Poster holidays

"Spring brightly traveling, summer half awake,
Here the afternoon city plays at being
A dream of summer's: gaiety in repose,
Lazily festive as poster holidays,
A dream."

- from "Urban Pastoral" by Babette Deutsch

If every end is also a beginning, then my lovely youngest daughter is at that junction between twelfth grade and the rest of her life. The end of high school is the beginning of university. The end of adolescence is the beginning of adulthood. And I couldn't be more proud of the wonderful young woman who I see before me.

Life at this moment feels like a breath being held. The space between the inhale and the exhale, when the world lies suspended, and anything might happen. The last of the exams have been written, the prom has been attended, a summer working at camp awaits. And now, when the world lies between inhale and exhale, when the summer is half awake, when school is done and the summer job not quite begun, I am happy for every moment.

Saucy Strawberry Cake

(from Canadian Living)

I loved this recipe! The only thing I might change is adding another cup or two of berries, and increasing the sugar and cornstarch in proportion, so the dessert is even more loaded with fruit.

For berries:

4 cups hulled strawberries, quartered (or more; see note above)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp cornstarch

For cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 Tbsp grated orange zest

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled

1 tsp cider vinegar

1 tsp orange extract or vanilla extract (I happened to have orange extract on hand and loved it. The original recipe called for vanilla and that would be great too.)

In saucepan, bring strawberries, granulated sugar and 1 Tbsp water to boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to break down, about 5 minutes. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tsp water; stir into berry mixture. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 20 seconds. Scrape into greased 8-inch square (2 quart) baking dish. Set aside.

While strawberries are cooking, in large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, butter, vinegar, and orange or vanilla extract. Stir into flour mixture just until combined.

Pour batter over strawberry mixture, spreading evenly. Bake in 375 degree oven until centre of cake appears dry and no longer jiggles, about 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.