Homemade Cardamom Bread Loaf

Homemade Cardamom Bread Loaf, originally uploaded by confections.

A gift from a dear friend for Christmas & New Year 2010. Delicious toasted with sweet cream butter. And tea, of course!

Apricot Panettone from Con Pane Bakery

Apricot Panettone from Con Pane Bakery, originally uploaded by confections.

This delectable confection of Italian origin is only available for a short time in the lead-up to Christmas. It is made at my local bakery, Con Pane, Point Loma, San Diego, California. Short of baking one on your own, you'll have to wait until next December to sample one of these.

I bought an apricot panettone for my husband and me to share, and one for my sister. Lightly toasted and smothered in sweet butter, it's nirvana on a plate!