Tag: holidays

  • Sustainable you

    Sustainable you

    Sustainable you

    A gift to yourself

    The holiday season can elicit lots of notions about what you should be doing, and giving. There are even cautionary tales of how not to be—think Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch! In the face of these external pressures, it can be helpful to focus on your own preferences and expectations. Reflect on what you bring to the party yourself. Perhaps your presence, clarity, and joy can be a gift to others, and yourself!

    A unique gift

    Physical gifts are a familiar part of the holiday season. Another approach is the gift of an experience or service. You can take this a step further by considering what you need or want. Is there a way to fill up your own cup, to show yourself the same care you show others? This can support your sustainability. Friends, family, and colleagues will probably notice and benefit from your deeper presence.

    Reflections

    Begin by taking some focused breaths and observing your current experience, such as:

    • degree of present-focus (versus past or future focused)
    • mood
    • thought patterns
    • degree of embodiment (the sense of being in your physical body)
    • physical health
    • attitude toward the holiday season

    Now ’s the time to ask: “How am I right now? Is this how I want to be? And is it sustainable?”

    Inventory

    Now that you’ve checked in with yourself, it’s time to focus on what you might adjust to optimize your sense of well-being. Here are some areas to explore:

    • Brainstorm your idea of a perfect holiday season and see how much of this might be possible.
    • Evaluate your priorities―are some things getting too much attention? Are other things getting missed?
    • Explore back-up plans for situations that may be difficult, like handling awkward family members or struggling to carve out time to recharge.

    Boundaries

    Identifying your preferences is a great start. Frequently, it’s related to boundary quandaries. Effective boundaries include the following:

    • Identify, to yourself and to others, what you want and don’t want.
    • Explore implications, alternatives, and possible alignment if another person is involved.
    • Aim to support your own boundary while respecting others.

    Impact

    Think about the people and organizations you come into contact with during the holiday season and consider how you want to show up. The more present and balanced you are, the more positive the experience likely is for others.

    But, have some space for yourself and others to show up in less than your best―we all succumb to stress, physical illness, and distractions at times. Then our inner Grinch pops out! Just notice and then recalibrate. It’s possible to start over, beginning by taking a few conscious breaths.

    Now that you’re aiming for a sustainable you, focus on some simple doable steps, and repeat. Celebrate your unique presence in the world, just as you celebrate those around you. Remember that both Scrooge and the Grinch turned out to be very lovable. They just needed to dig deeper and focus on what matters!

    By Carole Ames

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Cranberry Apple Punch

    Cranberry Apple Punch

    Cranberry Apple Punch

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Serves 1
    • 2 ounces apple cider
    • ¾ ounce no added sugar cranberry juice
    • 2 ounces ginger beer
    • 1 ounce bourbon optional
    • Garnishes: apple slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks
    Serves 32 (Party Size)
    • 64 ounces apple cider (2-32 oz bottles)
    • 24 ounces no added sugar cranberry juice (3 cups)
    • 67.6 ounces ginger beer (4-16.9 oz bottles)
    • 32 ounces bourbon (4 cups)

    Method
     

    Single Serving
    1. Place all ingredients in a tumbler then fill with ice and stir.
    2. Garnish glass with apple slices, a few cranberries and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
    For A Crowd
    1. Scale the recipe to make as many servings as desired and serve in a punch bowl. To keep it chilled, make ice cubes with apple cider, or fill a bundt pan with cider to make an ice ring. Place all ingredients in the punch bowl, then float the ice ring on top. Garnish with apple slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
  • The renaissance of rest

    The renaissance of rest

    The renaissance of rest

    How to slow down

    When is the last time you truly rested? As the year draws to a close and a new one is set to begin, let’s recommit to rest.

    According to registered clinical counselor Laura Henderson, rest refers to the act of giving our bodies and minds a break from constant stimuli. “Our society’s ‘hustle culture’ doesn’t value rest,” Henderson explains, “but rest is essential to mental health.”

    Regular rest is thought to help us

    • heal our bodies
    • reduce stress and feel calmer
    • be more productive and more creative

    Types of rest

    According to author, physician, and researcher Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, people need seven types of rest to help recover from spending energy in seven key ways.

