Persimmon and sultana slice

 “Time is a game played beautifully by children.”
― Heraclitus, Fragments

I am not one to keep a New Year's Resolution, somehow, the habit of life seems to get in the way. This year, my littlest has helped me to keep at least one; being present.

When looking after a 9month old who doesn't know how to be still you cannot lend yourself to languid daydreams or mindless internet browsing. Avert your eyes for a moment and more than likely your attention will be brought back by the sound of tears or your mobile phone being used as a drumstick against the skirting board. You can never truly 'baby proof' a room, the curiosity and sheer determination of a child to learn and explore will overcome any obstacle you can place.

As exhausting as it can be to be completely engaged in her every waking hour, I am thankful for it as I might have missed the moments that I will keep forever. Like the moment, on shaky legs, she used her activity box to stand unassisted on her two stocky legs, arms raised in the air, smiling triumphantly with gusto. Or the moment soon after where without warning, she suddenly decided to take her first step which was followed by the sharp intake of both her parent's breath and then immediately by their ear-piercing shrieks of joy and laughter. The kind of love that fills your heart to the point where you think it will burst is unique to that of a parent for their child. These nine months with Valentine have stirred feelings within me that I didn't think existed. There are so many feelings of love felt in a lifetime, but the love I feel for my daughter is the sweetest and deepest of them all. I fell in love with my husband moment by moment, but my love for my child was already within my bones.

Although I have had nary a minute to devote to my own leisure, like delving into a good book or stirring a bowl of cake batter, I do not mind, as babies truly do grow up in the blink of an eye. Now that Valentine is on the precipice of walking independently I am  madly gathering as many precious baby-only moments as possible. Each incoherent babble. Every tranquil feed at my breast. And all of the new discoveries and accomplishments she makes on a daily basis. I am storing these treasures in the chambers of my heart so that one day, when I only see her face on occasion or hear her voice through the odd phonecall, I can visit those rooms of memories and remember when she was once my baby.

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 10mins.
cooking time: 30mins.
total: 40mins.


taste: 3/5. Suitable when peckish.

I have to admit, persimmons are not a fruit I love, which is why I try to 'bake' them into being yummier. I think the main reason I didn't enjoy these slices were due to the chunks of persimmon; they are just a little too 'sweet' for me.

The blend of spices were heady and warming, I could definitely picture picking giant morsels of these before a fireplace with a hot toddy in the other hand. The texture was a touch dry for me but otherwise they were a decent snack, but not something I would daydream about.

would I make it again: No, even though they are healthier and vegan, they were less stellar than the Persimmon and sultana muffins I made a while back. I'd rather keep searching for tastier vegan sweets.

recipe: http://www.melangery.com/2012/01/persimmon-bundt-cakes-fat-free-and.html