June 29, 2008

The (not so) Perfect Dessert

I like things just so. Maybe I've spent too many years listening to Martha talk about how to make and do the perfect everything. Yesterday, as I tried to remove my Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake from it's pan to cool before our guests arrived for dinner, I watched in horror as it fell apart. My first instinct was to cry, my first thought, that the evening was ruined. I stopped myself and decided to choose imperfection. It's real. I realized that I would enjoy entertaining a lot more if I would just relax. When I go to someones house I'm just happy to be there with them enjoying a meal that I didn't have to prepare. I'm sure my friends feel the same way and if they don't, then I suppose they are not really the kind of friends I want.

So here's my lesson for the week, when life gives you crumbled Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake make Crumbled Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake Trifle. And stop whining because life can be messy, but it's what happens while you are looking for perfection.


Crumbled Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake Trifle
1 prepared Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake or other recipe for a cake that you have screwed up
Fresh lemon whipped cream (recipe follows)
Fresh blueberries
Fresh Lemon Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
zest from 1 lemon
Cut disaster cake into bite size cubes and place in a pretty goblet, top with a healthy dollop of lemon whipped cream and then add fresh blueberries. Repeat. Fix yourself a refreshing drink, sit down and enjoy your company.

And by the way, it turns out that disaster can actually be yummy. Who knew?
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17 comments:

  1. Sometimes It's GoodJune 29, 2008 1:29 PM

    It works for me. You are so right when you say your friends are happy to be with you and if the food tastes good that's just an extra blessing! Really, I'd rather be with a relaxed, fun-loving hostess than someone who's upset because everything's not perfect. Sometimes it's intimidating to the guests if everything is too perfect.

    By the way the parfait looks yummy!

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  2. .June 29, 2008 3:05 PM

    Jen, that's the best recipe ever! I'm totally printing that one. Heheheh! I've screwed up more than my fair share of cakes before. I never thought of turning them into trifles. Good call!

    Claire

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  3. Lesley (Notesfrommydays)June 29, 2008 3:58 PM

    I would much rather be in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere than perfect resturant type scenario!! That receipe is on my "to do" list thank you!

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  4. AnonymousJune 29, 2008 6:24 PM

    What a great attitude! And it looks absolutely delicious! Love it.

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  5. PATJune 29, 2008 6:29 PM

    And it looks delicious, Jen!

    Pat

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  6. Cottage At Dove CanyonJune 29, 2008 9:55 PM

    Jen, from one Martha girl to another, thanks for posting this. I read the idea of turning an oops cake into a trifle a few years ago and have kept it in mind every time I turn a cake out. We've all had this happen. I think the trifle is perfect and Martha would be proud.

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  7. simply seletaJune 29, 2008 10:29 PM

    Amen to that realization! And a great lesson for me to keep in mind, as I too suffer a bit from that perfection thing.

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  8. misschrisJune 29, 2008 11:05 PM

    I'd say Martha would have done the same thing. ;) Good for you! sounds yummy.

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  9. SuzanneJune 30, 2008 2:14 AM

    Been there...done that.....was very happy that I didn't let it ruin my day.

    Terrific. Thanks for the recipes. I'm going to try it soon.

    - Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

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  10. DebJune 30, 2008 8:34 AM

    Great post! Great attitude :-}
    The blueberry lemon bundt cake looks delicious especially topped with fresh lemon whipped cream! Yum!

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  11. Cynthia's Botanical ArtsJune 30, 2008 10:07 AM

    Thank you for a great recipe... as well as the potato recipe... I think I have just discovered some new treats for the 4th of July. Thanks for sharing
    Cynthia

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  12. Melissa @ The Inspired RoomJune 30, 2008 11:50 AM

    YUM! I always have a disaster like that right before company arrives. I guess I should just start planning on disaster and then I won't be so shocked. I bet the disaster version of your cake was even tastier than the original!

    Happy entertaining, disasters and all!

    Melissa

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  13. Rhoda @ Southern HospitalityJune 30, 2008 2:53 PM

    Sounds good anyway, Jen! Sometimes things just don't turn out the way we want & we have to make the best. It looks so pretty in the pic.

    Rhoda

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  14. AliJune 30, 2008 4:23 PM

    Amen to that - sometimes the finest thigs arise out of what might be considered disataers.

    Looks yum.

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  15. cammyJuly 01, 2008 8:40 AM

    What a great idea. I would never have thought about turning it into a trifle. The lemon whipped cream sounds so delish.

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  16. UnknownJuly 04, 2008 1:54 AM

    I LOVE this post! Something I always need to remind myself of. Thanks for that great example. Yummy.

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  17. amyJuly 06, 2008 11:39 AM

    well put!

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