    Type of restExample
    physical resteither passive, such as sleeping, or active, such as massage therapy
    mental resttaking small breaks in your workday
    sensory resttaking breaks from screen time
    creative restexperiencing art or nature
    emotional restincludes everything from setting boundaries to expressing your emotions
    social restfocusing on relationships that lift you up
    spiritual restfinding belonging and purpose in your life

    Taking some time to contemplate each of these types of rest can help us uncover gaps and come up with an action plan. To start, it could be as simple as taking 10 minutes to savor a cup of tea every morning without any screens or distractions or committing to a daily after-dinner neighborhood stroll.

    Another example is to adopt the “walk, window, water” tactic at work, explains Henderson. That means taking a strategic break every hour or 90 minutes in which you get up and walk to a window, gaze far into the distance (preferably at something in nature, such as a tree), and have a sip of water. This can give our busy minds a moment to calm down.

    Your own personal recipe for rest

    It’s important to remember that our need for rest is highly individual. To find truly restful activities for you, Henderson suggests checking in with your body and how you’re feeling as you go through your day. For example, you might find baking meditative … or you might find it stressful.

    Our need for rest is also prone to change throughout our lives. If you’re a parent of young children, you may find that you crave some time alone or with your partner to recharge and reflect away from your kids. If you’re an introvert with a high-pressure career, you may find that you need extra rest after networking events.

    Proactive rest in the workplace

    Many progressive workplaces are embracing “proactive rest” to help increase productivity, reduce the risk of burnout, boost creativity and problem-solving skills, and improve employees’ quality of life.

    Within a workplace setting, proactive rest can look like the following.

    • encouraging active breaks throughout the day
    • advocating for work-life balance
    • enabling flexible working arrangements
    • providing resources for self-care and stress reduction
    • offering wellness programs

    By Leah Payne

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Come home – to yourself!

    Come home – to yourself!

    Come home – to yourself!

    Find ease this holiday season

    Most cultures and religions have significant days or periods in the calendar year; in this part of the world, several converge in the late December/early January period. Winter solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s are some of them.

    This is potentially challenging, given the possibility for competing demands, conflicting expectations, financial stresses, and social/personal circumstances. Fortunately, there are tools, reframes, and resources that can help us to navigate this season intact and whole rather than frazzled and depleted! Here are some that can help.

    1. Know yourself

    Recognize what this season is like for you. In nature, the winter season is generally associated with quiet reflection, rest, and renewal. It can be a stretch for some of us to shift from this into social celebration mode.

    Identify ways to support yourself in any situations or environments that are typically difficult. This can include deciding in advance how long you’ll stay somewhere, or how you’ll handle tricky relationships as effectively as possible.

    2. Get your priorities straight

    Many people experience competing demands during the holiday season. Other people may be more solitary, whether by choice or happenstance. Regardless, it’s helpful to identify what matters most and what matters least, even if you keep these lists to yourself.

    One approach is to distinguish between what you believe you should do and what you actually want to do. Both of these are at play, and neglecting one can leave us off-kilter. For example, ignoring what you prefer to do can leave you resentful or unfulfilled; however, sometimes that’s a cost you may be willing to pay in order to maintain a family tradition. This can help you decide how you’ll spend your time, energy, and resources; it’s like installing a personal compass.

    3. Set boundaries

    Even if you’re clear about how you prefer to approach the holiday season, you’re not alone. Everyone has their own preferences. This is where boundaries become so vital. The challenge is to see how your preferences can fit with someone else’s, ideally so that no one is disregarded, disrespected, or ignored.

    Your body will give you clues as to how well you’re accomplishing this process: if you’re tired or short-tempered, something may not be working well; if you’re relaxed, present, and energized, this is probably working for you.

    4. Try a stress buster

    Identify what helps you be centered, rested, and clear-headed. These are some things that may help:

    • meditation
    • nature walks
    • napping
    • listening to music
    • hot bath
    • sipping fragrant tea
    • yoga or tai chi
    • journaling

    5. Lean into the potential

    The holiday season is a time of potential. So many people and faiths focus on this season for the opportunity to honor, celebrate, reflect, commune, pray, play, and center. Look for ways to keep yourself well, now and always.

