I wanted to post this Strawberry Cake with Lemon Rosemary Glaze before Mother’s Day. But that didn’t happen. You see, I’ve been busy helping my youngest daughter pack and organize her things for a move to another state.
I’ve been cooking her favorite meals, and we’ve spent the last few weeks sitting on the patio, sipping wine and having long conversations. Slowly saying goodbye, and realizing that we are both starting a new chapter in our lives.
My heart was heavy the day my girl left. So I wrote about this new normal, and the responses filled my heart with so much gratitude. Sometimes social media is a space I dread, but today, it was like a virtual hug from all the mama’s out there.
Friends, family, readers, foodies, parents, grandparents, aunties – one united front. Loving comments and well wishes from different parts of the country, from different parts of the world, people of different faiths, political views, different races, all unique and beautiful, and all united in sending this mama some much needed comfort and love.
Once again, this proves we all have a connection despite our differences.
My sweet girl backed her car out of the driveway and then I watched her car disappear down the road. This is the end of a scene from my play of life. The curtain has come down and an intermission is in order. A pause to collect myself, to cry my buckets of tears and wallow a bit in my sadness that this scene is finished, and a new one begins.
It’s not that being a mom will end. It just changes. Sometimes change is hard. I always thought I was good at change. I’ve had a lot of it in my lifetime. I thought I was a pro by now. But when it comes to one of my most cherished jobs in life, the change feels a little more heartbreaking, a little more empty.
I came back into my house and had a good cry – my husband trying desperately to cheer me up. Then I went upstairs to my office, as I do every morning, and proceeded to answer emails and do a bit of writing.
I dug around my desk for my planner, when I saw a long note written on an empty page from my daughter. She hid it under one of the many books on my desk.
Her words are a gift. They tell me how much she loves me and it’s really going to be ok. She tells me she still needs me and that she’s not really that far away. That she thanks the universe every day she is part of our family.
She tells me this change is hard, but we can do it. That her memories are precious and there are many more beautiful memories to come. She tells me she’s going to call me every day. And she tells me, “you’re the best mom ever”. I love you.
Under the “to do” section of my planner she writes, “drink wine and call”. Love you. Then a smiley face.
Strawberry cake with lemon rosemary glaze delighted my sweet gal. I made it because I had a craving for strawberries and cake and I wanted something herby and lemony to pair with it. And just to be sure it was perfected, I tested it three, maybe four times. Of course, my family didn’t mind.
I suppose this is my way of saying goodbye. Strawberry Cake with Lemon Rosemary Glaze baked with so much love and good wishes. Something sweet to remember, something delicious that says, I love you and I’m going to miss you with all my heart.
Wishing you love, light and good health,
Karista
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, room temp
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1-quart strawberries, hulled and cut in half
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 3-inch rosemary sprig
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, or more as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease the bottom of a 9-inch round or 8×8 baking dish.
- In an electric mixer, add the sugar and butter. Cream until smooth and fluffy, about five minutes.
- Then add the egg and vanilla. Mix to combine.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Slowly alternate the buttermilk and the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Spread the batter in the bottom of the pan and then layer the strawberries, halved side down on top.
- Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes or until the cake is done.
- Let the cake cool while you make the drizzle.
- In a small sauce pan add the butter and fresh rosemary and heat on low. When the butter is melted and hot, turn the heat off and let it sit for 10 minutes with the fresh rosemary.
- Strain the rosemary from the butter and add it to the powdered sugar along with the lemon zest and juice. Whisk together until it forms a thin icing. When the cake is slightly cool, drizzle with the icing and serve.
Your story is beautiful and I understand exactly. I only have one child and she has only one who is a 2020 Senior. They are in Florida and we are in Oklahoma. This Quarantine has been difficult for our Senior and in a different way for my husband and I. Hopefully this will resolve soon and we can share our special memories together. Family is such a special blessing!!
Thank you so much for your sweet words. I know this time has been so difficult for so many. I’m grateful I had her home for the last two months before she moved for a job. She graduates college this June as well. Congratulations to your senior! I hope you are able to see her soon and share her special moment. Sending love and good health! Karista
The good thing about giving them wings is that they can fly back. Hang in, Karista!
Thank you my friend! xoxo
You raised beautiful daughters and her words to you show you raised her with a beautiful heart also. With that, you’ll know you won’t lose the connection in spite of the distance. It’s hard at first, but this new chapter has it’s on benefits too.
Thank you Kathryn! She really does have a beautiful heart. Yes, it’s truly bittersweet, one chapter closing and a new chapter opens. I’m looking forward to the new chapter, but also taking time to fully embrace the new normal. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging words! Peace and good health, Karista