Goodies, Gab, & Giggle.

We made shortbread for our all girls party today. We asked two different families that we know to come over with their daughters so we could drink hot mulled cider and munch goodies, gab and giggle, which is exactly what we did.

The shortbread is pretty and tasty but it wasn't perfect. It was softer in the center. I like shortbread to be crisp, like Walkers from Scotland. But it was the first time I ever tried to make this. I have several recipes and will try them all to see which works the best. I love the precision of baking. I cook very loosely, and really don't measure much for cooking. Baking however has to be accurate to obtain predictable results. It's a whole different world and actually very enjoyable.




It was FREEZING cold today in the 20's I think. Lost a lot of plants today in the garden they just shriveled up and turned into plant goo, which looks a lot like nose goo, but we won't go there.













Pretty nice spread don't you think? I baked a lot yesterday and forgot the camera. I make fruitcake that people actually really like to eat. I use dried fruits instead of candied fruits that taste weird. The cakes I made yesterday were made with Dried Bing cherries and blueberries, orange pieces, dates, walnuts, and pecans. I used rum for the liquid and won't brush them because I like the cake texture and the crust. Presoaking the fruit gives a lot of flavor to the cake. Yesterday I forgot the baking powder and wondered what would happen. They turned out fine. I guess all that creaming and whipping put enough air into the batter to have some rise occur. They are actually very good, one whole loaf dissapeared today.



We had a fire and the heater both. Our friends came over with two coats on.

By the way Piglet cleaned her room. She did a major clean up, it looks totally different. I am very impressed.

It was a very relaxing and lovely day. Piglet and Tigger made me promise not to speak of any bodily functions. I did promise. When this lovely young girl told a story about her dogs green fog, I just cracked up. A party is not a party without some mention of noxious fumes. Their dog really lays some bombs, that require fans to air out a room. I would be taking a dog that stinky to the vet. I don't know what my girls were worried about. Five teenagers and 3 moms and they want me to make promises? They'll figure it out one of these days.