Randolph's Russian 18th Birthday

by Randolf
(Middlesex, England)

My 18th birthday Russian "cozonac" cake

These days, birthdays in Russia are much like they are in America. They weren’t always that way, I know, but the reason is more of the world is exposed to American ideas than before.

My mom would tell me stories about her birthday pies, with a "Happy Birthday" message or her age on it (like they do in America).

Mom said she never blew out birthday candles, but she did get gifts from her teacher and friends at school. I’m not sure what happened to that custom. Probably it went the way of the birthday pie, because I never received gifts at school (who wouldn’t love that?)

The pies that Mom got on her birthday were dessert pies, fruit and so forth. That’s really important, because we have some Russian pies that you would never think of on your birthday. Imagine leeks and salmon. See! I wouldn't like to celebrate my birthday by having some nice leek pie. Blah! (Just kidding! It's pretty good.)

I remember the last birthday I celebrated in Russia, before moving to England. I was turning 18, and my mother made my favorite cake, called "cozonac." It is really delicious! The closest American dessert would be a sweet bread or fruitcake, but without all the fruit.

She made it from scratch and decorated by hand with wonderful nuts and grapes. Last, she put this huge "18" on the cake.

My entire family was there to celebrate with me. We talked for hours! It was very nice, especially because it would be a long time before seeing them again.

Here’s a picture of the cake that my mother made. Hope you enjoy it!