    By Carole Ames

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Seafood Stew

    Seafood Stew

    Seafood Stew

    The feast of seven fishes is a traditional Italian American meal served on Christmas Eve. As the name implies, it’s seven courses featuring fish and seafood options. This seafood stew might not be as grand as the feast of seven fishes, but it certainly satisfies a craving for a rich, warming seafood meal. Plus, it can be on the table in just over half an hour. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

    Print Pin

    Seafood Stew

    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • ½ cup minced shallots diced
    • 4 large garlic cloves minced
    • ½ cup dry white wine or vermouth
    • 28 oz fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
    • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 tsp dried thyme
    • 1 tsp crushed chili flakes
    • 1 tsp sea salt
    • ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper
    • ¾ pound mussels scrubbed
    • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined (tails on)
    • 1 pound cod fillet cubed
    • 1 lemon wedged (optional)
    • crusty bread

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté for 2–3 minutes or until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    • Deglaze pan with white wine then add tomatoes, broth, thyme, chili flakes, sea salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste at this point.
    • Add mussels and shrimp and bring stew back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 minute then add cod. Continue to cook until shrimp is opaque, mussels are open (discard unopened ones), and the cod flakes.
    • Serve promptly with crusty bread and lemon wedges, if using.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • How to find meaning this holiday season

    How to find meaning this holiday season

    How to find meaning this holiday season

    Give yourself the gift of depth

    One of the best things about the holidays is having the time to come together and connect. But often, this connection remains surface level. Martin Vera, a leadership and life coach based in London, UK, says that when we reunite with people we don’t see very often, we tend to gravitate toward small talk because it feels safe.

    Small talk has its time and place: research shows that fleeting social interactions with people, even strangers, can boost moods and our faith in humankind. But a night of rotating through a room to recount the same three major events that have happened in your life in the last year can leave you feeling drained, and it doesn’t do much in terms of deepening your social connections.

    What are meaningful conversations?

    Vera compares meaningful conversations to hikes in the forest, where we get to slow down, pay attention to our steps, and take some risks: “Meaningful conversations allow us to see others and feel seen by them, to feel a sense of intimacy, and to show up as ourselves.”

    A meaningful conversation doesn’t need to be intense or serious—rather, it just needs to be a conversation that you find both enjoyable and enriching.

    Engaging in meaningful conversations

    Start engaging in meaningful conversation with the following suggestions.

    • Asking better questions (such as those that start with who, what, when, where, why, and how)
    • Listening mindfully to answers (rather than worrying about what you’re going to say next or what the outcome of the conversation will be)
    • Being willing to share something about yourself

    Drawing healthy boundaries

    Making an effort to go deeper with people around you doesn’t mean that you are obliged to engage with people whose presence you find harmful. These relationships can feel particularly stressful around the holidays, when interactions may be hard to avoid.

    One way to navigate this is by setting healthy boundaries. First, decide what behaviors you are or aren’t willing to put up with. Then, communicate these red lines calmly, clearly, and consistently. You can also consider practicing “loving detachment,” the process of letting go of any need to control a person or a situation.

    Root to rise

    If you can’t, or don’t want to, spend the holidays with family, there are still many other ways to nurture meaningful connections during this time. Think about getting involved with your community: are there any holiday events that you can attend to bring you closer to those around you, or that need volunteers to run smoothly?

    Giving back can be particularly rewarding for people who may be missing or grieving friends or family members, as volunteering can make you feel physically and emotionally healthier.

    By Isabela Vera

    Content Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • A hearty holiday breakfast

    A hearty holiday breakfast

    A hearty holiday breakfast

    Healthy fuel for the busy season

    Food has always played an important role during celebrations and holidays. While it’s nice to celebrate with food that’s a little more special than your everyday fare, it’s also important that it be healthy to ensure you remain energized and satisfied throughout the morning. The following recipes all fit these criteria and are sure to start your morning off right.

