's company. He laughed at the funny cards, romped in the grass with the children, teased his brothers, and especially savored his birthday cheesecake.
After everyone had gone, when I asked my husband if he had an inkling of the surprise birthday party, he replied with a gleam in his eyes, "Well, the turtle cheesecake was a surprise." Turtle cheesecake is, indeed, the extra-special treat for this extra-special birthday!
