Twenty Six

Another year has come and gone and just like that I am now a step closer to the inevitable thirties, which might I add are said to be the prime years. These past 365 days have been a whirlwind of change, good change. A new diet, a new city, a new home and a now a fresh new start as I embrace another year of life.

As I look back on the ebb and flow of this past year I recall where I have achieved, where I have failed and it is with a thankful heart I count my blessings, as Mr. Crosby himself would instruct. When I think about my 'birth' day I try to dig past my carnal desires of gifts and being doted on and try to embrace the fact I have lived another year. I have been given a gift to do something with my life and although my confidence often waivers I do pray I continue to live purposefully. 

My husband and I shared a restful weekend at the beach, oh the glorious white sands, and while enjoying my birthday dinner I expounded upon hopes for the upcoming year. I thought since this blog is such a personal and treasured space for me I would share them with you, an accountablity of sorts, so that when June of 2012 rolls its hot and humid head around the corner we may all look back and recollect...

First and foremost I am looking forward to my husband getting off of his medicine (hopefully at end of summer or early fall). This will be such a special time for us as we put our SCD diet to the test and pray that my husband begins a season of remission. 

I am also looking forward to a more calm year, not lackadaisical or overly content, but calm. This past year was a myriad of changes not to mention a roller coaster of emotions so I am looking forward to peace and time to truly invest in what matters most...relationships and gifts I so easily try to bury.

Lastly, I am expecting to be stretched! And by stretched I mean streeeeeeetched....forced out of my comfort zone and thrown into situations I so often avoid. Whether it means singing in front of a crowd again, praying with stranger, being bold to stand up for myself, not worrying what others think, donating my free time, giving more, loving more, opening my home more often, letting go of petty pursuits, meeting new people, being more adventurous, speaking my husband's love language, communicating my love language....it is endless my friends, simply endless the possibilities of growth this new year holds. 

Twenty Six I embrace you with open arms and say "Grow me. Mature me. Make me a better woman, wife, daughter, sister, friend and perhaps one day ...a mother. I am excited and eager for what is to come!"

Now no birthday would be complete without a cake. And despite being on a sugar, grain, gluten and milk free diet I was able to enjoy a sweet, moist slice of goodness. This cake, made with almond flour, is delicately seasoned with almond extract and topped with freshly picked cherries.  I know I am biased but I have found I prefer cakes made with almond flour rather than regular flour. The almond flour, when baked, brings out the most delicious toasted nutty flavor that gives so much depth to the dessert and is never dry. 

The carbs in this recipe are very minimal, leaving you with a high protein treat perfect for any celebration or just to welcome the arrival of summer.

Almond & Cherry Upside Down Cake

• 3 cups almond flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 cup ghee* (you could use coconut oil or any oil you prefer)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup or so of cherries pitted and halved (this handy tool will save you a lot of time)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix wet ingredients in a bowl. Combine dry and wet and set aside. Butter or spray a bundt pan (or you could use a regular cake pan). Place the halved cherries cut side UP at the bottom of the pan (the amount of cherries needed will depend on your cake/bundt pan). 

Pour batter on top of cherries and place in oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

ALLOW TO COOL FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES!

After cake is cooled place a plate or cake stand atop the cake pan and flip. The cake should slide out easily. Enjoy!

*I use Ghee (clarified butter) because it can handle higher heat better than regular butter making it a healthier choice because when butter or other oils are heated they can release free radicals which are not good for our bodies. Plus I enjoy Ghee because it is casein free, casein is a protein found in cow's milk that can be hard to digest for some people.

Comments

[Megan-Joy]

Gorgeous photos, Coco, and your writing made me weepy. The potential for growth we possess each year is incredible, and I wish you a year full of just that. Happy Birthday!

[LissyLou]

Those pics are gorgeous!!! The cake sounds yummy x

[sara]

happiest of birthdays! I love what you said about 'speaking your husbands love language, and communicating your own'. Hugh and I just visited that issue yesterday, upon realizing that we were both speaking the language WE wanted, but not exactly what the other needed. It's a fascinating theory that I am totally behind. I wish you the greatest 26th year - it was my most exciting, and I hope that for you as well!!

[Snippets of Thyme]

I saw this photo and it reminds me of a bundt cake I just photographed with simple cherries on top. I, too, chose a "moody" look for those beautiful dark red cherries. I can't wait to write about it and post the photos... Happy Birthday to you. I enjoy recently coming to your blog and seeing your gorgeous photography. I think of my 2 sisters who are in their late 20's and you are SO mature in your writing! I have using frangipane in fruit tarts and I adore the taste.

