>tree ring cake, Baumkuchen

Running out of good birthday or anniversary cake ideas? Not approving theme cakes' current trend toward way too much colored frosting?

Baumkuchen, "tree cake", is a non-seasonal cake that does not drown in too much icing and food coloring, that could also be a more elegant alternative to bûche de Noël, come the winter holiday season. (Kransekake, resembling a tree, sounds interesting, too, but it doesn't come with fine baked-in growth rings.)

Secure a Baumkuchen, then admire its resemblance to a large log's cross-section. Count from the "bark," label your significant years with small flags attached to toothpicks. Alternatively, place a row of candles along the circle that represents the year you want to celebrate.

What could be a more delicious intro to a discussion on dendrochronology?

Can't find a Baumkuchen baker who does the old-fashioned labor-intensive spit-baking? You may be able to find a company that makes it with specialized automated equipment. A business idea for you talented bakers out there?

I could definitely use a slice with my tea here.