Julia Child famously commented, "A party without a cake is just a meeting." With her trademark air of confidence, she helped us define the role of cake as an essential part of celebrations. And, springtime brings many reasons to party - Mother's Day, graduations, bridal events, Father's Day - plenty of opportunity ahead for a party cake!

IN THIS ISSUE, we're here to help you with your party festivities with a few easy, yet dramatic, cake ideas. Starting with a springtime personality we have a Berry Vanilla Buttermilk Cake, followed by a decadent Double Espresso Chocolate Cake with Cappuccino Froth, and a unique idea for individual cakes, Little Lemon Layer Cakes. Along the way, you'll find plenty of tips for cake baking success. Get your pans ready and start the oven!

If it's true that it's not a party unless there's cake, we're pretty sure that the converse is also true -
if there's cake, it's a party! Enjoy your spring celebrations!

Denise Lindbo
Gourmet Chef