Pentecost Cake

I have wanted to make one of Jessica's Pentecost cakes for so long and I finally did it. Yes, we have our back-to-back birthday extravaganza coming up at the end of the week with two birthday cakes on the menu plus a wedding to go to, but this one is a GF treat we can enjoy with Daddy and by golly, it was too pretty to put off any longer.

I used a Betty Crocker GF cake mix but substituted the water for greek yogurt and used 1/2 tsp. almond extract and 1/2 tsp. coconut extract in place of 1 of the teaspoons of vanilla. Also, my kids insisted on a blue candle to represent the Blessed Virgin. Other than that, we followed Jessica's design exactly. Seven slice strawberries (hearts) for the gifts of the Holy Sprit, 12 strawberries for the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit, 12 white candles for the 12 apostles and 1 red candle in the middle for Christ, our Light.

I also pulled out our Holy Spirit wind decoration. Cupcake has been huffing and puffing her hardest to make it spin in the breeze. You can't see it in this picture, but each strip has a gift of the Holy Spirit written on it in silver.

Happy Pentecost to you all and Happy Birthday to our beloved Catholic Church!

For Faith, Hope and Love

Holy Spirit, open my eyes and calm my mind. Give me the recollection of the Father's love, of the Son's unceasing prayer, of the world as God's world and of your own presence within me. Holy Spirit, give me faith.

Holy Spirit, reveal to me the truth of the Father's unfailing purpose; of the Son's victory and risen presence; the truth about myself~ sinner yet child beloved of God. Holy Spirit. give me hope.

Holy Spirit, give me peace; peace with God and peace with people. Kindle my desire for you. Strengthen my will to live and serve. Teach me and lead me where you will. Holy Spirit, give me love. Amen.