Merci Beaucoup! Thank you for bringing French cuisine to the American masses. I mean, c’mon. We all owe you so much. Today I am making one of your finest creations– your Reine de Saba (Queen of Sheba) cake. Works for me. I wish I could say it was “for” something. But the truth is that I just want some cake. It’s nobody’s birthday, there’s no special occasion, and I’m trying to tell anyone I’m sorry.
I’ve been doing this blog for a couple of months now, and I’m inspired by the power of a blog to change people’s outlooks on things. I really liked Julie & Julia and particularly happy that the Reine de Saba cake was featured in the movie!
So I am thinking about that, and about baking and I suppose I am also celebrating the glorious beginning of Spring. In fact, I decided to add fresh strawberries to the cake. Strawberries make it taste like Spring! It’s been sort of a rough winter and in the last two weeks I’ve been noticing the cherry blossoms blooming and various flowers coming back to life. The produce is changing at the farmer’s market and I’m starting to wear my cardigans less and less.
But today, there was a tiny bit of a cold front and rain. So, basically, it’s cake time. I started cooking and baking (with grown-up help) when I was about four. My mother would teach me how to take ingredients out of the fridge, get out the measuring cups and even crack eggs. I was hooked. Later I figured out it was less about bonding time and more about training me to be the kitchen mistress, which I am totally OK with.
As the years went on, our family came to be known as the “family to know” around the holidays. We make food presents. Just not any food presents– but the most awesome, delectable, homemade food baskets you’ve ever seen. Last year, we gave out– jalapeno jelly, cornbread mix, Mexican wedding cookies (Polvorones), Mexican hot chocolate (with extra cinnamon) and the best salsa you’ve ever had in your life. Feliz Navidad!
But I’m feeling a little Frenchy today, and excited about Springtime and I’m alone at home on a rainy day. I like the whole wonderful process of making your cakes, Julia. Finding the recipe, trolling through the pantries to see what I’m missing, riding my bike to Central Market with my little list. Strolling through the aisles slowly, occasionally asking a stock boy for “help.” Then I get home, lay everything out and put on the appropriate music. Today, let’s see, how about a little Yann Tiersen? Perfect. Or as the French would say, um, perfect.
Once I get started, I really get into it. I like whisking the egg whites. I like tasting the batter. And I like the thought that I know exactly every single ingredient that’s going into this thing. Don’t get me wrong. I like the occasional junk food (I’m lookin’ at you Cheetos). But mostly, I really do like making something and sharing it. You know what? I am going to share this. I’m going to ask Pam and Josh over for a Queen of Sheba tea party. Yes, I realize that I’m not seven. And, no, there will be no stuffed animals or tiaras involved. What there will be is this awesome cake, a quiet weekend afternoon, French music and maybe I’ll even break out the French press! Ooh La La!
Always,
Capra
P.S. Bon Appetit!
The Book of Stars 