Barefoot and baking

That's right people. This is what I have been up to this last few weeks of freedom, before the little one arrives and then who knows what I will have time to do? I am sure baking will be the last of my priorities. When I am not lunching, it's quite possible that I am organising brunch at my place or whipping up something to take over when we are visiting others. So, what I would like to share with you are three of the favourites that are getting used many times over just because they are so simple to do and well liked by most. I don't really have the enthusiasm to slave over detailed recipes at the moment, plus my hand mixer broke just before I left Germany, so I am only doing things that involve a wooden spoon or a whisk at most.

Thanks to Orangette this cake is the one I have baked the most since arriving in Riyadh, at one point I had made two in one week. I like all things lemony and I also find this type of baking good in warm weather when I don't really feel like anything too rich. Most people have really enjoyed it, except for one kid who made a face after trying the lemon glaze on top, clearly too sour, so consider that if you have kids amongst your consumers. Most grown-ups love the tang though.

These brownies are just as simple but goes against what I just stated about citrus flavours and warm weather. This recipe from David Lebovitz's website is, for those like me in Riyadh, are for when you are entertaining with the airconditioning on. They are seriously rich but good. Good is understating it a little. making the Dulce de Leche doesn't really put me off because I just put a can of sweetened condensed milk into a large pot of water and boil for three hours. I check on it from time to time to make sure there is plenty of water in the pot and despite stories of explosions I haven't had any incidents at all. I get lovely caramel every time and you can also boil a few cans at a time and store them in the fridge. And then there are these also from David Lebovitz and this time easy would be understating it a little. This recipe is so simple, you pretty much just throw everything into a blender and the best part of all is to see the way they rise. For so little effort there is really provide a lot of satisfaction. They taste like donuts but they are not fried. What a discovery! Thank goodness for creative recipes like these. I hope you enjoy them even if you are not in your ninth month of pregnancy, a wee bit of simple, comfort baking never hurt anyone.