lemon blueberry breakfast cake

I am beginning to suspect that my dog Quimby thinks his name is ‘iloveyou.’ I do tell him that quite a bit, but anytime I even voice the phrase (occasional affirmative directed at the hubby), Quimby turns his head and looks right up at me like he is expecting something.

I suppose this is a proper response, however, when someone calls your name…or when they say “I love you.” It just seems natural to turn your attention towards them in expectation.

And we should be expectant. Expectant that something grand is to follow “iloveyou.” Expectant that we will not only hear the words, but we will see their implications in the person’s actions. Expectant that they really mean it, in that moment and all the time that follows it.

I really intend to improve on this front. I like to say iloveyou (to Ben and Quimby), but it is much more difficult to do iloveyou (can I also preface this disclosure of selfishness with the fact that test week is approaching?). Wouldn’t it be far better to make iloveyou a behavior and to let actions that flow forth from a feeling of love supplant a mere confession of that love?

LEMON BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST CAKE

Great for mornings when you have company
and want to offer them something more than cereal

Serves 4-6

¾ stick of butter, room temperature


1 tsp. lemon zest 


½ cup sugar, divided 


1 egg yolk


½ tsp. vanilla


1 cup flour


1 tsp. baking powder


½ tsp. salt


1 cup fresh blueberries


¼ cup greek yogurt

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cream butter with lemon zest and ½ cup of the sugar (minus 1 tablespoon- save it for later) until light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined. Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour and set aside.  Whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.

Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, alternating with the yogurt. Fold in the blueberries.

Grease a pie plate (smear with butter and sprinkle with flour then dump excess flour off, or just use Baker’s Joy). Spread batter into pie plate and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar on top.  Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. I turned on the broiler at the last second (for only about 30 seconds to a minute) to nicely brown up the top of my pie. Let cool at least 10 minutes before serving. 

this little fella bellied up to the breakfast table this morning
nephew robby