I love a cake that tells a story! This cake gives a glimpse into the life of the birthday boy. This is a simple ganached cake that spells out the man’s last name (and nickname) in fondant letters that describe him and his interests. “M” — is adorned in desert camouflage and accented with a golden oak leaf to represent his military service in the Army Jag. “E” is cut out of the Italian flag (Grandma and Grandpa met on the boat from Italy immigrating to America). “L” is his leg and a shoe — he is wild about running. “I” is a tie with a tie tack bearing the initials “AG” (for Attorney General — the office where he works). “T” is made from the Scales of Justice — Mike is an attorney. The “O” is a golden frame, with a hand-painted picture of his precious family — the center of his life. And we couldn’t leave out his alma mater — the “40” and birthday banner on top are in the Boston College school colors. GO BC Eagles!

The cake itself is a 6 layer super chocolate cake with alternating fillings of ganache and Bavarian cream.

The 40 on top is made from gum paste.