Weekend Notes
Happy Sunday evening! I write this to you on a lovely Spring evening after a balanced weekend of relaxation, indulgence and getting out and about. I've just pulled out a rhubarb spoon cake from the oven, made from freshly picked rhubarb from the farmer's market. I can't wait to dig into it tonight after dinner with a dollop of whipped cream! Speaking of dinner, I'm about to get back into the kitchen to whip up Allison Roman's lemon pepper pasta using bucatini pasta that I also picked up from the market (we already devoured the accompanying focaccia bread - yum!) I'm looking forward to writing these posts every Sunday (fingers crossed I can be consistent) as it's a great practice to reflect on the weekend and take stock of favourite moments. I recently saw something on IG about a practice where as you are falling asleep, you think about 3 things that you were grateful for that day, or perhaps favourite moments. I've been trying to do this (though sometimes I fall asleep too soon *yawn*) and I'm curious to start seeing if it makes a difference (apparently it's been scientifically proven to make people more happy). Anyways, all that to say that my Sunday evening reflection is my version of that practice. So with that said, here are my weekend notes:
As I mentioned I headed to our local farmer's market this weekend. While we're not in prime produce season yet, it's fun to start seeing things arrive, like carrots, asparagus and rhubarb. The recipe I used for the cake is a Magnolia magazine clipping but I was able to find a link for it here. I can't say how it tastes yet but it looks and smell divine!
I'm on a bit of a baking spree it seems and I also whipped up a lemon olive oil pound cake from Cannelle et Vanille's cookbook. It's perfectly citrusy with a subtle hint of olive oil coming through and is topped with a glaze and chopped pistachios which ties it all together. While I'm not longer gluten-free, I still love baking from Aran's cookbook.
Back to the farmer's market. I picked up these beautiful peony tulips (I believe they are called) and they look exactly as they sound. I love the muted almost vintage tones in these. Something about picking flowers up from the market versus the grocery store feels so much more special.
I stopped by one of my favourite spots Mon Pitou this week for a coffee and slice of lemon loaf (can't get enough lemon it seems these days). They happen to stock one of my favourite candle brands and so had to pick up a new scent for Spring. I've been burning it at my desk during the day and it's the perfect subtle floral scent
I've been trying to up my breakfast game these days, opting for something a bit higher in protein and fiber than white bread with peanut butter and honey. I was inspired by Camille Styles to make a grain-free (ie nut and seed based) granola to have with greek yogurt. I've made this recipe twice now and it's perfect.
Until next time!
Gillian