[Heather Eats Almond Butter]

Happy birthday Caitlin. My 30's have been the best years of my life thus far, and I think you have so much to look forward to...in 4 years. ;)

I must add that I've baked a total of 2 cakes this past year, both with almond flour, and they have been the best cakes ever. So, I'd have to agree with you. Both from The Almond Flour cookbook. I made the carrot cake (amazing) and adapted the vanilla cupcake recipe into a cake. Delicious. We're having some friends over for dinner in a couple of weeks, and I am bookmarking your Cherry Upside Down cake for the occasion. What a perfect dessert for s a summer evening.

Here's to a wonderful year my friend. :)

[Maria @ ScandiFoodie]

Happy birthday! 26 is still so young, best time to enjoy life to the fullest! I do hope your husband won't need the medication any longer - my thoughts are with you both! What a gorgeous cake to celebrate with, it doesn't get any better than this! Wish you all the best! xxx

[Shokoofeh]

Happy sweat birthday, dear Coco! And we're mostly the same age, I am about three months older than you! ;)
xo

[Miriam/The Winter Guest]

I loved the Mark Twain quote, he's one of those guys that said it all...

[carly]

happy 26th birthday coco! thanks for sharing your hopes for this year. i'm turning 26 as well at the end of this month and also want to set some intentions for the coming year.

[Lacey]

my goodness-- i love everything about this/you! I love your photos, your design, your goals, your diet...I've been GF for 10 years and never do substitutions for like don't like all the starch but this, now this if a GF cake I could handle!

Also-- where did you learn your design skills (they are by far some of the best I have come across)?? I'm on the search for programs.

[Michelle]

May your birthday be as beautiful [and delicious] as that cake!

[Lan]

happy happy happy birthday, i am so very glad you were born! today is the first day of your journey around the sun, enjoy the ride.

[bianca]

Happy birthday! What a lovely reflection on another year lived!

[Jacqui]

Happy Birthday Coco! I love all the goals you've set for yourself in the year to come. If there were more people who focused on these sorts of things I can only image how the world we live in would be.

[Golubka]

Happy birthday, Coco! You are a constant inspiration and a lovely human being - I feel like I can say that even though I know you only through words and photos on this wonderful page of yours. I hope all your dreams come true and new ones emerge.
P.S. Cherry cake is one of my most favourite things in this whole world.

[Stephanie]

Happy Birthday, Caitlin! I love your hopes for the next year...thanks for sharing them! I'm so thankful that you're here in Birmingham!

[Sherilyn @ Wholepromise]

Happy Birthday! This is a lovely looking cake. I have just printed the Mark Twain quote and given it to all of my work colleagues as a gift for the day. They all loved it.

[Kamille@RedeemingtheTable]

happy birthday sweet Coco! I can't believe you are only 26 (I'm sure it seems much older to you)! You speak with such wisdom & grace. I applaud you on the ways in which you want to "step out" & "make room" for life, people & adventures. And the cake is sublime. I have sour cherries in my freezer waiting to be used:)

[Maria]

I made my very first (banana) almond flour cake for my son's first birthday two weekends ago and it was amazing! I pray that you have the most amazing year... 26 is an wonderful age, I was there just a short year ago. :-)

[Monique]

Happy Birthday! Best wishes to you. Cake looks beautiful. Can't wait to try it. Just a question. Do you make your own nut/rice milks? If so, do you have a recipe for it?

[Egle]

Wish you the happiest year of your life!
happy b-day ;)

[Stew]

Probably the most beautiful photos of food I have EVER seen! ART meets FOOD

[Mindy]

You're such a beautiful writer. This year is full of promise for you and I pray that it exceeds your wildest dreams. Happy birthday! I quote Mr. Twain often... it's such a good one. Thank you for the recipe and for the cherry pitter link. I purchased it immediately! :)

[Nora @ Natural Noshing]

Gorgeous photos! I love your blog, just beautiful! I use almond flour all the time so I have all the ingredients to whip this up :) thank you!

[jennifer]

hi! I'm 40 now and 26 was amazing! I'd go back in a heartbeat. That Twain quote is so so right. Happy birthday!
I'm going to try to make this without eggs . . .

[Cannelle Et vanille]

Happy birthday C! I always find such inspiration and comfort in your words. I can't believe you are only 26. I will add all of those things to my to do list this year as well. And yay for food as nourishment. Keep us posted on your husband's progress. xx

[Meagan]

Happy birthday!!! You are 2 years younger than I so enjoy those extra years in your twenties when I cross over to the thirties :) That cake looks incredible!

[Carolyn]

I love your blog, just beautiful! Wish you the happiest year of your life!

http://www.homeownerinsurancequoter.com

[Carolyn Jung]

Happy birthday to you! I love that Mark Twain saying. In fact, I want to send it to my niece, who's in her early 20s and struggling with what she wants to do in life. Maybe I should make her this lovely cherry cake, too. I think the combo of the two would give anyone more optimism and clarity. ;)

[aubrey]

happy birthday dear coco! and yes, the thirties really are delightful- although, my mom tells me it just keeps getting better and better. she's happier now her her fifties than ever before!
glad you had a wonderful day!

