Here is my annual Cake Day cake. I mention this every year, but I don’t make cakes all that often — I’m not very good at decorating / frosting, and even more so in the days of a global pandemic, making cupcakes as not to share food is better anyway. That said, one day out of the year, I do make a cake, so this year is no different. I love the combination of coconut and chocolate so this celebratory has both cake types and frosting types, in addition to garnet-colored sugar flowers as they are the January birthstone color. Here’s to being 50, I guess!
Desserts
Starting off 2022…. I bought a pineapple. I don’t do that very often because about half way through, I realize that pineapple is pretty acidic and I lose interest. But I felt like buying a pineapple for it’s symbolism. There are lots: warm welcomes, celebration and hospitality, friendship. Have one (or a painting or sculpture of one in a doorway, and it might mean stop in for a chat. In addition, it reminds me of warm climates and it’s pretty yucky weather here in greater Boston to start out the new year, so maybe I subconsciously was dreaming of Hawaii or the tropics. Either which way, I decided to make the standard crumble bars to start of the new year. Delicious, as always.
I found a similar recipe using delicata squash a while back and have finally gotten around to trying it — and wow, I am actually impressed at how delicious and flavorful this is. I mean, it’s nothing like a pumpkin pie or anything, but it is delicious, and if you aren’t a “pie person” this might be a good option as a Thanksgiving Day dessert. Definitely serve with ice cream and still slightly warm. Yum.
When in doubt, there is always a new type of crumble bars to try! This time, I went with a great combination of autumn flavors: figs and ginger. For those who don’t know, I absolutely love figs. I even have a Pinterest Board called “Getting Figgy with it”. 🙂 Anyway, figs and ginger, a buttery vanilla base and a few walnuts to top it off. Super yummy.
Something very German today: Käsekuchen, traditional German-style Cheesecake. It is made with Quark, which is nearly impossible to find around here, but I make my own (sort of like making yogurt). I am always a little nervous when making cheesecake, actually, because it can get quite dense or develop an unslightly crack through the middle, but this was light an fluffy and very was a great success. It was tart and lemony and yet still sweet and light. Pleased with the result.













