No-Frosting Strawberry Coconut Cake

There are one thousand lines on my to-do list. We left for Austin yesterday, and I’ll spend this week defending my thesis, enjoying my friends, and celebrating with family. But I still need to spend a few hours formatting my 130-page creative manuscript (I have long been known to procrastinate). And did I mention? Ryan and I bought our very first house on Friday, which means I’ll have rooms to unpack, organize, and decorate as soon as we get home. I left Colorado in a frenzy, and I still have at least three dozen more thank-you cards to write.

But you know what? Baking this cake on Saturday, one day before our departure, was exactly what I needed. A simple task that occupied a few hours of my afternoon and left our kitchen smelling like toasted coconut and caramelized strawberries. If you have a spring party on the horizon, I’d highly suggest you consider this cake. Not only is it rich and moist, but you don’t have to bother with frosting (which not only requires more ingredients, but also more time). Quite frankly, this is one of my most favorite cakes…and for those of you who don’t know…I made wedding cakes in Austin for a living. So I’ve tried my share of recipes and flavors.

And because I’m becoming more and more adept at procrastination, I also made another inspiration board. Little Lucy is due in June, just a few days shy of what’s called the Full Strawberry Moon. We don’t know exactly when she’ll make her appearance, but I take stock in the old wives tales about labor and the lunar cycle. Either way, I’m sure she’ll love strawberries as much as Ryan and I do.

No Frosting Strawberry Coconut Cake

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded coconut (divided)
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped strawberries

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a nine-inch square pan with butter and line with parchment paper (lining is optional…but makes removing so much easier)

In a medium bowl, whip butter with sugar until light and fluffy, about seven minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup coconut. Fold dry ingredients into butter-sugar mixture, alternating with coconut milk. You should begin and end with flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with chopped strawberries and 1/2 cup of coconut. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Monet

Anecdotes and Apple Cores

Sweet Potato Crumb Muffins

I loved reading everyone’s words on my last post. The baby shower on Sunday was beautiful, and it was a pleasure to relive it through pictures and writing. I think there is much value in honoring our past, despite its imperfections. My family is far from perfect–we’ve all made our share of mistakes–but there is much love and joy. Much to celebrate.

Not only did I have my first baby shower this week, but Ryan and I are also buying our first house. We’ve spent the past several months looking and praying for the right home. We found it, about four weeks ago, and we’re closing on Friday. The couple who owned it previously had been there for over twenty years. Well into their eighties, they now live in a retirement center. From the moment we walked through the front door, we could tell they cherished their home. I look forward to sharing more pictures in the weeks to come…but here’s a sneak peek. Ryan examining one of TWO wood fireplaces.

In other news: I’m officially in my third trimester. We had a 3d ultrasound on Monday, and my whole family fell in love with our little Lou. She kept her hands close to her face as if to say, “I’m not quite ready for you to see me,” but there were moments when we caught her lips and eyes, when she yawned and sucked her thumb. To have this living and growing baby inside of me is nothing short of miraculous. I cherish every movement, and I long, with eager expectation, the day she’ll be out of my stomach and in my arms.

These sweet potato muffins came together on a cold afternoon. Moist and spicy with a buttery crumb, these muffins make perfect morning treats…or afternoon snacks. I took them to our cousin’s birthday party…and Ryan and I both enjoyed a couple on our way down. If you don’t have mashed sweet potato handy, canned pumpkin works equally well. Whole Foods even sells canned sweet potato. It can be pricey, but if you like the flavor of sweet potatoes, it might be worth storing a can or two.

Sweet Potato Crumb Muffins

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon grated cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease or line a 12-tin muffin pan. Set aside

In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, salt, grated nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, and canola oil. Fold in sweet potatoes and vanilla. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Divide batter amongst muffin tins. In a small bowl, cut butter into 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup all purpose flour until the mixture resembles coarse peas. Sprinkle topping generously over muffins. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until muffins have domed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Monet

Anecdotes and AppleCores

Colorado Baby Shower

Thanks to my sweet mom and sisters, I had the most beautiful baby shower yesterday (despite snow and freezing weather!) I’ve included a handful of pictures…as well as the words I shared with our shower guests yesterday. I am a blessed woman indeed!

I was lucky enough to grow up in a family of women. I have an amazing father…but the testosterone ended there. Between three sisters, a mother, and a handful of female dogs, I grew up under the cloak of estrogen. And although I didn’t admit it out loud when I found out we were pregnant, I desperately wanted a little girl. When our ultrasound technician gave us the officially news (after Ryan had already correctly pointed out female anatomy), I cried tears of happiness.

Like me, Lucy will also come into a world full of beautiful and strong women, as well as the best father I could ever hope she could have. I’d like to take a moment to recognize a few of those women here…and what I hope Lucy will learn from their presence.

To Halley (my one and only niece):

I hope Lucy learns from how well you care for your brothers. They all look up to you, and they take delight in your attention and affection. I hope Lucy learns to dance like you, to sing like you, and to embrace the world with open arms…even after going through some very dark and difficult days.

To Susanne (my older sister and best friend):

I hope Lucy learns how to listen like you do. You have a way of making people feel at ease with themselves…and inspiring them to follow their dreams. When I’m around you, I feel brave and beautiful. I know Lucy will too. I also hope Lucy learns from your perseverance, your ability to love and hope in spite of loss. I hope she shares her story with as much grace and courage as you do. Because it’s those stories that change the world.

