Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Tea Bread Tuesday (delayed?): Orange-Olive-Oil Cake

See, here's the thing:  It's been a busy week, what with putting the finishing touches on our 2nd Floor Bathroom, making the video, getting through Thanksgiving weekend . . . and then, unexpectedly, just when a little relaxation was needed badly, I spotted a Michael Connelly book I hadn't seen before . . . Let's just say I'm very fond of Michael Connelly's books . . .

We were having dinner at a restaurant when I noticed a gentleman sitting by himself . . . well, he wasn't really by himself, he had the best company in the world:  A book!  My head started tilting sideways, trying to read the title of the book he was reading . . . Ah!  Now I have it!  "The Reversal" . . . So we just HAD to detour to the bookstore after dinner . . .  And when we got home, instead of taking out the baking pans, I found myself ensconced in my favorite chair going through the bonding ritual between me and "The Book" -  you know, reading the end pages (Yes!  Both Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller are in this one!) . . . checking out the author's picture (handsome guy . . . I don't think too many people could get away with those glasses) . . . removing the sales tags from the jacket (ever so slowly, so none of the sticky glue gets stuck) . . . read the dedication page (hmm . . . don't know who that is . . . ) . . . read over the list of his books . . . (yup . . . I've read all those . . . how did I miss that this one was out?) . . .

Now I'm ready to start . . . Oh . . . Yes . . . er . . . This is supposed to be about the cake . . .  It wasn't until this morning, when I realized that I completely forgot to bake!  But!  How's this for luck?  Today, I came home early from work, so I was able to carry out the baking, albeit, a little delayed . . . ?

We gave the cake mixed reviews:  I loved it, but Lee wasn't overly impressed . . .  The cake calls for the grated zest of three oranges, and I could see the flecks in every slice . . . it tastes like a dense pound cake, fragrant from the oranges . . . Lee thought the crust was dry . . . I don't know, I kind of liked the crunchy crust as a compliment to the dense interior . . . I think we should have followed the directions and let it sit overnight.  But my DH's sweet tooth needed to be apeased, and I'm so happy that my bathroom is done, that it's hard to say no to him lately . . .  I would definitely give this one a thumbs up! 


Now, back to my book . . .

6 comments:

Suzy said...

Your writing here is so perfect. I could almost visualize you sitting down with your new book! And great review of your orange cake to. I have been trying to bake a bit more but will wait until your in love with a recipe before I try it :).

Yolanda said...

Sounds like a perfect day, a little reading and a little baking.

Reds said...

Love Michael Connelly - will have to look for this new book! And that cake looks delish!

pat said...

Mmmm--that bread sounds delicious with the orange zest. I watched your bathroom completion--it looks fabulous! Great song choice, too; I laughed out loud.

Nicki said...

I'm with Suzy - reading your post was just like reading a good novel in that I could visualize your every thought and step. Hope the book is to your liking (missing Ms. Bonnie's book reviews over at Angela's) and the cake looks delicious. I'm with you on liking a little crunch to accent the density of the cake. Admittedly, I was looking for a Thursday Tablescape from Thanksgiving - ehh! :)

Barb said...

I would love to be a guest at your house once a week for tea bread. It too bad we live so far away.