Afternoon pick-me-up, cake done, Creole done, gumbo thawing, stink-stank bread to be made

Do you have an espresso maker of any kind? If so, and if you find yourself in need of an afternoon jolt one day, do this: Make 1-2 shots espresso. Mix with 1/2 - 1 T sugar, 1/4 - 1/2 cup milk, and 2 ice cubes. Stir briskly until sugar is dissolved and drink is cold. Discard ice cubes. Indulge in your caffeinated fun. My sister calls this something like a Shakiraka which reminds me of Shakira but might actually be Italian (or made up; she is an actress). In any case, it's delish.

I just finished up the lime cake base. The batter is sublime!! Oh my lord. I could sink my face in this cake. Alas, it is not for me. Anyway, I'm going to ice it in the morning after all this divine lime syrup infuses the cake.

Off to set my table. The Creole is 99% done, the gumbo is done. I need to wash the lettuce, get the garlic-butter ready for the stink-stank garlic bread and get my rice out. We're going to have homemade pickles (beets, chard, okra) to start as well as Port Salut and Tabasco jelly. Now that is a match made in heaven!