on Jun 13, 2012, Updated Aug 31, 2023 61 Comments Life sometimes happens in waves. Periods where you learn of so many family and friends who are sick, who have suffered a loss, who just need a pick me up. Then, the wave seems to swell again taking us all high on a crest full of graduations, marriages, births, and other major happy events. I allow myself to get so caught up in my own wave riding that I sometimes don’t think to raise my head and notice those around me that may be holding on just as tightly to their boards as they can, just praying for the seas to calm for a moment. Yesterday, after I dropped Little Buddy off for Lego camp, I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things that we needed – the usual of milk, oatmeal, and fruit that we seem to go through the quickest. As I rounded the corner, I saw a dear family friend whose husband is suffering from cancer. I asked how they were doing, which immediately brought tears to her eyes. Her reply, “we’re hanging on and trying to make the most of every day.” So much emotion in that one simple sentence. It was filled to the rim and overflowing. After giving my friend a tight hug and telling her we were praying for them both, we each quietly continued on our journey – me to the oatmeal and her to the checkout counter. As I reached the produce section, I noticed wet dots across my shirt and felt the warmth of tears streaming down my face. Who was I to simply walk away? I first smelled the nectarines before my eyes would even uncloud from the tears enough for me to see them. Bright, tender, and one of his favorite fruits, I remembered. Picking through the display, I found five of the prettiest nectarines and carefully placed them in my cart. I knew I might not be able to cure their hurt, but I could definitely show them I cared in the most basic, loving way that I knew. As I delivered it to their home later in the afternoon, I realized that I received more in the making than I could have possibly ever given. Here’s the recipe for my Nectarine Upside Down Cake: Upside Down Cakes are easy to prepare and make wonderful desserts to serve for simple weeknight meals, special occasions, and when camping or tailgating. A versatile recipe, you can easily substitute other stone fruits such as peaches, apricots, or even plums for this recipe. I also enjoy using apples, pears, and have even been known to use quince when we lived in our first house that had a quince tree just bursting with fruit each year. Using favorite fruits as they are in season makes this a perfect recipe to keep handy.
