Seriously, I really don’t know why I’m trying to make it summer already, when the kids have at least a month more of school (the World’s Greatest Niece graduates in exactly 30 long days!) and summer doesn’t come scientifically until way, way on over in June (the 21st. at 7:23 a.m.). It’s just so warm and sunny today (81 degrees) and we’re expecting that summer storm stuff tomorrow (hail, wind, tornadoes, cats & dogs from the sky, etc.). Oh well .. you’ll just have to work with me.
Summer in the Country, from Gooseberry Patch, has the stuff I’m jonesing for, from Sweet Summer Mornings and An Old-Fashioned Picnic to Come By For Pie … & More! I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my blueberry crop this year, so I’m thinking an award-winning cake might be a good choice for today, especially one that incorporates my love of lemon, too. Check out my blueberry blossoms – looks like a good harvest is on the horizon!
Blueberry Citrus Cake
Ingredients
1 package lemon cake mix
1/2 C plus 2 T orange juice
1 C water
1/3 C oil
3 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 C fresh or frozen blueberries
1 T orange zest
1 T lemon zest
1 C powdered sugar
Garnish: lemon and orange zest
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1/2 cup orange juice, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium; beat for 2 minutes. With a wooden spoon, gently fold in blueberries and zests. Pour batter into a greased and floured Bundt® pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wooden rack. Turn out of pan. Blend remaining orange juice and powdered sugar until smooth; drizzle over cake. Sprinkle with zests. Serves 10 to 12.
Wow, that sounds so light and refreshing and delicious! I think I’d serve that as a special side bread with a light chicken salad (the kind you make with grapes and pecans, or maybe a curried chicken salad) just for fun! (Okay, now I’m going home to make myself some chicken curry.)
I’m willing to stretch summer out as long as you’ll let me this year, especially on days like today. Tomorrow, I may be making a hearty stew to combat the rain, but today .. today is for a slice of cake and a frosty lemonade on the patio at the end of the day .. enjoy!
~Janet @ The Christmas Place
