Apricot adventure

Inspired by my friend Mikki, I decided to sign up for weekly organic produce delivery. Not only do I receive great produce at a really good price, but it is also a lot of fun because the bin includes items that I likely would never have picked up otherwise. So we're trying some new fruits and veggies-- which, in my mind, is definitely a good thing!

This week our bin included a pound of apricots. Apricots were new to me-- I don't recall ever having eaten one (other than in preserves form, which doesn't really count). So I had no clue what to do with them (other than make preserves, which just isn't my thing). But the magic of the internet came to my rescue. Searching in the Pioneer Woman's fabulous Tasty Kitchen, I found a recipe for Brandy Buttermilk Apricot Cherry Upside-Down Cake. Serendipity! I happened to have some cherries left from the previous week's bin. So my baking partner and I got to work.

A few tastes were had along the way.


Whoops! Mama forgot that the batter was a little boozy... but really, there was only a little bit left in that bowl and I did manage to snatch it away before he licked it completely clean. (Note to self: I really need to make that boy a new apron... the duckies are a little on the tight and short side now.)

The final product:


So pretty! And tasty too (especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side). It was a simple, quick recipe with great results. This was also the first time I baked with powdered buttermilk-- and it worked like a charm! The cake was moist and dense with great texture, and the fruit was sweet and juicy.

I can't wait to see what's in the bin next week!