Equinox

We spent the day thinking about Autumn; gratitude for the harvest; and the balance between light and darkness that hangs on this day.  We read seasonal stories and made apple candles for our harvest meal.

We enjoyed local food that reminded us of our festival - a bowl of steaming chunky root vegetable broth with  sourdough bread, followed by earthy baked potatoes and yellow Scottish cheddar, washed down with apple juice.

 James and I created a special Equinox cake - half dark and half light.  It was most impressive.  I had the idea for this cake several equinoxes ago, but never seemed to find the time.  We made time today though - a simple sponge cake recipe - remove half to another bowl - add orange zest to one and sieved cocoa powder to the other. Make up a buttercream icing and in the same way, add melted chocolate to one half, and the juice of the orange to the other. This will have to be a new tradition - twice a year too!

And then, with full, thankful bellies, we retired to the front room, to enjoy our first indoor fire since the vernal equinox.  James was enthralled by the flickering flames and the crackling and hissing of the logs, and excitedly whispered to us to 'listen - listen!'  How lovely and cosy it was to sit together and weave pictures from the firelight, as the rain rattled off the windows.
Wishing you Autumnal Blessings and an abundant harvest.


Edited to add.
I have been asked by a lovely reader for my sponge cake recipe.  So here it is

6 oz soft butter
6 oz sugar.
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
8 oz self raising flour (or 8 oz plain flour and 3 level teaspoons baking powder)

Cream both together until very light and fluffy

Add eggs one at a time and beat well, scraping bottom of bowl each time.
Add vanilla essence
Fold in  sieved flour (and bp if using) and mix gently until just combined.
Pour into well greased 7 inch sandwich tins and level with a spatula

Bake for 20 -25 mins at 350 deg (180c or Gas mark 4)

Leave to sit in tin for 5 mins or so, then remove and cool on rack.