I decided, on the spur of the moment yesterday, to dip my toe back into the Baked Sunday Mornings project. I had made an executive decision, after three months of full-time work (a tough adjustment after more than 10 years of a part-time schedule!) and weekends that saw us run ragged with To Dos, to just do nothing. Putter. Laze around. Not rolling on Shabbos, so to speak.
This, of course, meant that in addition to doing chores and taking a fairly long nap, that I spent a fair amount of time sewing and baking. But at least it was an agenda I set for myself, and by that right, it was very relaxing. And the tangible results of this laziness are quite delightful.
I was actually very irritated while making this cake, particularly while zesting the oranges. “Why would you make a cake calling for fresh orange zest in the middle of summer?! Oranges are a winter fruit! These grocery-store, hothouse, imported oranges are mealy and lame!” (This was all inner dialogue, mind.) One of the cookbooks that I write about in my dissertation says that “Our lives are so disconnected from organic or natural timekeeping and the best efforts of the earth, that once we enter the sterile world of pre-packaged supermarkets it is hard to remember that strawberries and tomatoes are not worth eating in January and that onion soup and oranges don’t make sense in August.” Needless to say, I totally agree.
That doesn’t mean that this cake isn’t delicious — it truly is. The oils from the orange zest did their job and the cake, which was especially scrumptious when it was still warm, is definitely a treat. It’s a little dry this morning, but I wonder if maybe 10 seconds in the microwave would activate the olive oil a bit and awaken the moisture. I just wonder what it would taste like made with locally grown oranges in season (being in Texas means that I actually do have access to locally grown oranges in season!). Maybe I’ll try this one again in December.
My Rubberbandball 
Katie
/ July 31, 2011Did you try 10 seconds in the microwave? How did it turn out? I think my cake might have needed that on day two!
Candy
/ July 31, 2011Great looking cake!
Bri
/ July 31, 2011Well, it looks like it was worth all that zesting, because your cake is really pretty. Glad you liked it!
Rebecca
/ July 31, 2011It is so funny because here in CA we have oranges at the farmer’s market right now. I know they are mostly winter fruits in other places, but they are delicious now. Your cake looks great!
Bourbonnatrix
/ July 31, 2011i tasted mine only on day two! maybe that’s why i didn’t like it so much! love that big slice on the orange plate!
Dessert By Candy
/ July 31, 2011I agree with you on oranges in July. This cake would have been top of my to-bake list in winter. A little curious that the cake got drier on day 2. Typically this kind of cake are great keepers. I’ll have to taste mine again tomorrow.
Jodi
/ August 1, 2011Nice use of a Big Lebowski quote!
Frollicking Night Owl
/ August 2, 2011I completely agree that this recipe was meant to be picked for the winter! But it turned out great even with yucky oranges. 🙂