I met Clara a few years ago, when I visited the Juneau Public Library, in Alaska. Recently, she sent me photos of this SPECTACULAR cake that she made, which she says is “another kind of Wintercake.” I’ll say!

Clara donated her cake to the homeless shelter in Juneau. I don’t have specific instructions, but if you are so inclined, you can probably look at these photos and figure it out. She started with a plan, always a good idea: Cake type would be up to you. Clara’s was a carrot cake, made with carrots harvested by 2-year-old Olivia, who then helped further by staying out of the way. The frosting contained cream cheese. I believe this next photo shows Clara using a rolling pin to crumble cookies, inside a plastic bag. These become the ashes of the merry fire: Next, we see 2 photos. Apparently, she melted crumbled candy in the oven. I am not sure what kind of candy it is, but after it is melted, and then cools, it is translucent, and can be broken into flame-shapes! Here is Clara assembling her cake. I’m not positive, but it looks to me as if she used those Pirouline cookies, which you can find at the grocery store, for logs. Notice the battery-operated votive in the center. And see how wonderful it looks when she lights it up! I think this is the most amazing cake I have ever seen. Thank you, Clara, for sending me the photos!