    Print Pin

    Dutch Baby Pancake with Cranberry Orange Compote

    This puffed pancake is the perfect start to a holiday morning. Its pillowy sunken middle lends itself to cradle all kinds of toppings, either sweet or savory.
    Servings 5

    Ingredients

    • 1 large navel orange
    • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
    • 3 tbsp maple syrup
    • ¼ cup ginger-flavored kombucha or orange juice
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract divided
    • 2 large eggs
    • ⅓ cup sprouted spelt flour
    • ¾ cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or vegan butter
    • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt of choice
    • ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds or toasted sliced almonds

    Instructions

    • Start by making cranberry orange compote. Finely zest orange rind and set aside. Cut away peel and pith from orange. Working over small bowl, cut between membranes to release orange segments into bowl before setting aside.
    • In small saucepan, place orange zest, cranberries, maple syrup, kombucha or orange juice, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring often, until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened to a light jammy consistency, about 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to heatproof bowl and set aside to cool while making pancake.
    • Place 8 or 9 in cast iron pan on middle rack of cold oven before preheating oven to 450 F.
    • While oven preheats, in blender, combine eggs, spelt flour, milk, salt, cinnamon, and remaining 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until very well combined (it should resemble the consistency of heavy cream). Set aside for at least 10 minutes. If you want to cut down on morning-of prep time, this batter will keep covered in the refrigerator overnight.
    • Carefully remove hot cast iron pan from oven and add butter, swirling around to melt and coat bottom and sides. Pour in batter, transfer pan back to oven, and cook until pancake is puffed and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let pancake rest for a minute in pan before transferring to serving plate.
    • When ready to serve, stir reserved orange segments into cranberry compote. Using kitchen scissors, cut Dutch baby pancake into segments and transfer to serving plates. Top with cranberry orange compote, a dollop of yogurt, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds. Enjoy.
    Print Pin

    Gingerbread Overnight Oats with Caramelized Pears

    Gingerbread is a quintessential holiday flavor. Here we showcase it in a make-ahead breakfast that is crowned with warm caramelized pears and toasted nuts.
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • 1 tbsp chia seeds
    • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
    • 1 tbsp hemp hearts (hemp seeds)
    • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1 tsp ground ginger
    • ¼ tsp ground cloves
    • ¼ tsp ground allspice
    • 2 tsp blackstrap molasses
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • 3 tbsp maple syrup divided
    • 1 cup unsweetened almond or unsweetened oat milk plus extra to serve
    • 2 pears thickly sliced lengthwise
    • 1 cup yogurt of choice
    • ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts chopped

    Instructions

    • In medium bowl, with wooden spoon, stir together rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
    • In medium bowl, whisk together molasses, vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, and milk. Pour over oat mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to overnight. Overnight oats may be made up to 2 days ahead.
    • When ready to serve, make caramelized pears. In large frying pan, add pear slices and remaining 2 Tbsp maple syrup and bring to a hard simmer over medium-high heat. Let pears cook and caramelize while flipping pears occasionally, about 4 minutes total. Remove frying pan from heat and set aside.
    • If desired, thin out overnight oats with additional milk to desired consistency. Divide among serving bowls and top with yogurt, caramelized pear slices, and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts.
    Print Pin

    Raspberry Cardamom Rolls

    Inspired by a classic Swedish treat, these rolls are the perfect breakfast pastry when you’re looking to impress.
    Servings 9

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups finely ground almond butter
    • ⅓ cup coconut flour
    • 3 tbsp coconut sugar divided
    • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
    • 1 ¼ tsp xanthan gum
    • ½ tsp fine sea salt
    • 5 tbsp unsalted butter or vegan butter at room temperature, divided
    • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened oat milk
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract divided
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • ½ cup frozen raspberries roughly chopped
    • 4 oz cream cheese or vegan cream cheese softened at room temperature
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup
    • 2 tbsp chopped pistachio nuts

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 8 in square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
    • In large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, 1 Tbsp coconut sugar, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt until well combined.
    • In small saucepan, melt 3 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in almond milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and eggs. Make a well in center of dry ingredients and add butter mixture, whisking well until a shaggy and tacky dough forms. Bring dough together with your hands and place on piece of parchment paper measuring at least 12 x 15 in. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.
    • While dough rests, in small bowl, whisk together ground cardamom and remaining 2 Tbsp coconut sugar. Set aside.
    • Place an additional piece of parchment paper overtop dough before rolling out into 9 x 12 in rectangle. Taking care to leave 1/2 in border around edges of dough, dot and spread remaining 2 Tbsp butter over dough and sprinkle with reserved cardamom mixture in even layer. Sprinkle frozen raspberries over cardamom mixture. With the help of the bottom piece of parchment paper, roll up smaller side of dough to create a log. Divide dough into 9 equal pieces and place cut side down in prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes.
    • While rolls cool, make glaze. In medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, maple syrup, and remaining 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. You can thin glaze to your desired consistency by adding hot water, a teaspoon at a time.
    • When ready to serve, drizzle glaze over cooled raspberry cardamom rolls and sprinkle with chopped pistachios, if desired. Rolls are best eaten the same day they are made.

