Rest, research, lots of laughter…and a slice of plum cake.
A few months ago I signed the book contract with Tyndale for a destination gift book filled with photos, 40 cabin themed devotions, and 12 articles or tutorials on things like “Perfect hot fudge topping for homemade ice-cream” and “How to create a pine-cone wreath”. The setting was a beautiful Lakeside cabin, which had been enjoyed by 5 generations and now owned by some of our dearest friends, Bob and Ginger, who had carefully remodeled the family cabin.
While I knew I would need to collect stories and ideas for the book, what I didn’t really understand was how much I personally needed the REST and restoration. After a few weeks watching watercolor sunsets over the lake, having tea parties and swim lessons with Ginger’s grandcuties, and laughing so hard my sides hurt, I went home with fresh perspective on what it means to really reconnect with others, nature, and ourselves.
Do you feel the need to take a step away for rest? Maybe it isn’t in a cabin on a lake. Maybe you have a small porch with a comfy chair or a place where you can just sit and read. It might not be for a week or two, but I encourage you to take 15 minutes ..go ahead and grab your timer..to just sit and be still.
And..perhaps, cut yourself a taste of summer inspired cake.
Notes
This cake can easily be frozen and enjoyed later! My friend Lisa Bogart shared this recipe with me and I am so thankful she did. .http://www.lisabogart.com
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs – room temperature
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 4 tsp. baking soda
- 10-12 pitted and quartered plums
- TOPPING
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat over 375 degrees.
- Butter 8 or 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat together butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in almond and vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour and baking powder. Stir into a thick batter.
- Scoop into the pan. It doesn’t seem like there will be enough for a cake, but trust me, it will be amazing.
- Stand plums on end in batter, careful not to touch the edge of the pan or each other.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon topping on top.
- Bake 45-60 minutes until golden brown and toothpick come out clean.
- Cool.
Dear Marcie,
I;m delighted to hear of your newest project. It sounds exactly like you with warm friends and delicious goodies to enjoy in a lovely lakefront cabin. What could be more perfect?
Wishing you every success. Keep me posted on your progress.
I am praying for you.
In His perfect timing,
Careole