It was December of 2014 and I was searching for something different. I hosted Christmas every year for my extended family and I was tired. Not tired of hosting, just tired of everything feeling like the same old, same old. Don't get me wrong, I love traditions; but there is a fine line between tradition and resignation. In some ways I think I felt resigned to host Christmas the same way every year and when I feel resignation for anything it stirs up the need in me to change. Isn't this how new traditions are born? The problem in this case was that I didn't know what change actually looked like or what I was even searching for. Yet, as within the overarching theme of my life, I knew I would recognize it when I found it. I would just know. But first things first ~ set out to find it.
I started with one of my favorite parts of Christmas (the table) and began putting the elements of the Christmas table together piece by piece. I found a pretty striped throw in earthy tones to act as the "tablecloth", winter greens tucked into mercury glass jars in lieu of flowers, and vintage silver salt cellars stuffed with moss and topped with a pretty plaid ribbon to act as place cards. Of course, my beautiful vintage Christmas plates would take center stage as usual ( I told you I love traditions) but around them my table was looking fresh and exciting.
With the table sorted, my thoughts moved to the meal and how I could up the ante and I thought dessert was a great place to start. To meet the palate of many I found myself looking for cake and stumbled across a recipe for what has now become my favorite Christmas cake: Buttermilk Spice Cake with Roasted Walnut Cream Cheese Frosting from Emeril LaGasse. I love a humble spice cake. It has flavors that feel so seasonal but also reminiscent of something Grandma may have baked you as an after school treat. To make it more of a showstopper in appearance (it is the holidays after all) I use three cake pans for three thinner layers (the recipe calls for it to be a two layer cake). I generously frost the top of each layer and ensure that by generous it means that it is basically spilling over the edges. The frosting is sturdy enough to stay in place creating a dreamy dollop effect. It tastes as good as it looks so if you are looking for a little change this holiday or simply looking to bake something on a quiet day at home I highly recommend. It will be gracing our table again this Christmas too. xx
