Weekend update.
Ok so, I know you’re not all here for Formula 1 chat, but I’m afraid you’ll be hearing about it as it was the headline act in ‘Stephi’s World’ last week… if you’re disinterested in fast cars whizzing around in circles, don’t check out just yet because, a) what I have to say, is not all about the cars whizzing around in circles, and b) I have a banging recipe to round off the newsletter and you certainly don’t want to miss that.
Firstly, for those who don’t follow Formula 1 and haven’t seen the news of last weekend’s race, it was a truly iconic. I’ve been going to the British Grand Prix since 2009 and have missed only Bake-Off year (slightly peeved about that but, you know, special circumstances, right?) and COVID year, since then. My Mum is totally obsessed with the sport, (as am I but I can’t quite rival her passion – it runs DEEP), and we are Lewis Hamilton fans which, [spoiler alert] made the result all the more beautiful (he won after a two-and-a-half-year winning draught - fairytale vibes). The race was thrilling due to the turbulent weather conditions (lol – BRITISH WEATHER NEVER FAILS TO SPICE THINGS UP) and the result was both overwhelmingly emotional and, in my opinion, a legendary moment in sporting history - maybe I’m biased with that statement but yeah, it was SPECIAL. As I do every year, I feel so lucky and honoured to have been at the event, I think I said this last year but if you ever get the chance to go to an F1 race, I strongly recommend it… the reality is that you haven’t got a clue what is going on most of the time and if you camp (and aren’t a seasoned camper), it’s kinda hellish (more on that in a moment), but the atmosphere is unrivalled… even for non-F1 fans.
This weekend also reminded me that not having my phone for 3 days is an especially therapeutic discipline (4/5G - is non-existent and so you rely solely on the people you’re with, your own thoughts, or a book to entertain you) – if only we could enforce digital detoxes more often - disconnecting from technology is one of the best medicines. If you’re wondering what book I went for in the end – I panicked and opted for the new David Nicholls novel, ‘You Are Here’, because I enjoyed, ‘One Day’ – I’ve nearly finished it and my verdict is that it’s… erm, OK? But when was ‘OK’ ever a good review of something? Pros: It’s an easy, gentle read, sort of wholesome. Cons, it’s a bit bland/a bit samey (yikes, I feel so critical!!) Anyway, I wouldn’t rave about it… maybe a 6.5/10.
Further lessons from my weekend:
Being in a tent during a thunderstorm is not all that thrilling… in fact it’s quite terrifying… I spent the majority of Friday night thinking I was going to die as I debated whether the upright pole in our tent was a suitable conductor of lightning.
I’m not made for camping… or wetness, or mud, or partying… I’m just not cool enough, ok? (but I adore the sport, so we make sacrifices, ok… but also not ok, it was SO yuck!!)
I’m a control freak… if I can’t easily access a kettle, an oven and a toilet, I get cranky.
British patriotism is unparalleled… last Saturday evening, they showed the England-Switzerland football match on the big screens around the circuit and on the campsite. It was (almost) as thrilling as the race… that’s a lie, it didn’t remotely match it, but the atmosphere was still brilliant! On the topic of football… yes, I will be watching tonight, yes I’m nervous already! (also nervous for the tennis - BIG WEEKEND OF SPORT!)
I bought some of this Dr.Paw Paw lip balm from Superdrug during an emergency pre-weekend-away shopping trip. It was a spontaneous purchase that I feared I might regret as it’s quite pricey (particularly when it sits next to Vaseline on the shelves). But OH EM GEE, I’m addicted, you can use it on your lips AND cheeks, it lasts for ages, and I love this coral colour as it gives you a cute little glow!
A take-home message that I try to live by but need reminding of OFTEN, NEVER GIVE UP. During his emotional interview, Lewis Hamilton said:
“It's tough for anyone but the important thing is how you continue to get up and you've got to continue to dig deep even when you feel like you’re at the bottom of the barrel.”
… as you all know, I constantly ride a struggle-wave. I frequently feel like I’m not good enough - not a good enough friend, baker, sister, daughter etc. - I want to be more, do more for others, achieve more… sometimes I feel up to it, and others, I’m riddled with anxiety, fatigue, intrusive thoughts, and just feel overwhelmed by the world. But this heartfelt statement from Lewis reminded me that giving up is not an option… keep showing up, as best you can, even when you feel hopeless. It may take a while, but things will get better and when they do, you’ll shine brighter than ever before!
… and that message is one I need to repeat to myself LOUDLY right now.
Predictably, I’ve been a complete wet wipe since we got back, ( I CANNOT DO CHANGE). Aside from the fact that I’ve been shattered, I also find it impossible to return to my routine after any disturbance. I’ve also felt really quite low - is there such a thing as a ‘post sporting success comedown’? - BUT… I’m hoping I’ll feel a little perkier come next week!
This week’s recipe is a new favourite of mine… it’s a perfect little pound-cake-style, almond loaf cake that I’ve been working on for a few weeks and I finally feel like I’ve nailed it! The crumb is close-textured, velvety, rich and moist with the addition of sour cream in the batter. A generous dose of good quality almond extract gives it a wonderful marzipan flavour and a handful of ground almonds delivers an additional layer of tenderness to this humble little cake. Wrap it up tight for freshness and pick at it through the week - it lasts superbly. To pimp things up, serve it with cherries and something creamy (or your favourite summer fruit) and be VERY VERY HAPPY.
For next week, I have some FUN fuss-free dessert ideas up my sleeve… stay tuned!!!
As ever, I hope you’re all doing ok,
Sending huge hugs and love,
Steph X X X
Almond loaf cake (with whipped crème fraiche and cherry compote)
I’ve given you a fairly detailed description of this one above so won’t waste too much time with chat now, but just a few more notes:
I baked this in this 1 lb loaf tin - I love the size because I hate waste and for a household of 2, it’s a perfect amount for snacking on through the week. I suggest using a tin with similar dimensions for the desired result, otherwise you will need to amend your baking time accordingly and hope for the best.
In terms of method - it’s a simple creamed sponge technique, nothing too fancy, just take things slow and be gentle when you’re incorporating your dries/sour cream towards the end of the mixing for the ultimate tender crumb.
This cake is great as it is, but to pimp things up, I suggest serving it with some glossy almond scented cherries and a whipped crème fraîche/creamy situation… this whole combo is NEXT LEVEL GOOD!
Finally, I’ve suggested some alternatives to cherries at the end of the recipe if you fancy a different fruity set up!
Without further ado, let’s get cracking…
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