equilibrio mentale/balance
Life is funny. It definitely has a way of balancing the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Coming off a delightful weekend, the reality of a daily grind inevitably played its hand. Yesterday began like any other; the alarm sounded its wake up call that prodded me out of bed. Work was eventful, as always, filled with greetings and meetings that prevented any opportunity for tweeting.
Wrapping up some loose ends before dismissal, an unexpected comment made me scowl. I understand the individual’s intention was to educate me with a friendly “FYI”, but the exchange reminded me how things have changed and that even random acts of kindness can’t please everyone. My thoughts of wrapping up turned and swirled as I debated how to move forward, if at all, with other morale boosters.
Fast forward to my drive home as I “noodled” on my shortcake post: Since I baked the cake a couple of weeks ago, I have been eager to present its dreamy and creamy decadence. The plan was to hit “publish” this week as a pre-Valentine’s Day planning option for anyone organizing a romantic evening. Sudden panic whopped me up upside my head as I feared this cake would be linked to a recent conversation and mistaken positive connections would be made. I thought, Do I consider axing the post until next week?
Oh, what a day it had turned out to be.
Then, life’s other side appeared and two unexpected glimmers of light shone onto my solemn thoughts.
1. I received a text from the teen, complete in seventeen-year-old-boy text vernacular, “Great practice tdy. Dunked again. Did I tell u thx yestrdy? U alwys knw what 2 say @ the rgt time evn when I dont want to hear u. Thx 4 knoing whats good 4 me when Im dont. Luv u ma.”
Someone could have put a fork in me right then. Bad day? What? Who?
2. An unexpected email arrived from a college friend that brought me back to a peaceful reality. Not having my mailing address, Ed extended his thanks for my support as he works through his grieving process, and trains for a marathon. He attached the letter that accompanied his family’s holiday card this past December, a year in review. His heartfelt words touched my heart and he detailed the intimate roller coaster he, his boys and late wife rode in 2011.
Prospective duly noted. Bad day erased.
Life Balanced.
Today is a new day. As is tomorrow, as is the next. I cannot control what friends, family, other people with whom I come in contact think, say, or do, what intentions they have, or their reactions toward me, or their expectations of who I should be. I know that. We all know that. But, sometimes a little, yet needed, reminder steps forward at just the right time.
I can control me. And that’s what 2012 has been about. No need to derail that progress. That being said, I will carry the words of my college friend with me as I move forward.
I learned that it is better to make our own happiness, not pursue it.
With that, I am posting my ethereal confection that brought joy to my day as I made it, and to my neighbor, who graciously received the cake without stipulation, expectation, or FYI.
Happy Wednesday, everyone! The weekend is almost here!
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Tweaked from a Cook’s Illustrated recipe
2 cups (about 8oz) strawberries, hulled
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp.cardamom (optional, see note below)
¼ tsp. fine sea salt
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold, cut into ½-inch cubes
¼ cup sugar
1 lg. egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup whole milk mixed with ½ tsp.vanilla
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 Tbsp. confectioners sugar (plus more for garnish, if preferred)
1 cup strawberry preserves
Preheat oven to 425°F. Butter or spray (with vegetable or canola spray) two 8-inch, round cake pans.
For the Fruit: Set aside 6 strawberries. Halve each of the remaining strawberries, sprinkle with 1 sugar, and macerate for about 1 hour, or until assembling the cake.
For the Cakes: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cardamom and salt to combine. Add butter and quickly rub into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar. Work in egg and, gradually, the vanilla-milk to form soft dough. Turn mixture onto floured work surface and lightly knead until it comes together. Divide into two pieces. Roll out each piece and transfer into the prepared pans. Use fingertips to pat dough into an even layer. Bake 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Place baking rack on a wire rack and cool, about 10 minutes. Transfer onto a wire rack. Cut one biscuit round into 8 wedges, then let cut wedges and solid round cool completely.
For the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl of an electric mixer, whisk cream to soft peaks. Add sugar and continue to whisk to stiff peaks.
To assemble: When shortcakes have cooled completely, place the round, flat side down, on a serving plate. Spread the preserves over the top. Reserve 1 cup of the whipped cream, then spread the remaining over the preserves. Top with macerated fruit. Cap with cake wedges to complete a circle, tilting each piece at an angle. Garnish with reserved cream, by spooning or piping a dollop on each wedge, and adding a strawberry slice to each dollop. Dust with confectioners sugar, if preferred. and serve immediately.Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook’s Notes:
- I adore the combination of strawberries and cardamom. It can be omitted.
- Adjust the sweetness of the cream according to preference.
- Fruits can be changed according to preference and/or season and do not need to be macerated.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Dreamy is the perfect way to describe this cake. Can’t wait to recreate it in my own kitchen.
Gotta love those teenage boy texst ;D What a sweetie. Isn’t it funny how life reminds you at just the right moment to treasure the little things and let the rest ride. Gorgeous Strawberry shortcake darlin’!!
Wow, this post touched me in ways that I can not share on the internet. Thinking of you & thanking you too
xoxo
Strawberry Shortcake is such an underrated dessert and to see it here in a much more substantial form. Mmmmm.
Glad that in the end real love was able to erase the feeling left by “friendly” FYI. Great message. <3
I put this on Pinterest like 10 minutes ago, so I could save the recipe for myself – and it already has 28 repins! So just in case you were wondering if people would like it… they most definitely do!! http://pinterest.com/pin/59602395038258709/
I live in Atlanta (well, Marietta) and the strawberries have been great the last couple of weeks. I am going to make this cake this weekend!
The fabulous thing about a bad day is that, by definition, it can’t last more than 24 hours. I’m glad yours balanced out.
I totally agree..2012 is the same for me. Control how i react . Do not let people make me react. No more BS. I don’t have time for people pretending to care …
Make my own happiness! That is a great way to think:) BRAVO!