MangiaMore: GINGERBREAD layer cake

RER 12.25.15

Christmas Eve ended up being a flurry of baking— a follow-up to an earlier Christmas cookie bake-a-thon. Cookies are never enough, even that double batch of sugar cookies and those oh-too-delicious walnut bites. There were tins of cookies, but it didn’t feel like enough. Santa would be pleased, but we were having company. So I made cakes…

RER 12.24.15

RER 12.24.15

RER 12.25.15

Not just one layer cake, but two. To take the pressure off, I made a cake I have made what feels like a million times and has been requested on twice as many occasions.  My chocolate cake is a crowd-pleaser and just chocolate enough to be sexy.

RER 12.24.15

RER 12.24.15

RER 12.24.15

But what is a holiday without trying something new and season-sensitive? Chocolate is good all year round, but gingerbread, gingerbread is a funny festive thing. Gingerbread only feels appropriate from the fall of October to the rise of January. Martha helped me out with the dense gingerbread layers for the tall cake, while Smitten Kitchen inspired the creamy whipped filling.

RER 12.24.15

RER 12.24.15

My gingerbread cake amalgamation stood super tall and bare on the sides—naked cakes are a thing. Each layer was substantial and dense, spicy, but not too intense. A fresh whipped cream, laced with thick mascarpone cheese, cooled the warm brown layers. The cream filling was wet and airy, but not too sweet. The dichotomy left the cake lovely and light, just enough to tickle, but not enough to overwhelm.

Apparently, ‘tis the season for baking.  

RER

12.25.15

photo OP: MEMORIAL day weekend

RER 5.25.15

This Memorial Day Weekend was much quieter and more reflective than it was going to be initially. People go wild for a three-day weekend, no matter its reason. But a warm-weather cold had me sick and feverish, enchanted by “Gilmore Girls” and Howe’s The Misfits, draining tall mugs of hot tea and Nalgene after Nalgene of tasteless water, and dreaming of brownies, desserts, and twelve dancing princesses.

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

RER 5.25.15

Memorial Day brought clearer sinuses and lighter lungs. There was grilling of Italian sausages and brats that tempted but are reserved for later in the week and smoking (kinda) of salty spicy ribs. There was blending of rum and frozen pina colada mix with a multitude of ice cubes and mixing of trusty Bisquick and butter for dessert. There was chatting and sunning on our deck as we sucked down our frozen beverages and listened to the grill sizzle as sausages cooked and dinner cooled. It was lovely, and quiet, and us. Our long weekend ended in our traditional summer favorite—strawberry shortcake, sweet and bright, and heavy on whipped cream. The perfect finish.

RER

5.25.15