A week full of Birthdays

In this month of September we are treated to blossom trees blooming, lambs, daphne bushes in full bud, the odd freakish storm (and an aftershock or three thrown in the mix), nor westerly winds and many birthdays. And with every birthday there is cake.
This time of year our letterboxes also fill up with some interesting 'junk mail'. I recieved the quarterly leaflet from our local real estate team, Karen and Sue. In it was a wonderful recipe for a Chardonnay cake and some pearls of wisdom from Jo Seagar. I particularly liked this.....
'I am a big believer in the value of getting around the table as a family or with good friends and taking time to enjoy each others company. It is about being thankful and happy together and counting your blessings. And it might be as simple as a cup of tea with some nice cake. Slow down, simplify, be generous.'
So with this in mind, I have made four cakes so far this week. One for my lovely friend Mary who turned another year older on Tuesday, another for a casual relaxing impromptu dinner at Julies, another for my dear friend Carole who celebrates tomorrow and todays creation is for Lucy who is having us all around because she turns 19.
But this blog is all about the Chardonnay cake.
I am not sure who invented this cake. It is lovely and light with baking soda and baking powder and two eggs giving it the texture. Grated lemon and orange zest give it wonderful flavour and the 250ml of chardonnay.....to be honest, I never tasted it! ha ha
When the cake is half cooked, the recipe tells us to brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of sugar!!!! Gives a very nice subtle crunch as well as adding a layer onto ones thighs!
I served this cake with whipped cream and fresh seedless grapes and a glass of chardonnay in hand.
So as we start another week in September, remember the day's blessings, forget the day's troubles, enjoy the Spring.