Happy Easter friends! This year looks nothing like anything I would have expected. By this point of April, I would have expected to be slugging through the mud and hauling out equipment to start working on. Usually Easter is marked by sunshine, tulips, and chirping birds, and unfortunately 2020 seems to be missing most of those things so far. We have been separated from our family and friends, and the usual big dinner celebrations have all been cancelled. When you start listing it out, it doesn't really seem like there is much to be grateful for, but I promise you there is. I am thankful that my family is healthy, that we all still have jobs to do, and for small treats like a slice of carrot cake with my coffee this morning!
The first time I baked this cake was a few years ago at a Farm-to-Table brunch that I hosted in the garden. We gathered around beautifully hand crafted table set up between the rows of dahlias, with the scent of sweet peas wafting through the air. Good food is always something that will bring people together. Love and laughter were served alongside waffles, quiche, and smoke trout. I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for a celebrated season, as well as for friendships that have stood the test of time. Among the nine diners, one was the first person I told about my dream of Fifth Gen, another was the voice of reason who urged me to follow my heart, many were valued members of my CSA, and each and every one of them are people that I consider my family. Family is the heart and soul of my business; it is the generational traditions that drive it forward. My heart felt as full as my plate and it was incredibly humbling to know that everybody was there to encourage me. We finished the day off with a delicious carrot cake, made with fresh carrots pulled right out of the garden! The cream cheese icing is always my favourite part, and no cake is finished without little edible flowers! It was a wonderful day, one that I will look back fondly on for many years to come.
This isolation protocol won't last forever. Thank you for doing your part and skipping out on the many traditions that coincide with this holiday. I hope that some day soon we will be able to eat together again and toast to good health!
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