Success!

My husband's birthday cake just keeps getting better each day.  I now have the confidence to make my next cake from scratch.  Ina Garten's chocolate buttercream frosting is divine. The coffee really adds a different flavor to it.  My mother-in-law is my number one fan when it comes to my baking products.  When she found out that I made a cake, she strictly (and half-jokingly) prohibited us from eating it until our usual Sunday get-together.  Of course we didn't listen as that's still two days away.  Besides, it's my husband's birthday cake so he had to have a slice of it. 

My husband is now suggesting that we add another layer of fruits in the cake. Hmm, I'll think about it. 

I kinda like the messy icing look.