[christelle is flabbergasting]

You blog is amazing and this post is utterly gorgeous! Love your delicate style and attention to details in your every single post!

[christelle is flabbergasting]

Oh I FORGOT: HAPPY BIRTHDAY of course!!! I can't believe that we have the same age (you're so talented!!)

[lissa]

Happy Birthday you cute, young thing you! I've actually never tried almond flour if you can believe it so I certainly may give this cake a try.

[Chrystal]

Happy Birthday! Great words of encouragement. Thank you for taking the time to do this blog. I found this diet and my husband and I have been following it for about a month. You recommendations have been key for us. He has been on medication for over 10 years. I send prayer and blessings for your husband as he gives me faith that mine will get better too. We have always been healthy eaters and somehow I gained 4 pounds since doing the SCD diet
:) I suppose I will have to lay off the cake but this one looks too good to pass up.

[Annette Friesen]

Happy Birthday! Came across your site recently and passed it along to my daughter-in-law who loves to cook but her mother needs to eat gluten-free. I was drawn to your website by the design and pictures. It takes me to a different world :) Umm, 26. Well dear, at 26 I had 3 little ones, had moved 5 times (and hubby wasn't even in the military) and we were going belly up in a business. We will have been married 35 years this Saturday and despite the changes life brings without our permission, I am blessed! Mark Twain is right though, you do look back and think of all you didn't do. But it is never too late. I am getting my Masters, started running 9 years ago and run marathons, and enjoy food blogs. -- Here's to your best year yet!

[Susan]

Your pictures are amazing. What kind of camera do you use?

[Coco]

Thank you everyone! My cup runneth over!!!

Lacey, thank you! I studied art in college but I taught myself graphic design....it all started with you tube tutorials and lots of trial and error :)

Monique, yes I make homemade hazelnut milk and it is my favorite! The recipe is below...

http://www.roostblog.com/roost/spiced-hazelnut-milk-a-winner.html

Susan, thank you so much! I use a Canon Rebel XSI.

[Dana]

Happy birthday! I'm 33 and I think life keeps getting more interesting if you let it. I've just discovered your blog recently and I love the photography and your minimalist aesthetic.

I found you through some recipe links, actually; although since I'm not only allergic to gluten, but also to eggs, I haven't yet ventured into the enticing world of almond flour baking.

Anyway, your blog is inspiring and I look forward to seeing you enjoy your 26th year at least as beautifully as you have done so far.

[molly]

happy belated birthday! june is a great birth month :) all the best.

[Dawn (KitchenTravels)]

Happy, Happy Birthday! I am sending you my "standard" - and heartfelt! - birthday wish: may the coming year be filled with good times, good friends, good health, and good food. You are an inspiration. xo

[Bella]

Happy Birthday to you. Your stunning photos caught my eye and brought me to your blog but it was your lovely thoughts you express so well that kept me.

All the best to you as you enter the next year.

[cathy]

Birthday Blessings to You! What a beautiful "leaving my comfort zone" list...truly, at 26 I don't think one of those crossed my mind! From my little visits here, it seems you have such a tender heart for God. You inspire every time I cross your bloggy threshold.

[Allie Finch]

What inspiring thoughts to welcome & celebrate the beauty of aging & growing. I too recently celebrated my 26th.
I have to say, I completely agree with your bias toward almond flour; I prefer its fresh nuttiness & depth as well.

[Abby Maddox]

Happy, happy birthday friend! Glad you made it down to the Emerald Coast.

[Sarah]

Coco, this is a beautiful post. I can agree with your comment on love languages... somehow, although it should be easy, it is always the hardest part!I loved every sentiment you put on this page; they read like poetry.

[Melissa]

I wish you a wonderfully happy birthday! I am making the leap into the 30's next week and I can't wait!! Some of the best things happened in my 20's, I married the love of my life and bought a home but going into my 30's I will become a mother in July, make a move back home to be near my family and enjoy parenthood alongside my husband.. I wish you the best of luck for the coming year :-)

[Sini]

I wish you a joyful 26th birthday on a white beach with your loved one!

"Sail away from the safe harbor". What a wise advice for all of us.

[Adrienne]

Happy Birthday! I'll be praying for your husband in his remission.

[Leslie]

Yummy! I made this tonight and it was delicious - very moist. I've never cooked with Ghee. Is there a reason you used it rather than butter?

[Robyn]

Oh! That looks divine! I wish cherries were in season where I live! Love your photos, you're really talented!