Ultra Lemony Lemon Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

Ultra Lemony Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

#CitrusLove

“In my basket, under my clothes, you’ll find two books—new, so be gentle with them. It’s two volumes by a man the world is going to hear from. You can start reading if you want and it will raise your lid a little.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

When I won Mary’s give away and received Baked Occasions by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito I was (almost) overwhelmed with all the fantastic recipes. This cookbook is just as scrumptious as Baked Elements! How about Pistachio White Chocolate Cheesecake or Chocolate Pop Tarts with Peanut Butter and Jam Filling? Black Forest Cupcakes and Strawberry Supreme Cake have been bookmarked. When I found Ultra Lemony Lemon Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze there was no turning back. How could I resist making a cake that required the zest of 10 lemons! This was a cake that I had to make. What did I do with all the leftover lemon juice? Made lemonade!

This Bundt is moist and lemony. Magically the rum and almond flavors meld with the lemon to make a mighty fine cake. If lemon desserts are a favorite this is a must bake cake. This cake travels and keeps well and can be made a day before it is eaten. The recipe for Ultra Lemony Lemon Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze can be found here. READ MORE . . .

Almond Joy Energy Bars

Almond Joy Energy Bars

A Craving

“Let’s get it over and the door closed shut on it! Let’s close it like a book and go on reading! New chapter, new life.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I’m floating into the New Year. Just going to let it happen. Not swimming against the tide, not pushing against the closed doors, not going to deny the passage of time. Making a commitment to move on—no loads of heavy thoughts or remorse over unmet goals. It’s new territory and I’m happy to have an invitation to attend the opening ceremony. This year was consumed with loss and I am ready for change. I crave a new beginning. READ MORE . . .

Low Fat Granola Clusters with Almonds, Coconut and Strawberries

Granola with strawberries

Whole Grain Goodness

“The stove was warming, with orange light showing around the lids and the soft thunder of drafty flame leaping past the open damper. The kitchen clock flashed its pendulum behind its glass skirt, and it ticked like a little wooden hammer striking on an empty wooden box.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Granola with fresh fruit is a terrific way to begin the day. Whole grain goodness to power through the morning with hints of sweetness to wake our sleepy minds. Add just enough seasonal fresh fruit and we are seduced into a moment of daydreaming before we begin our day. Granola with quality ingredients can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought and perhaps best of all it requires no prep time on busy mornings. A batch can quickly be made on the weekend and it will last through a week of breakfasts for a family. READ MORE . . .

Almond Breakfast Rolls with Amaretti Cookies and Amaretto

Almond Breakfast Rolls

Smile from the Inside Out

“He read slowly, moving his lips over the words. Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which is remembered.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I’m hoping almonds are a favorite. If so, this recipe will make you very happy. And happy is what we need to begin the new year. Resolutions and goals are perfectly fine, I made a few too. But I’m all for a big dose of being happy. I’m striving to be happier, to find joy in the present moment. Because really that’s all we’ve got. We know this, yet we don’t live as if we know this truth. We lost someone close to our family unexpectedly during the holidays. Our holidays are forever changed. With a basket of grief firmly griped in my hands I offer a gentle reminder to cherish each moment, smile from the inside out and find joy in each precious day. READ MORE . . .

Apple Almond Tarts

Apple almond tart

Little Lady Apples

“And people found happiness in the future according to their present lack.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Balance and moderation, always the mantra for a life well lived. Each New Year we tip the scales to and fro, searching for the elusive equilibrium. We make resolutions and establish new habits but sometimes life reminds you how precarious that balance can be. READ MORE . . .