It is deliciously sunny and warm-ish for mid-January right now; the beauty of a Colorado winter. Yesterday and today - and maybe even the next few days - no socks during the daylight hours, a lightweight sweater, windows cracked open. To my Florida bones, this is perfection.
It's been a while since I last did a post of links to some of my current favorite things, and today seems fitting for sharing things dreamy and wondrous.
I am savoring this book. Last night I read these lines, and then I read them again and again until they were percolating in my mind.
And after the leaves cameblossoms. For some thingsthere are no wrong seasons.Which is what I dream of for me.
I just finished this book. It's a young-adult (fiction) story about the bond between two sisters, and so much more.
Recently, I found my way to this company and then discovered that they're right here in Denver. Love that!
These. The moment I saw these handmade/embroidered animal "dolls" (the necklaces too) I fell in love. The fox and the owl...swoon! My boys would love them.
And now for the cake. Today, with the kitchen window cracked open, geese resting in the field behind our house, blue sky, I felt like baking. I decided on a cake recipe I pinned earlier this week since I had all of the ingredients on hand to make a similar version. And it turned out really good, although to me it is more of a quickbread. Plus, I found my way to a great blog. Love that about Pinterest!
Cardamom-Orange Cake with Lavender Sugar(adapted from Five & Spice)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt1 tsp. ground cardamom1 cup sugar (I use organic cane sugar)1 heaping tsp. orange zest3/4 cup honey flavored yogurt (I used Noosa, or substitute plain yogurt)1/2 cup olive oil (of good quality because the flavor really comes through)2 eggs1tsp. pure vanilla extractlavender sugar (or coarse sugar) for dusting (optional)
In a medium bowl mix first 4 ingredients. In a large bowl combine sugar and orange zest. Add yogurt, olive oils, eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour mixture and stir until just combined. Pour into prepared loaf pan and lightly dust with lavender sugar*.
The lavender sugar is such a lovely touch but if you don't have any, a dusting of coarse sugar - such as Demerara - will work just fine.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a standard loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
