The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

The land of Heat

July 18, 2011

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. No, not bad at all. I'm going to keep it short this week, a postcard, an advertisement, even, from the land of Heat. Because it's hot as all getout, and it's been that way since the last show, and it's not going to let up for a while now. Most people I've encountered are a bit on the crabby side, and those who aren't have either holed up or irritated the heck out of everyone around with their "I love this warm weather" attitudes. As for me, I can take it or leave it, but in the meantime there are a few things I'm doing to make life not only bearable but something like fun.

1) I'm drinking lemonade like no one's business. Quarts of it. Light and sugar-free, and I'm peeing like a racehorse. But I'm hydrated and it tastes good and I drink it right out of the plastic container.

2) I've abandoned my routine. For now. What's next is whatever goes. I mowed the lawn early on Monday and lay in a tub of cool water for an hour after. With my bottle of lemonade. Apples and berries and bread and cheese instead of meals, the AC on medium cool, and movies in the sleeping dog hours of the day. I do at least one productive thing each day, and at least one thing that feels purposeful. Apart from that, routine has gone out the window. I even sleep when I feel tired, and have been up late doing the laundry. Routine is like a reliable aunt. She'll return in good time, and when she does, things will get done.

3) I've taken off my clothes. Not permanently, and not in public. But when I'm alone and it's this hot, well, there's something to be said for nudity. My kids are away at Grandpa's Fishing Camp this week, and I'm hoping it's a Nude Fishing Camp. More power to 'em. As for me, already this week I've made lemon bars and vacuumed and dusted and watched two movies thusly. Nude. Not the same as naked, which has something to do with impulse and risk and could get naughty. Nope. Nude is respectful and without apology and carries an element of grace if you don't get caught up in details. So there you have it. My response to weather so hot you lose where your skin ends and the air begins. Have some lemonade, put in a movie, and take off your clothes. Enjoy. Winter's not long off, and it's going to be a cold one.

Made this one on Tuesday and it tastes even better today. Serve it up with fresh strawberries for anyone who drops in. Just make sure you throw on some clothes first.

Buttery Bundt Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup yogurt
1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs

Buttery Sauce:
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
3 T water
2 tsp vanilla

Grease a Bundt or tube pan with butter and dust lightly with flour. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for cake. Beat at low speed for 30 seconds. Beat for 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour into pan and bake at 325 for 60 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix together sugar, water, and butter. When butter has melted, remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla. Using a large fork, make deep perforations in top of cake. Pour 3/4 cup hot sauce over cake while still warm.

Cool cake upright in pan for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around edges of cake to help free from the pan; turn cake out onto a serving dish. Pour remaining sauce over cake.

Serve with fresh berries and ice cream.