Happy New Moon Birthday, Kerstin!

Well, with the simultaneous advent of the cinematic release of Twilight's New Moon, and the birthday of the dear friend who introduced me to Twilight and all subsequent induced madness, I thought it only PERFECT that we should celebrate the two events together, the sum likely to be greater than it's parts.

Here are some shots of the cake I made for her... I put the Tulip I painted on gumpaste on upside down, and the writing started to run on the cake, so I'll spare you a shot of the top. Upon completion, it was hastily boxed and transported to the Restaurant where about 10 of us were meeting before the show...

Inside were two cakes, really. Dark Chocolate Cake with Spicy Hot Pepper, torted with Blood Red Raspberry, and Nutty Vanilla Almond/Hazelnut cake torted with Sunny Lemon Curd. For the two Gents whose silhouettes are featured in blackened gumpaste on the sides, of course! Dark Spicy sumptuous mouthwatering (unconditionally and irrevocably in love with CHOCOLATE CAKE!) with Blood-red (His disposition and his love for Bella)for Mr. Dark, Intense and Irresistable Edward. And Nutty Vanilla, comforting and more complex than first appearances would let you believe with Sunny Lemon (sweet/sour & lipsmacking like his love for Bella) for Mr. Native-American forest dweller Jacob. "You are my Sun..."

Ah, well. If you don't get it, you don't get it! And one needn't love a book, to love a good cake!

Here here!

November called with chilling breath... Comfort Food is Called for!

...But this day, the first of November, one of truly chilling mist and rain with dark charcoal smudged skies, where the icy damp seems to reach under the door, through the glass worse than any spectre of the month before, I am warm in and warmed by my kitchen, by the potential it holds...

The day after Halloween, all souls day for some, brought the initiation of my least favorite of the months. I do believe it's one's duty to self and those around us to make the most of each day, each year (it's the weeks I seem to lose! Before I know it, it's either Friday or Monday again...) and not the best idea to single out a specific season to dislike. It makes one prone to remain in the dislike, and possibly not see and enjoy what's at hand. And yet.

November and I don't have a great history.



It's the time of year where I have always been bothered by my worst and most insidious allergies (leaf mold!), and where I would say I first noticed a tendency towards being seasonally effected. The color explosion of autumn is over during this month; it seems to be the month of BROWN. The remaining leaves hanging on the branches remind me of paper grocery bags hanging on past the time when the other lovelier ones have departed.

Recently while driving home I thought I spotted some crows; upon closer look they turned out to be turkey vultures. Many don't, but I very much like crows. Vultures? Where to start? That is the likes of what the autumn of November has brought me in the past.



But this day, the first of November, one of truly chilling mist and rain with dark charcoal smudged skies, where the icy damp seems to reach under the door, through the glass worse than any spectre of the month before, I am warm in and warmed by my kitchen, by the potential it holds.

So I check the larder to see what I shall find-- what will be transformed into a warming healing comfort. To me. To my family.

Turkey Noodle Meatball Soup/Stew

With Polpetti of Turkey, homemade broth, bay leaf, celery leaf, smokey oregano and a hint of curry.

The inner warmth was lasting. The warmth from the kitchen not to be discounted! And the warmth of the shared experience most lasting of all.

Featured: My Mothers very ancient Club Aluminum pan, once completely seasoned inside and out- there's a story there, and missing it's wooden handle since I can remember...