I spent my January birthday basking in the sunshine and tropical plants of Florida, but for Dylan's birthday, I had another thought. I'd been nurturing a seed of an idea for a while - a trip to loud, colorful New Orleans. Equipped with a local's guide to New Orleans, we took in as many experiences as we could.
When traveling, I'm always on the lookout for unique distilleries and drink experiences. A bonus of these premixed Amaro Manhattan cocktails is sharing spirits from my specialty collection without relinquishing the whole supply. These were drinks to sip and savor, and they become invitations to share the past traveling experiences.
This nectarine pie was an ode to my friend Chris - a celebration of the garden he launched at the hospital where he works. I decided to pause, to give Chris the accolades he deserved, and lately, my celebrations and sentiments come in the form of pie.
This cake was from one year ago. It's a belated post because I was busy living, busy saying yes to adventures that pushed me beyond my comfort levels. Belated because I chose to rest. Belated because I didn't quite have the right words yet, but everything comes at its due time. The due time for sharing this cake was one year later: a chocolate-hazelnut bookend. Revisiting these cake memories has been my way of reminiscing and celebrating Ben's special day until we can celebrate together.
I've been inspired by pie, by combining my love of drawing and baking in freeform pie crusts. I've found freedom in the fraisage method of folding butter into whole grains. I've found mindfulness in carving pie crust into delicate, fleeting flowers. And of course, there's no reward quite like flaky pie crust, warm summer berries, and a scoop of ice cream.
As June came to a close, Dylan and I swayed in a hammock atop a tree-lined hill. The pups circled their leashes around our support trees while we schemed and dreamed how to fill the summer with intention. What would we do to embrace the heat? Where would we go to find quiet? What activities would we remember years from now? The Summer 2021 Bucket List emerged on the page. More poolside hangs? More berry crisps? More scoops of ice cream? Yes, please!
I wanted to add a little something celebratory to a little friendship anniversary get-together, so a basket of beautiful French bubbly and gluten-free blueberry hand pies it was!
When I look at the dusting of powdered sugar, the vibrant berries, and the sprigs of mint on this double chocolate tart, my heart feels embraced. That is the hope of each baking endeavor, and the memory I aim to preserve with each photo.