Hello Autumn

I know I tell everybody that I'm a Summer baby (born in January) and love Summer most (probably because of holidays from work, Christmas, New Year's and my birthday!) - but there's something so comforting about the coming of a new season.

Autumn brings with her fresh, delicate breezes and pillowy, overcast skies that remind me of sweet Chantilly cream. Unfortunately though, this year Autumn has brought a predicted 40 days of rain and yesterday - the beginnings of a cold :(

Yes, Autumn is the season for bringing everything close - pulling the blankets up to your chin on those cool mornings, shutting the windows, cuddling your loved ones (including puppy dogs) and pulling the lapels of your cardigan tight.

This is when I crave comfort food most. This weekend I made a cake for my ex-boss's wife who turned 60. I decided to drop into their dental practice and surprise her with a pastel arrangement of roses, chrysanthemums and carnations. I also baked a "healthy" cake (which is normally unlike me) for her because she is on lent prior to Easter. It contains no butter, no eggs, no dairy and no sugar! It's still deliciously sweet and moist (provided by oily tahini and sweet date syrup).

Pear & Almond Cake

Whenever I'm sick with a cold, I can eat like a Viking warrior. I crave strong flavours - spicy, sweet, salty. The healthy lent cake wasn't doing anything for me. So the remaining dates went to a higher and greater purpose:

Sticky Date Pudding with Warm
Butterscotch Sauce

So, pyjama-clad and reclined on the sofa, dog at my ankles, nasally congested and bloated with Earl Grey, I bid you all a happy Autumn 2013.