This month I decided to start small, forget about any "consume less sugar after the holidays" thoughts and bake a cake for absolutely no reason. No birthday, no holiday, no get-together...just for fun. It's a little easier to bake small things like cookies for no reason and I do that often. In my mind a cake always involves an event or special occasion of some kind. For months I have been itching to try this lemon cake with black tea frosting and candied lemons from Honey & Jam. However, I never had a reason to bake it so I just put the recipe aside.
What's a better reason than a frustrating weekday to bake a cake? I finally decided to take some time and use the recipe I have been dreaming about for months. A baked good that tastes like a cup of tea? Yes please. This cake took a little longer to make than I expected. The cake, homemade frosting, lemon glaze, and candied lemons took up most of my morning, but it was worth it. Not only is the cake delicious but this baking break showed me that I don't have to wait for a special occasion to do something. I can seize the day, the opportunity, the idea, and even the cake without any reason at all. I don't have to wait around for the perfect moment. Maybe I can make the moment happen for myself. :)
Now I have a piece of cake to enjoy with my knitting later tonight and a new outlook for the year ahead. I like this challenge already.
What new things, both big and small, do you want to try this year? I am already thinking of a few ideas for February that we could do as a group if you are interested.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Oh my! This cake looks delicious. Good for you for sticking to your goal and baking a cake for no reason other than you deserve it. Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend and I tried to bake this cake, but everything just went horribly wrong, the cake, the frosting, even the candied lemons. Congratulations on making a lovely looking cake! I hope it was scummy, it certainly looks it x
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. The cake looks beautiful (I could just eat a piece right now!). I've also discovered the Honey and Jam blog, which I also love the look of :).
ReplyDeleteI haven't made New Year's resolutions this year but I do have a small list of things I want to try, learn and do. I think aiming for one a month is probably manageable for me so I think I'll follow suit with that, although some of my new things may be ongoing (such as learning a new skill).
I'd be really interested to hear your ideas for things to do in February as a group too. :)
Good job! Did you make it from scratch? I baked a cake once entirely from scratch once in high school and it did not end well. I don't have any particular goals in mind just yet. I think to improve my overall crafting skills. I wouldn't mind becoming a better baker. I'm limited to chocolate chip cookies right now.
ReplyDeletecake = amaze! but your goal is a fantastic one too. i just took a quick look at your simple goal post (going back in a minute) but conceptually it is just so 'do-able' and that is what i love about your resolution. i tend to pick lofty and crazy goals and fall into a February slump when they proved to lofty and crazy. your approach sounds jaunty and fun!
ReplyDeleteamanda
http://thingstoholdandstir.blogspot.com/
This is remarkably beautiful! And now I want some cake.
ReplyDeleteKw ladiesinnavy
Would like a piece of that cake right now as just had to pull my knitting back after misreading the pattern! Cake looks yummy. Am interested in your group ideas.
ReplyDeleteI just recently made the same cake! http://laurenfamularo.tumblr.com/ (pictures are there) It was delicious!
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks delicious! I should make a cake for no reason too and make it all cute enough to eat!
ReplyDeleteMy blog: acolorfulcreation.blogspot.com
I have that recipe saved too! It looks so delicious.
ReplyDeleteReally gorgeous photos...candied lemons are a "must-try" on mt 2013 to do list:)
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed looking at this post and reading all the comments!
xo
Sarah
http://atticlace.blogspot.com
Oh my goshhhh that looks amazing! That website looks like a really great recipe blog too. I love the idea of the black tea frosting, since black tea is a favorite of mine (earl grey cookies? YES). I love the idea of indulging yourself and taking a break. Very cute!
ReplyDeleteOh yum! I love baking for no reason at all. All of my friends think I'm crazy, but sometimes I just feel like baking some cupcakes. Haha, glad to know I'm not alone :) But those candied lemons look delicious! I've got to start baking something soon too because I got some new dessert recipe books for Christmas and would love to try them out. I hope you enjoy your cake :)
ReplyDelete-Jessica (Sew In Love)
I love baking cakes! That recipie sounds like an interesting combination and it looks yummy!
ReplyDeletehttp://simplyshera.blogspot.com/
The cake looks so delicious!! Great job :33
ReplyDeleteI would love to make a cake this year that wasnt a box cake! I've never baked a real cake.
ReplyDeleteSar
www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage
And it's BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteGenevieve
This year I hope to try many new things. First on my list is to take some knitting classes. It starts next month and I can hardly wait. After that I hope to join a local knitting group. Joining new groups is out of my comfort zone but I'm sure it will be a great experience. I also want to interact more on the blogs that I read instead of just reading them. I hope to meet some new people along the way.
ReplyDeleteJessica
Hi Meredith, I like your new attitude. I think it is a wise thing to just snatch an opportunity and make something new happen...just because you can!
ReplyDeleteJanuary is such a great time of year for reflection, goals and new beginnings. This cake looks like absolute heaven. I will be sure to pin the recipe for the next time I want to do a bit of cake baking.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to look at the year ahead Meredith, to say yes and try new things! Also - YUM. I may have to bake now, it'll help take up the time waiting to see Les Miserablé tomorrow! I can't wait to sing along whilst spotting the bits filmed here in Bath :)
ReplyDeleteGemma
www.typicallyprettyenglish.blogspot.com
I made this cake last Easter for my family and they loved it!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Oooh, doing a group thing sounds like a wonderful idea. I need to try new things (that aren't too big) as well, since I'm trying to break old patterns right now.
ReplyDeleteBut count me in if you decided to make something out of that idea!
http://catpuzzles.blogspot.com/
That's such a beutiful cake! Your pictures are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea :) Today I'm making a gift by trying something new - adding crochet edging to kitchen towels. Found your blog by searching for ideas on how to start! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteOh it looks lovely! Last year while I was unemployed and just taking care of my son, we used to watch Kipper every night. I was so inspired by the characters because every day they did something fun. And one episode, it was a cake. The next day, for no reason at all, me and Vyvyan baked a big chocolate cake together. It was great fun, but afterwards I realized that its kind of dumb to make a whole cake when you dont like cake. So, perhaps I will try to make a pie soon. And a mini one since our household is quite tiny. I look forward to seeing yourtrying something new posts! ♥
ReplyDeleteYour cake is so beautiful! I made a cake this weekend too! I made a pecan pumpkin upside cake and enjoyed it with friends. I'm definitely interested in a group challenge for February!
ReplyDeletewhat a ridiculously pretty cake! I love baking, and most of my creations taste pretty good, but they never look this beautiful. Wow!
ReplyDeletehaleypants.blogspot.com
I baked peanut butter muffins with apricot jam centres this morning. I want to make candied lemon slices some time, they look so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI adore this idea! I've actually never made a cake from scratch. May be time to give it a go. :)
ReplyDeleteTrish
www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com
Those are both the cakes I was contemplating making for my birthday!! So glad to see you got to enjoy it. We were all sick and will have to save it for another occasion or not!
ReplyDeletethis looks delicious! those candied lemons looks perfect.
ReplyDelete