‘Tis the season
“Funny how the new things are the old things.”
~ Rudyard Kipling
i love snail mail. i have horrible handwriting, but i love to read notes from other people in their own unique script. i would rather have a post office box than an Outlook inbox any day. huge thanks to Christina for her gorgeous and original Christmas card!
i’m not sure why i love mail so much, but i have a sneaking suspicion it’s because i’ve elected to go paperless with all of the biggie companies and get my bills online.
so, it’s Tuesday. and we have two exams left. i talked to my mom yesterday on speakerphone while she whirled around the kitchen in an all-day baking frenzy. it smelled delicious even through the Vonage line. and even though she was making things i never eat, like date-filled Queen Elizabeth cake. ew. our conversation went something like this:
“so your suitcase is out?”
“yeah, i’m pretty much packed with one foot out the door,” i sighed.
“well, why don’t you hurry up and get here already!”
my sentiments exactly.
but first. today.
this morning i am off to recover what’s left of my damage deposit from the wee house across from the airport. then i’m swinging by the gift shop at Nisbet Plantation Inn to find something Nevis-ish for Kayla and Jenn for their wonderful hospitality this weekend. then it’s back home to study pathology the rest of the day.
yes, that last statement is a bit of a cop-out… there’s no way i’ll be able to study pathology all day. you can use your imagination and sprinkle in a healthy dose of napping, poolside-sitting, snacking, re-re-packing, internet-Christmas-shopping, and email answering. it just sounds more productive if i at least claim “good intentions”.
if only it really was the thought that counted.
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December 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
NO GIFTS! Having you around for a few hours will be a gift!!
December 9th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I am pretty sure that the intention to study is almost as good as the actual studying. You have to learn something from desperately trying to avoid thinking about things.
As in: “I so don’t want to spend three hours sorting out my glomerulopathies!”
Something’s bound to sink in.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Dear Jen, two exams left and baked goodies made by your mom waiting for you! Yay!!! I am sure this will be an amazing holiday season, and those last days on Nevis and exams will go by super fast! Take care!
December 9th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Queen Elizabeth cake?!? What on Earth is going on in Canada?!? I have no idea what I am getting into I can tell that for sure LOL : P
December 9th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Don’t worry brandon, I’ve never heard of a Queen elizabeth cake either. Must be a prairie thing..
December 10th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I’m English and I’ve never heard of a Queen Elizabeth cake…We want the recipe!
December 10th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Found a recipe online
A scrumptious date nut cake that is truly fit for a queen. It is crowned with a broiled coconut topping.
1 cup boiling water
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts (I put ¾ cup)
1 cup flaked coconut
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
¼ cup cream
Pour boiling water over dates in a small bowl, and let stand until cool.
Measure flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and nuts into a small bowl. Stir to mix.
Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine and white sugar together in a mixing bowl; beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture in three parts alternately with date mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with dry mixture. Spread batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
Bake at 350F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.
To Make Topping:
Mix coconut, brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil for three minutes.
Take a toothpick or a knitting needle, and make little holes all over the cake, pushing down all the way, without damaging the cake. Spread the topping over the warm cake, and brown under broiler.
December 10th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Queen Elizabeth cake is super good! Love it. Try it!
December 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Hi Jennifer
I can hardly wait for you to get here too! It is kinda funny! I got your parcel yesterday so it is good to go, would you like me to wrap it?
Don’t eat much til here gets here cause we have both been baking like crazy and well we will need someone to eat it! So as not to wear it ourselves although I must say yesterday was a chomper here!
Maureen
December 11th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Even though I like dates, this sounds too rich for me and I’ve never really aspired to be considered a queen (as in, “truly fit for a queen”) … so … yeah.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Hey you,
I’m so glad you got it this year! It pays to mail overseas mail by air in November. I’m just now catching up on your blog. So sorry to hear about Brandon’s crazy return home. But very happy you both made it home safely.
big hugs,
c