To Noelle (my little sister and best friend):

I hope Lucy is as strong as you. I know it’s hard to be away from home, but you’re following your dreams, and you’ve already accomplished so much. I hope that Lucy has the strength of character to plumb the desires of her heart and to follow them. I hope Lucy has the same beautiful brown eyes that you do. I hope she can make us laugh as much as you used to when you were a little girl.

To Debbie (Ryan’s mom):

I hope Lucy develops as much love and loyalty for her family as you have for our family. I hope she learns to stand up for herself and for the people she loves. I hope she treats our and her animals with as much love and compassion as you treats yours. And I hope that one day, she’ll raise a son as sweet and giving as Ryan. He’s the greatest gift I’ve ever received.

To Mom:

I hope Lucy is as creative as you are. I hope she learns to love art and music…and I pray that she fills our home with as many creations as you’ve filled ours. I hope she learns to care for those that are hurting like you’ve cared for me and so many others. I hope she’s as graceful as you are, as beautiful as you are, and I pray that she and I are as close as you and I are now.

Monet

Anecdotes and Apple Cores

Baby Inspiration Board

Birth Announcement by Monet, see more www.minted.com

Birth Announcement board by Monet. See more www.minted.com

My mom and sweet sisters are throwing me a baby shower on Sunday. As we start to receive all sorts of sweet treasures for Lucille Amelia, I hope to share some of my favorite nursery finds. This is the first (of hopefully many) inspiration boards I’ll be sharing. Come back each Saturday for a new peek.

Beginning in upper left corner and moving clock-wise…

1. Ryan and I fell in love with Bonpoint when we visited Paris in May. This Parisian children’s boutique is a feast for the senses. From the window displays to the soft fabrics, Bonpoint is an experience worth remembering. While Ryan and I could never afford to buy a 100 euro baby sweater, their collection is classic, and I’m eager to replicate it with more affordable clothes.

2. Birth Announcement from Minted. Did I mention their holding a baby announcement contest? You can make your own inspiration board on their site and be entered in to win $2000!

3. Gorgeous Hand Crocheted Garland by Emma Lamb. I’m saving up to buy the baby mobile.

4. Make your own baby-felt shoes! Martha Stewart always has something to share….

5. Vintage Lamb Print. Sadly this print sold, but there are many more to find at the Vintage Read.

6. Flora dress made by Troizenfants. I think this blue would be perfect for July and August. Maybe even a generational photo-shoot? Little Lucy with her great-grandmother, Lucille Babbitt.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. We’re in the midst of a snow storm, so I’m attempting positivity as the plans for a lovely spring baby shower are being buried in snow.

Monet

Anecdotes and Apple Cores

Oatmeal Raisin Bars (and a pregnancy brain mishap)

Aren’t these bars lovely? Thick and chewy and studded with oatmeal and raisins. My dad and I walked through the grocery store over the weekend, and he almost picked up a package of store-bought oatmeal cookies. If I enjoy baking (and I do) I LOVE baking when I can make something special for my family or friends. “Put those down!” I commanded my 72 year old father. “I’ll make you a batch of oatmeal cookies so good you’ll never eat Safeway’s again.”

And I think I fulfilled that promise. These oatmeal raisin bars are the perfect antidote to anything wrapped in plastic.

Now, I wish all my baking experiments turned out as well as these oatmeal raisin bars. Alas, I’ve had my share of catastrophes over the years, and in recent months (ahem, Lucille Amelia), the frequency of my baking failures has sky-rocketed. Case-in-point: these vanilla cupcakes. Has anything looked more pitiful? Ever? I’m not sure what went wrong. All I know is that I made these after a long day at work. I tried, earnestly, to double-check my ingredient list. But as soon as the beeper buzzed and I made my way to the oven, I knew something had gone horribly awry.

These cupcakes were meant for my first baby shower (held this Sunday!) But don’t worry, I’m making another batch tonight. My mom graciously volunteered to help (she never thought she’d be teaching me how to make cupcakes again!)

I’m not sure if pregnancy brain is a real phenomenon, but I do know pregnancy is teaching me lessons in humility and adaptation. Life isn’t going the way I planned, and it’s okay, good even. As I begin my third trimester, the much dreaded nausea I fought during my first twelve weeks has made a return. I’m not nearly as sick I was in October and November, but I’m having to slow down again, to listen to my body with greater care.

Thankfully, I’m surrounded by sweet friends and family who are so excited to welcome Lucy into the world. We’ve already received some precious gifts (both from our sweet moms) and I can’t wait to start decorating her nursery. Ryan’s mom, Debbie, gave us his old cup and saucer. My mom made a shadow box with a dress she had received from her grandmother (my great-grandmother). Beautiful heirlooms we’ll be sure to pass on to our own children.

So rest assured, these oatmeal raisin bars are pregnancy brain proof. I pulled them off without the least bit of concentration, and my dad is once again thankful we moved closer to home. Stay tuned for pictures of my baby shower. I’ll be sharing all sorts of goodness come Monday morning. So if you haven’t already, follow me on facebook, twitter or through feedly. It would make my day!

Oatmeal Raisin Bars

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides; butter paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, egg, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, oats, and raisins; fold in just until combined.

Spread batter in prepared pan, and bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Using paper overhang, lift cake onto a work surface; cut into 16 bars.