Equal Day for Equal Night

September 22, 2014

“The length of a man’s outspread arms is equal to his height.”
~ Leonardo da Vinci

Fall, also known as autumn, the season of apples, falling leaves and all things pumpkin spice, has arrived. As I look out of my window, the battle between those falling leaves and the cleanliness of my backyard seems far but equal.  Moments after the gardener drives away, the large tree that holds court in the center of the yard blankets the ground with a fresh layer of golden brown soldiers, as if to say, “Your move, leaf-blower man.”

The first day of the fall season is referred to as the Autumn Equinox, named as such because it is one of two times during the year that day and night are of equal length.  The first day of spring, or Spring Equinox, being the other.

The international sign for equality (=) is less than 500 years old.  It was first introduced in 1557 by a man named Robert Recorde.  In his book, The Whetstone of Witte (1557), the Welsh mathematician explained his reason for using the two parallel lines of equal length:

“… to avoid the tedious repetition of these words: “is equal to”, I will set (as I do often in work use) a pair of parallels, or Gemowe, lines, of one length (thus =), because no two things can be more equal.”

The word Gemowe derives from the Latin geminus, meaning twin, as in Gemini, the astrological sign of the twins.

The symbol was not popular at first.  It took a couple of centuries for Recorde’s equal sign to win out over other symbols that were in use, including a pair of vertical lines.  But win out it did, and Robert Recorde’s version of the equal sign was found to be better than, not equal to, the others.

The leaf battle still rages in my backyard.  For the time being, the tree has a decided advantage.  So, I will surrender, to both falling leaves and the annual pumpkin spice invasion at Trader Joe’s, and enjoy the seasons for what they are.  All things being equal, winter should come to my rescue in a few months’ time.

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Simple Caramel Sauce uses equal measurements of butter, brown sugar, regular sugar and cream.  Drizzled over cool ice cream or warm spice cake, it is a yummy treat, whatever weather the fall season brings.

Simple Caramel Sauce
Because this recipe uses equal measurements of its main ingredients, it is easily doubled.  This topping makes just about anything taste scrumptious!  Use butter and cream from grass-feed cows and organic sugar for optimum quality and flavor.  This recipe is pretty fool-proof.  You can experiment with substituting lemonade or limeade for the cream.  I’ve also used one type of sugar instead of two, with good results.

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons packed organic light brown sugar
3 tablespoons organic sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Place ingredients in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Let mixture bubble for exactly one minute (it’s o.k. to stir a few times while it’s boiling, but I try not to).  Remove from heat and pour over cake, quick bread or whatever else you desire.  Let cool a moment or two before pouring over ice cream.

Makes about 1/2 cup

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