THE ROYAL TREATMENT

On June 4, 1968, Mickey and Lloyd welcomed a beautiful son into the world.  They named him Phillip after Prince Phillip (Queen Elizabeth's husband).  I am sure they did not think on that day that they had been responsible for bringing my true Prince into this world, but in 39 years, I would find that out.

This week, Phillip celebrated his 44th birthday!  On Sunday we gathered at Mom and Bill's for a cookout with friends and family.  Bill fired up the grill and everyone brought a side.  I was, of course, in charge of the sweets.

In honor of my sweetie pie's birthday, I made his favorite cupcakes: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Luckily, I had some of the cookie dough balls left in the freezer from the last batch a few weeks ago.  I think it's a good strategy to take the cookie dough ball recipe and stretch it so that it will make two batches (48 cupcakes).  There is more than enough if you form them into medium-, quarter-sized chunks.  That part of the recipe is by far the most labor intensive.

Unfortunately, I did not have enough butter for the cupcakes and the frosting.  There are three sticks in each and I had used most of my reserve on the Whopper cupcakes last week.  I try to keep several boxes on hand for any spur-of-the-moment cooking or baking, but I had not added it to my grocery list.  I have found, in my elder years, that I HAVE to write down EVERYTHING on a list or I can FORGET about (no pun intended) remembering it.  Anyone who works with me knows that I'm a Post It Note freak.  I keep 3M in business.

Where was I?  Oh yes, birthday cupcakes!  Baking for major life events (which I consider all birthdays we are lucky enough to share with our family and friends) is an extra special reason to bake.  All my life, my family has made birthdays a big deal.  It is the day that your journey begins and a day you should surround yourself with those who make your journey a blessing and a joy.

After a quick trip to the Publix (after a work out and a pedicure) I was able to finish up the cupcakes and get them in the fridge.  They are best after they've chilled in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Based on the feedback from the partygoers, the cupcakes were perfect.  Bruce said they were the best he had ever had.  The best part was that my birthday Prince loved them.  Happy birthday, Love.

Thank you to Mom & Bill, Heather & Nick, the Gotreauxs, the Lynns, the Jacksons & Nana, the Laslies, Susan, and the Oxendines for sharing Phillip's birthday with him.  The only thing better would have been to have had the Maryland family and Sam here for the festivities.  We'll get a chance to spend some quality time together at the end of June when we head to Maryland for a visit.  I look forward to baking for the extended family and sharing some memories around the pool.

For the recipe, see my post: A TALE OF THREE CUPCAKES.