new year, bittersweet beginning
Lady Grey Clementine Tea Cake
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour (I used Premium Gold Gluten Free All Purpose Blend)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 bags Lady Grey Tea leaves (or Earl Grey)
1 clementine - zest & juice
1/4 cup yogurt
1/4 cup super strong Lady Grey tea..like a tea bag for the 1/4 cup - “stewed” as my friend Maria says
Cream butter & sugar until light yellow & fluffy. Scrape. Add eggs & vanilla. Scrape. Add the rest, hot tea last.
Bake at 350* about 1 hour. The small loaves took an hour, a full loaf probably takes an hour 15 or so, just poke it with a knife or toothpick. Or press gently on the top, a fully done cake will bounce back (like we all will when spring finally comes around)
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 clementine - zest & juice
whisk it up, glaze it up when she hot!
Recipe for candied clementines at the bottom of the post.
Happy January!
To infinity & Beyond
A new year reminds us of the allure of the person we wish we were, who we “should” be & what we need to do to become our “higher self.” The promise of a fresh start, a new beginning is invigorating for a few days but it can feel defeating when those intentions have lost their luster. A list of “to-dos” reminding us of the habits we have neglected. The pressure can escalate into a self-deprecating nightmare if you allow it. We celebrate the boundless possibilities that come with the dawn of a new year but when the dust settles a few weeks in we wonder, what now?
Build a Formula
Starting from scratch is not always the best approach when writing a new recipe. Achieving the perfect balance of moisture, flavors, and leavening can be elusive. A chef seldom begins with a blank slate; instead, they rely on a formula. They reference a trusted network of expertise to ensure a guaranteed balance of ingredients.
Having a grand vision for the year is great, but falling back on the systems you know is equally important. They are the salt and pepper in the recipe. Sometimes, the system just need a tweak. Perhaps acid is necessary to balance the sweet. When we become too comfortable with the status quo, it's important to mix it up. Add a splash of lime.
Embrace the Chaos
Change is the elixir of life, but it doesn’t come naturally. When we undergo significant transformations, it's common to feel overwhelmed by the accompanying chaos. Yet, it's in these moments of upheaval that we have the opportunity to shape our realities. Though venturing into uncharted territory can be humbling, it's necessary to challenge the status quo and navigate the turbulence with curiosity rather than fear. By taking small steps to adjust, we can create a new framework for innovation.
Nurture the Muse
Inspiration is an intangible force that breathes life into our creations. It can manifest in the ordinary moments – a glance, a breeze, a scent.
Our responsibility is to be receptive to these inspirations. A muse is a perpetual celebration, reminding us that creativity is not confined to our workspace, but is a symbiotic relationship with the world around us. If we don’t nurture our inspirations they can float by us leaving us with a lingering sense of missed potential.
Setting Creative Intentions
Resolutions, when infused with the right mentality, become powerful intentions that shape our year. These resolutions need not be rigid constraints but rather guiding principles that lead you towards a more fulfilling life. Consider resolutions that resonate with the hues of your dreams but are tethered to the fabric of reality. It makes no sense to resolve to a lifestyle that doesn’t suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to say “no” when necessary to stay aligned with your vision. The beginning of the year is an excellent time to try new habits, create a new lifestyle but when it’s not working for you, readjust. Rather than creating a “to-do list” of resolutions set up a framework of values & principles to reflect on as you make your daily decisions.
The Power of Reflection
Reflection serves as the silent maestro, directing the symphony of our creative endeavors. Take moments to pause, not just to appreciate our achievements but to acknowledge the obstacles and lessons learned. Through reflection, we gain insights into our process, refine our techniques, hone our skills, and reaffirm our purpose. By engaging in retrospection, we can consistently refine ourselves and ensure that our intentions resonate with our authenticity.
Accept the Rhythm
Like exploring different flavors in a recipe, take the time to experiment with various methods, rituals, techniques until some feel right to you. This allows you to discover your style and develop skills that can propel you into new heights. Be patient with yourself as you navigate through challenges, knowing that every small victory contributes to your overall success. Although January is often viewed as the perfect time to set the foundation for the year, don't limit yourself to "new beginnings" only in the first month. Setting intentions throughout the year is how shit gets done. The rhythm of the year will govern the how, what, and when of your intentions. However, it's vital to stay focused on the "why" to achieve success.
Candied Clementine Slices
1 clementine, sliced super thin
water
2:1 sugar/water simple syrup
Boil slices in plain water for 10 minutes, drain then repeat.
Simmer slices in simple syrup until it thickens to a candy coating, flip the slices occasionally (about 25min).
Dry slices on a rack.
