My new toy arrived today – a KitchenAid mixer. I have a hand mixer that was received as a wedding present, 45 years ago. I have been using that hand mixer since that time, and it has been a faithful appliance. This little mixer has always worked despite the fact that over 40 years ago I lost the cord to it when moving. This cord … Continue reading a new toy!
Well, it is Sunday, and time to bake again. I’ve had this almond-flavored sugar cookie recipe for years and it’s always been a favorite. It came with an icing recipe, but I wanted to try my hand at Royal Icing. This recipe says to chill the dough for 1 hour after making before rolling it out. Since I didn’t make up the dough until Saturday … Continue reading this week’s bake – sugar cookies (and my first attempt at royal icing)
Since gardening keeps me busy three seasons of the year, I save all my inside home projects for the winter months. I find if I schedule enough of them, I am scrambling to get them all finished before spring, and it makes the winter go fast. Over Christmas break, I repainted the kitchen. That leaves me the living room and the utility/laundry room to finish before … Continue reading repainting the living room
It’s an oppressive dreary day outside and perfect for turning on the oven and filling the house with good smells. Now that I’m baking again, I wanted to try making pizza dough. I have a recipe I’ve made before and remember it as being very good, so I threw together the dough and set it aside to rise. The dough didn’t rise as much as … Continue reading pizza day
I’ve decided to start a new weekly series to carry me through winter, until the flowers are blooming again, and I can continue with “this week’s bouquet”. When winter hits with a “punch”, I need something to entertain myself until I can garden again. Plus, the oven warms the house and the aromas are heavenly. So . . . to start the series, I’m making … Continue reading this week’s bake – macaroon angel cakes
This recipe for veggie chili came from a Facebook friend and it makes a very large pot full, much more than one person can eat. It is easy to make and has great flavor. I try to make it several times each winter as it is healthy, filling, and perfect for snowy days. When I was deep cleaning my refrigerator and cupboards a few … Continue reading stretching meals
This is a very old pastry recipe that I first made over 45 years ago. It is one of my absolute favorite pastries. It has always been a labor of love to make, since you need to proof the dough overnight in the refrigerator, making it a two-day process. This pastry is made with an almond paste made by a company called “Solo”, and I … Continue reading almond kringle
Between Christmas and New Year’s, I repainted my kitchen while I was off from work. The paint needed a freshening up and because the kitchen is on the north side of my house, it is often very dark and hard to take photos in. I liked the green color I had, but wanted to lighten it up a few shades in hopes of brightening up the … Continue reading painting the kitchen
I’m not sure what’s come over me, but suddenly, I want to bake. It might just be the New Year, or I’ve been watching too many episodes of “The Great British Bake Off” lately. I haven’t baked in years. It is something I did only out of necessity, and only then if backed into a corner. But . . . I’ve decided to ride this … Continue reading an afternoon of baking
First there was one visitor at the bird feeder. Well two, if you count the squirrel tucked inside the feeder. And when I came back, there were three. This is most likely the mother and her twins that were frequent visitors this summer. They have spent quite a bit of time here this winter, even bedding down sometimes at night. They are welcome at the … Continue reading the magic of snow
in my spare time 