Spiced Orange & Cranberry Snacking Cake

I read cookbooks the way some people read novels. Actually, I read novels, too. I don't usually buy novels, though. I borrow them from the library and return them in a mostly timely manner. I buy cookbooks. Sometimes after pre-screening from the library, sometimes not. I take solace in knowing that I have a friend or two who suffers from the same compulsion.

I bought four new cookbooks last week. I don't need four new cookbooks, necessarily, but I convinced myself that I needed them. One is Cake Keeper Cakes by Lauren Chattman. These aren't "production" cakes. Rather, they tend to be simple, perhaps one layer or loaf or bundt, maybe with a glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The type of cake you'd keep on your counter for mid-week nibbling.

Good thing they're simple too, because I was able to bake one in the early morning hours today, even before I'd run, to have for Sunday dinner tonight. And although it was the easiest dessert I've made in months, everyone ate seconds and some people had thirds.

Spiced Orange & Cranberry Snacking Cake, served with orange sherbet