These are my final days of being 29 you guys! A few months ago I was telling my brother Nathan about my new exercise routine (that I’ve totally stuck with, thankyouverymuch. It’s shocking.) and he was like “Oh, you’re feeling that 30 coming along, aren’t ya?” And I was just like no, it’s because I’m feeling those post-3rd-kid love handles. No, really, they’re right here, I’m not talking abstract.
Once you have 3 kids, no one thinks you’re in your 20s anymore. It doesn’t matter what you look like. I’m not complaining, it doesn’t bother me. That’s just the way it is. More and more people are starting families later in life.
When I don’t have my kids with me, people assume I’m younger. Just a few weeks ago my best friend Sarah and I took a girl’s trip, and we went zip-lining. We were making small talk with the guides while standing on a tiny wooden platform 150 feet up a tree, and Sarah mentioned our 7 combined children (she has 4 kids). I thought the 20-something-guide’s eyes were going to pop right out. (I could tell he was 20-something because, well…I could just tell. I think this also means I’m definitely in the 30s crowd.) So I guess I feel pretty okay about turning 30. I’ve kinda been here in spirit for a while anyway, and I’ve got the baby love handles to prove it. Bring it on, 30, I slay you.
(This is the real reason we all make homemade bread, right? The satisfaction of dough-punching?)
This is a classic recipe from Sarah, who’s mom has been making it for years. It’s kind of like a giant cinnamon roll that’s the size of a cake. Oh and maple flavored. WIN! Plus, the recipe makes two cakes. Perfect, that way I can fill out each side of my love handles equally, one for each side. Just kidding. Kinda.
Sarah keeps trying to tell me that this coffee cake tastes better the next day, or even two days after it’s made. She said that her mom (hi Anne! Thanks for the recipe!) always made it a couple days ahead, and then it would be ready for them to heat up on Christmas morning. I have NO IDEA how they managed this. This bread is so tender and sweet that every time I finish another bite that I’ve snatched, I’m ready to go back for more. We have some leftover and I have zero confidence that I will be able to provide you with a 2 day report.
(This is the gorgeous crispy bottom edge that makes life worth living.) Sarah lives in Japan (her husband is in the military) and she’s often asleep when I’m awake. I’m sure she was glad this particular day, because she was spared the rapid fire texts I’m usually shooting any friend who gives me a family recipe. “Can I shape it in a pie pan?” “Oh no, I microwaved the milk too long and now I have to waaaaait aaah” “How do you usually slice it? Strips? Wedges?” Count your blessings Sarah.
P.S. I made this recipe on my Instagram stories yesterday, if you go head over in the first half of today it might still be there. You will also get to see my neighbor Tyrone try to spell “charlatan.” Haha! Why did I have to pick such a hard blog name to spell?? Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter One year ago: Fudgy Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Bars Two years ago: Ham Mac n Cheese Soup « this one’s a personal fav! Three years ago: Blackberry Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting < this sounds complicated. Trust me, it’s not! More maple recipes you’ll love! I’m from California where you can find Maple Bars in any donut shop no matter how small. But after posting this recipe for Maple Bars several years ago, I realized it’s a west coast thing (I kept getting comments from people who said they can’t ever find them on the east coast.) Did you grow up eating these?
Or if you are not feeling the yeast today…try these 30 minute Maple Bars:
Maple Cheesecake with Roasted Pears « This is a no bake and it’s deliiiish. Such a creative way to use up summer pears.
Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom « these are super fun to make!
More maple recipes from other amazing food bloggers! Maple Twists from Fake Ginger Maple Bacon Donuts from Wonky Wonderful Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Maple Glaze from Wishes and Dishes
