Lemon Cornmeal Birthday Cake with Strawberries

Yesterday was my birthday and a very nice birthday it was!

 I received lots of birthday wishes from dear old friends and...

My father made me this beautiful windowsill herb garden that I just love!  The perfect gift for me! 

My mother gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure at a local spa - Ahhh...

I have three new cookbooks to add to my collection - thanks Cousin!

My husband gave me these pretty flowers although he wasn't supposed to buy me anything - thank you Matt!

Cailyn's friends called and sang Happy Birthday to me - love them all!

My daughters were both home for my birthday dinner - priceless!

NJ strawberries are finally here and they are so delicious!   Fresh strawberry season in NJ goes by very quickly.  I wanted a cake that I could top with strawberries that would not be too heavy or too sweet.  Lemon Cornmeal Cake was just perfect!  The cake recipe was adapted from Everyday Food's Orange Cornmeal Cake.  I substituted the zest of two lemons for the orange zest that was called for in the recipe.  I also used white wine instead of orange juice.   I absolutely love this cake!  I could write a poem about it!  A great thing about it is that there is absolutely no butter or dairy in this cake.  Make sure to use a  good quality, mild flavored olive oil ( I used Frantoia).   I'll be making this cake again soon!  I also will be enjoying every moment of strawberry season in NJ.