Friends, April’s Almanac comes to you by way of my dear friend and favorite contributor, Amy Estes. As I step into maternity leave and the whole business of matrescence, I’m so grateful to have Amy here to guide us through the month. I hope to be back in May with a little proof of life. Until then, you’re in the very best hands here with Amy and I’d also like to encourage you to subscribe to the Baked In newsletter because I’m welcoming guest writers and cooks every single week! There’s great stuff to come in my half absence.
As always, The Bakehouse Almanac is very much a shared table situation. In the comments, we’d love for you to check in too! Tell me how April feels where you are, what’s playing in your earbuds, what’s baking in your oven (or what you’re hoping to bake this month). We’re doing this together, one month at a time, with dirty dishes in the sink and the very best of intentions. xo Joy
This April finds me at home in Sacramento, California. My house is in an older neighborhood that feels a little bit like time left it behind. I’m surrounded by trees and plants, and my backyard is in bloom, ushering us into summer. Soon, there will be hydrangea bushes exploding, my enormous crepe myrtle tree alight with pink blooms, and the hints of figs on the tree, promising fruit. It’s not quite hot enough to use my swimming pool, but I’ve ordered a few bathing suits and am eyeing new floaties for the pool.
April is my birth month and the peak of Spring. To me, the entire month feels hopeful — everything is blossoming and coming alive. I think it’s natural to think of rebirth (or birth in general, for our dear Joy!). It’s easy to jump ahead but I am trying to enjoy days that are warm without being punishingly hot, and ones where I occasionally need a cardigan in the morning.
What I’m Reaching For This April
In April, I start drinking my morning coffee outside. I like to be barefoot in the dew in the grass, watching my dogs mill about, and paying attention to what’s blooming. I buy flowers every week and open the windows on weekends. I photograph the baby bunnies that show up everywhere like clockwork.
I find myself wanting things that feel fresh: this cold face mask, for example, because it leaves my face feeling clean and cool. It feels right. Here in Sacramento, it’s been warmer than usual, so I’m reaching for lighter weight clothing, including this t-shirt that’s become a staple. I bought it in (no joke) five colors.
Admittedly, I’m leaning into celebration, which feels uncomfortable for me. I don’t always know how to handle birthdays. I don’t need or want the spotlight, per se, but it’s taken me a long time to admit that I want to feel a little bit special. I will confess that I’ve frequently expected people in my life to read my mind, but this year, I was a bit more intentional. I’m going to have fancy tea on a train on a Sunday, and my best friend (born just two days — and a particular number of years — before me) and I will do something just the two of us. I don’t want it to feel over-the-top, but I do want to make it a little sacred. If you’re someone who is great at celebrating your own birthday, I’m all ears in the comments.
Oven Is On — What’s Warming the Kitchen
April eating is always half practical and half celebratory. I move on from heartier stews and casseroles to salads and lighter soups. With all the summer fruit on its way, I find myself craving baked goods that incorporate the sweetness of the season. I also find myself gravitating towards grazing as the evenings get warmer. Thankfully, the season rewards us with so many delicious fruits and veggies, a sneak preview into summer ahead.
I got into the exclusive Rancho Gordo Bean Club this year and beans have become not only a staple in my meals, but my obsession. I’m especially excited to make this Black-Eyed Pea and Carrot Salad with Spring Mint again. I love a bean salad, and the mint feels so fresh combined with carrots, feta, and cucumber.
I personally believe in a counter cake at all times, though I do have to cut myself off for a few months a year, but in Spring time, it feels mandatory. I love to have Joy’s famous Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake on the counter at times this season. Lemon blueberry is one of my favorite combinations, and I’m a sucker for anything that tastes like underbaked gooey buttery goodness. This cake is all that and more — plus, it goes with coffee in the morning, and eaten in bites over the pan while doing the dishes. Spring is for a second (or third) cup of coffee and a bite of something delicious.
Naturally, I’m already thinking about my birthday dessert and I’ve decided to request this strawberry shortcake (with biscuits) for my birthday dessert. The Cheesecake Factory’s strawberry shortcake is an elite dessert for me, but there’s something even better about homemade. The juicy berries, pillowy biscuit, and a heap of whipped cream is a perfect way to celebrate.
Living Notes for the Month
- I’m ready to listen to Noah Kahan’s new album “Porch Light” that’s coming out this month — I love everything I’ve heard so far and am ready to drive around with the windows down, feeling my feelings. Nearly every spring, I pull out The Weepies’ “Say I Am You” and enjoy the nostalgia. A new-to-me artist I’m loving is Annabelle Dinda.
- April is the month where I change my winter scents and candles into my summer ones. Bring on the smells of summer. I LOVE Otherland’s Matchpoint, which has hints of cut grass, tennis balls, and cucumber. It makes me want to go outside. While I’ve worn the same perfume for ages, I’ve been slowly rotating in Celadine Sun-Kissed Perfume, which has hints of coconut, saltwater, and bergamot, without being overpowering. It feels fresh.
- When Spring hits, I like to re-explore my city. Sometimes, I try all the new coffee shops to see which have the best scones. Someone I know does a sugar cookie taste test at all her local bakeries. Suddenly, things I feel too sluggish for in winter feel exciting again: I want to go to art museums, have brunch outside, and try something new. This year, I’m challenging myself to pickleball or Padel (please tell me what you prefer in the comments). What do you like to do to reacquaint yourself with the world during this season?
- Lately, I’ve been feeling so much love for my friends. It makes me want to send mail for no reason, to drop off flowers, to stay a little longer over dinner, and to hug them a little longer. I’m trying to make those feelings visible with spontaneous phone calls (millennials are leaning back into the phone call, y’all), hosting people on a weeknight, sending Venmo money for a coffee or treat or dropping dessert off.
April Ins and April Outs
Ins
- Experimenting with new crafts. I am trying my hand at these polymer clay photo holders.
- Cute pens. Someone gifted me a Kaco pen with a little moon that comes out when you twist it, and it brought me so much joy that I got a few more.
- Jaunty waves when someone lets you in on the road instead of pretending it didn’t happen.
- Calling your reps every single day!
- Books you loved as a child > true crime podcasts, especially at night. I’ve been letting Ramona Quimby usher me into sleep.
- Getting up 10 minutes earlier to read poems by Mary Oliver or Ada Limon.
- Inviting someone you like and want to know to hang out. Be the brave one! Most people want to be friends! I recently had a spontaneous lunch with some gals from my Orangetheory classes and it was a real treat.
- Being extra patient with everyone — including you.
- Pajamas that keep you cool. My fellow perimenopause people, the flashes are gonna get worse as temps rise!
- Baking some muffins for your mornings, and baking some for your neighbors. I suggest these.
Outs
- Anything with ANALOG in the title, be it bags, projects, or lifestyles. I miss the days when you could do things without it needing to be A THING.
- Structured pants. Hard pass.
- Seasonal allergies.
- Any Instagram account that has a carousel full of cheap items I definitely don’t need for travel or advice that makes me feel like I’m not doing enough to maximize my life.
- Activities that keep me away from my dogs. No thank you!
- Anything that makes me feel badly about my soon-to-be 43-year-old face. It’s wild how much I’m supposed to apparently hate aging!
I hope that this season finds you blooming into whatever is next for you, be it big or small. What are you anticipating this season, and how do you mark the change? How do you savor the short, sweetness of Spring? Please tell me so I can borrow your brilliant ideas.
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