    By Lawren Moneta

    Content Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    This sweet onion pull-apart cheese bread is the ultimate semi-homemade party snack. Sweet and savory, cheesy and crispy, you’ll have everyone coming back for more. It’s less of a recipe to cook as it is instructions to combine. If you can slice bread and open a jar, you’ll have no trouble creating this delectable, celebratory loaf! 

    Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    This sweet onion pull-apart cheese bread is the ultimate semi-homemade party snack. Sweet and savory, cheesy and crispy, you’ll have everyone coming back for more.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 8 ounces shredded Jarlsberg cheese
    • 1 cup caramelized onion or prepared caramelized onion jam
    • 1 sourdough boule
    • 3 tablespoons salted butter softened
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine cheeses and caramelized onion in a bowl and set aside.
    2. Slice bread into one-inch-thick slices leaving the base of slices attached at the bottom of the boule. Rotate boule 90º and repeat slicing to form a grid pattern. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    3. Brush the inside slices with melted butter.
    4. Stuff the cheese mixture into sliced boule and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
    5. Bake boule for 20-25 minutes or until cheese has melted.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    While you may be missing the ease of a carton of store-bought nog, once you see how easy it is to make it yourself, you may never go back. Making your own means you can customize it to your tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions! This coconut cashew nog is dairy-free and egg-free, which makes it an excellent option for the vegans in your life. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the cashews to soften with an eight-hour soak. In other words, with a little planning, it’s a snap. Cheers!

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Looking for a vegan alternative to the holiday classic beverage? This coconut cashew nog has all the flavor for your festive drinks without dairy or eggs!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ⅓ cups untoasted cashews soaked overnight
    • 1 quart coconut milk from a carton
    • ⅓ cup cane sugar
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Freshly grated nutmeg optional

    Method
     

    1. Place all ingredients in a blender and run until mixture is very smooth and frothy.
    2. Place eggnog in a serving pitcher and chill for an hour before serving.
    3. Pour into serving glasses and grate nutmeg on top.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    This is what we’d call a showstopper! From warm winter spices to delicate roasted pears, this is a seasonal treat that is sure to impress. While we’d never suggest you skip the pie, perhaps there is room on your holiday table for more than one dessert? 🤔

    Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    This is what we’d call a showstopper! From warm winter spices to delicate roasted pears, this is a seasonal treat that is sure to impress. While we’d never suggest you skip the pie, perhaps there is room on your holiday table for more than one dessert? 🤔
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 5
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup butter room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the pan
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • 2 cups Bob's Red Mill almond flour
    • ¾ cup Bob's Red Mill unbleached white all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon Bob's Red Mill baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon Bob's Red Mill baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 medium D'Anjou pears
    • 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
    Rum Toffee Sauce
    • ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
    • ¼ cup heavy cream room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon rum
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Method
     

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper. Set aside.
    2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, about three minutes. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk dry ingredients together. Set aside.
    3. Stop the mixer and, using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer to medium low and add yogurt and vanilla extract; then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    4. Turn the mixture to low and then slowly add the dry ingredients, taking care to not overmix.
    5. Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the batter into the prepared cake pan.
    6. Clean and peel the pears. Slice the pears ¼-inch thick and arrange on top of the cake in a concentric circle, overlapping them a bit. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
    7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean and the top of the cake springs back to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove the sides of the springform pan and let cool completely.
    8. While the cake is baking, make the rum toffee sauce. Place the brown sugar and water in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat, whisking until the sugar crystals dissolve. Once the mixture has reached a rolling boil, add butter and cream. Return to a boil while whisking constantly for at least four minutes.
    9. Remove from heat and stir in the rum, vanilla, and salt. Set aside to cool to room temperature. 
    10. Serve the cake while still slightly warm and drizzle the toffee sauce on it immediately before serving.
    11. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA