WELCOME TO JUNE

June is busting out all over!

Welcome to the very first day of June which is the 153^rd day into 2024 and the name comes from the Roman goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter. But June 1^st is also designated as “Say Something Nice Day”. Now isn’t that refreshing considering all the varied things designated to days. And so I’ll begin by saying “Thank you” for allowing me to enter your day with Ancora!

June is such a welcomed month. School is out or almost over, daily weather settles into a pattern, summer starts and days are longer. Flowers and trees are in full bloom and who can resist the intoxicating aroma of freshly mowed grass even if you are the one mowing. Large varieties of fruits and vegetables are now available at the local farmer’s markets.

Our neighborhood pool is open and that lets me remember much younger days growing up in New York City in a small apartment, sharing bunk beds with my brother in a bedroom smaller than the large closet Charlie and I share, no air conditioning and one small window that opened onto a busy street with a hospital at one end and ambulances that roared all night. And the long subway rides to get to the beach, either Coney Island or Rockaway or a several block walk to the indoor pool which was in the YMCA building on 54^th street and originally referred to in earlier days as a “bath house”. If a relative or friend had a car then with a little begging and pleading Jones Beach was the ultimate!

But what I enjoy most about June is that the grandchildren’s’ schedules are a little more flexible and we can start preparing for our family beach vacation which is the highlight of the summer. 

Summer fun is here. Be safe and enjoy!

FRESH PEACH CAKE

Take advantage of all the luscious peaches

now available at local farm stands with this easy recipe.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350º

Grease a 9-inch baking pan

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the butter with 1 cup of sugar for 5 minutes on medium-high speed until light and creamy. Turn mixer down to low and add the eggs, one at a time. When all combined, add the sour cream and vanilla and mix until the batter is smooth.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low slowly add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix just until all combined. 

In a small bowl mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg and set aside.

Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Top with half of the peaches and sprinkle with two-thirds of the sugar mixture. Spread the remaining batter on top of the peaches and arrange the remaining peaches on top.  Sprinkle with the remaining sugar mixture and sprinkle with pecans or slivered almonds.

Bake the cake for 45 – 55 minutes until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

NOTE: This is great for brunch or add a side of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

BUON MANGIATA!