You know how you can just have one of those days where you can’t quite see anything further than the tip of your nose? I’ve had a few of those these past weeks, getting myself all wrapped up in thesis writing and projects, it can be hard to come up for air when you’ve focused yourself so intensely.

However, that is why last night was a real treat. A few girlfriends, some good food, and a fire in the fireplace, it was the perfect medicine. It was a potluck, I made my favorite gingerbread cake (a recipe from MFK Fisher) with a Pear Brandy sauce I was inspired by from Molly Wizenberg of Orangette’s new book.

Edith’s Gingerbread (MFK Fisher)
1/4 cup non-hydroginated shortening (earthbalance is a good brand)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cups boiling water
1/4 teaspoon soda
1 beaten egg

Cream shortening and sugar. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, spices and set aside. Beat 1/2 tsp baking soda into the molasses until light and fluffy, add to shortening and sugar. Add 1/4 tsp baking soda to boiling water, alternate adding to shortening and sugar with flour and spices. Fold in egg, pour into greased and floured pan, bake about 20 minutes at 325.

Pear Brandy Sauce (Orangette)
2 medium firm-ripe pears
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons brandy or bourbon
salt

In a heavy skillet, just large enough to hold the pears in one layer, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pears and cook, shaking the skillet occasionally, for 3 minutes. Sprinkle them with sugar and continue to cook, shaking the skillet and turning the pears, until the sugar is melted and the pears are tender. Add the brandy, simmer a few more minutes, turn the pears a few times, and serve hot over fresh gingerbread cake. (I didn’t use the heavy cream because I didn’t have any in my fridge at the time, and this was still de-lishous)!

And while I am up for air and sun, these past few months really have been incredible. (Even when I look at my house and see a huge mess, or look at my desk and see an even bigger mess plus a looming thesis project/paper). Every day I feel more and more passionate about Eating Design with new project ideas and opportunities popping up.

Also, The Creative Force prints have been featured on three design websites here, here, and here which is so neat:). Thank you Frolic, Apartment Therapy, and Abby Try Again!

My friend Abby came in to the screen print lab the other day to see what silkscreen and The Creative Force was all about. She brought her camera and took some lovely photos. You can find more by her here. Time once again to get back to the grind; sun, warmth, and summer will be here shortly! But I’ve got to get my thesis done before that .

Cheers!