Yellow Cupcakes and Chocolate Icing, Take 2

If you've been reading my blog for a year now, you'll recognize something familiar here... I posted similar photos approximately 12 months ago. (see 5/30/08). The occasion? My husband's birthday. His favorite food is-without question- the Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix Cupcakes and Chocolate Icing out of the can.

Last year, I wrote about his sheer delight and the uncontrollable smile that came across his face when he saw his beloved cupcakes. The same was true for this year. In the previous post, I wrote about food memories and how and when they are created. For him, these delicious cupcakes made an indelible mark over 30 years ago and I found that the same is true for his parents as they partook in some of the birthday cupcakes this year. They, too, had the look of happiness and recalled fond memories as they bit into the moist yellow cake, being careful not to smudge the icing. They even took leftover cupcakes home to enjoy them for a few days after the actual birthday. I know that his brother had the same smile and exact same memories of the cupcakes as my husband described his birthday treat to him over the phone.

These cupcakes are definitely a family favorite and I have the pleasure and enjoyment of sitting back and watching the entire thing unfold-the exact same way-year after year. You see, I did not grow up on these cupcakes so my food memories are not rooted in them..in fact, I am okay without having even one of them. While one would think that would be horrific for my husband-to have his wife not share in his bliss for this beloved food-the exact opposite is true. It's actually quite blissful as this means more for him to enjoy. And I'm just fine with that.

Photos: Left: Pre-iced. Right: Post icing with candles for the Happy Birthday Song