Bundt Why?

For Christmas, my best friend's initial inclination was to send me the Swarovski crystal-studded item on the right. After a lengthy discussion about a woman's need for sparkly underwear and the possible implications of sending such a gift, the idea was quickly vetoed in favor of something a bit more practical and much less risque. (Part of the argument was that the bra in question sounds significantly more decadent than it looks. I love Swarovski crystals, but on this bra, they look this side of tacky.)

In the end, the smart woman opted for something useful. When the package arrived, I initially thought that it was one of the many Christmas gifts that I had ordered from Amazon in the ongoing effort to avoid holiday crowds. I opened it to discover the familiar Williams Sonoma wrapping paper and signature green bow. I eagerly lifted the box from its cardboard covering and peeled back the wrapper to discover a beautiful, nonstick, aluminum Nordic Ware bundt pan. It was immediately put into good use, as evidenced below.



While not as perfect as the cake on the packaging, my first bundt cake is nevertheless a source of pride, if only because it didn't wind up stuck to the pan. It was also a learning experience: when the instructions advise you to spread the batter higher on the sides than in the center, a thirty-degree incline is insufficient. Next time, I shall aim closer to sixty or seventy degrees.

Happy holidays, everyone. May your culinary endeavors be equally enjoyable and much more successful than my own. Enjoy!