Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

Activities in the kitchen have always been my escape.  Be it stress, frustration, sadness, or anger– baking has been a sure solution that brings me back to sanity and normalcy.  (Just ask any of my roommates in college.  I was always found baking cookies in the apartment.)  Some people like to get massages, play golf, or watch a movie to unwind.  I bake.

This candied blood orange olive oil cake reminds me of my stay in Italy last summer.  My boyfriend and I toured the southern part of the country, starting in Rome and making our way down to Sicily, Naples, Pompeii and Positano.  Blood orange was sold everywhere in all sorts of form–juice, granita, sorbetto, baked goods.

One thing that really stood out while I was there was the country’s sense of time.  Life seems more leisurely; it was enjoyed at a slower pace.  Alex and I enjoyed lunches that took all afternoon, dinner that lasted until the wee hours of the morning, and strolls around the streets at a snail’s pace.  I took in all the scenery, breathed in the salty air by the ocean, and not once did I bother to check my watch (or cell phone clock).  Maybe it was because I was on vacation, but the feeling and state of mind that I experienced abroad is one I like to revisit during unpleasant times.

From what I observed, people just loved to relax, spent time with friends and family socializing and talking.  I enjoyed Italy so much that I will be returning this summer for my birthday.  This year, we will be touring the northern parts of Italy.  Alex and I will be traveling to Milan and Cinque Terre.  I am more than excited.

I spent the better half of Monday thinking about life; about struggles, challenges, daily routines, and choices.  I thought about the importance of family, love, and hope.  I thought about the value of today.  We live in a fast-paced world where quick fixes and easy solutions are preferred.  Sometimes, we need to choose to do things that cannot be done in hurry.  This is an involved cake that takes time and patience.  It is not a one bowl cake or a five ingredient or less fix.  Although this cake was a lengthy process, it helped me calm down, slowed time, and kept me at peace all afternoon.  And of course, the cake is molto delizioso! 

I made this olive oil cake on Monday after I heard about the sudden passing of my uncle.  May his soul rest in peace.  He will be missed and continues to be loved.