Birthweek Cakes

11/18/21 Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

It’s important to milk celebrations for as long as possible.

My favorite neighborhood bakery is Honoré Patisserie & Espresso, which is (dangerously) within walkable distance of home. I’ve sketched several of the bakery’s creations before devouring them, sometimes with friends. Since it’s closed on Tuesdays, I couldn’t go on my birthday, but that was fine because it meant I could extend the indulging further into the week.

After our morning walk through the neighborhood, we made a stop at Honoré so that Greg could buy me a slice of cake. I thought I was set on the chocolate ganache, but then I spotted apple cinnamon bread pudding, which brought back tasty memories of the best bread pudding I’d ever had, years ago in New Orleans. I was hemming and hawing about which to get when he said, “Get both.” (That’s why I married that man.) He was happy that Honoré always has several gluten-free treats for him, too.

I daresay Honoré’s bread pudding was even better than the one I remember in New Orleans. However, it was certainly difficult to sketch, especially the challenging texture. I rarely sketch my food, but maybe I should – I could use the practice.

As it turned out, the ganache was even trickier! As I started drawing the swirly pattern on top, I immediately regretted making this sketch. And the fluted pastry liner with all those pleat shadows! The sketch was taking longer than I wanted, and it was keeping me from devouring the cake! Arrghh!

I’m going back to my personal policy: Don’t let a sketch come between me and my food.

11/19/21 Chocolate Ganache and gluten-free Coconut Macaroon

Milkin' it.

Whew... done at last so I can get to the important part!