Chocolate Stout Birthday Cake

The only disappointing thing about this recipe is that the icing and cake are so dark and chocolaty that it's a bit difficult to photograph in a way that does it justice.  But don't just take my word for it, you can find the recipe here and try it out for yourself.

Yes, that's A LOT of butter.

Augustus Gloop has nightmares about this cake.

This is supposed to be a three-layer cake, but the recipe made so much batter  that we decided
to split it into two smaller cakes.  Believe me, between the rich batter and the ganache
 icing, two layers more than satisfies. 

(Finally) Spring in the Berkshires

Delicate fern fronds unfurl elegantly.

What are now forests were once cultivated fields and cleared pastures.
Ancient stone walls still crisscross the landscape that the trees have since reclaimed.

When fog rolls in on cold spring mornings,
the mountain takes on a Jurassic feel.