2015 Re-Bake and the Recipe for my New Year

Yesterday, I thought for quite a while about resolutions.  The Cake on Saturday resolution of the past year has changed my life.

Many of the recipes that had been bookmarked-but-languishing on my shelves of classic cookbooks became part of this weekly experiment.  The most successful attempts:  Victoria Sponge Sandwich, Cherry Cake, Mace Cake, Feud Cake, Mexican Chocolate Cake (which I will add to my repertoire as a cupcake recipe), Queen of Sheba, Pecan Molasses Bundt Cake with Bourbon Glaze, Basil Pound Cake, Chocolate Ganache Frosting (July 4), Five-Flavor Cake, Hummingbird Cake, Sweet Autumn Cake (without all the crumbs, caramel and nuts on top), Myer's Rum Cake, frosting from Peanut Butter Cake Supreme, and The Chocoholic.

Early on, I was worried about finding the time to bake each week.  But, I was surprised to find that with each Saturday's adventure, it became easier and easier to make time.  I found comfort in making family recipes just because it was a Saturday and not relegating them only to "special occasions."  I came to grips with repeat fiascoes in the form of my burnt-sugar-nemesis, Caramel Cake.  As a result, I also discovered that my husband's encouragement and an Allgood pitch out of the back door can allow me to move-on from, possibly, any failure.  

Best of all, I have had the opportunity to share my false steps and triumphs with Granna each week when I took her a slice of Saturday cake on my visits to the nursing home.  

She's the one who got this whole thing stirred-up in the first place!

Now, what will I do with my Saturdays in the New Year?

Bitter Ending to a Year of Sweet Cakes

Over Christmas weekend, Granna had another stroke.

Unfortunately, I am not the family member who gets the emergency calls from her nursing home.  My father didn't notify me of her stroke for several days, and then it was via text message.  My father and I are not close and perhaps that is why he neglected to tell me immediately.  But honestly, this just reminds me of why I don't have a close relationship with him.

I went to visit her yesterday.  I spoke to the nurses and other care providers who explained why they were legally unable to call anyone but my father when the stroke happened.  They gave me more details about Granna's condition and her prospects for recovery.  I then sought-out Granna in the cafeteria where she was slumped in her wheelchair being spoon-fed her lunch.  She was happy to see me.  The result of this stroke is paralysis of her left side.  Her speech is slow now, and requires more concentration and effort on her part.  Her face is slightly slack in appearance and she has trouble chewing and swallowing.

She is no longer able to eat solid foods like cake.