(Mini) Blogging by Mail - 20th Anniversary Edition

 

I didn't create Blogging By Mail, but I did eventually take over the running of the event. And it was a Lot of work!

But I loved it.  Sending and getting glimpses of someone else's food life? So here for it.

I don't think it's a manageable event these days.  Too many people to keep track of, and the cost of shipping (a big fuck you to Louis DeJoy) puts it out of reach for many.

But it was one of my favorite food things to do, so I had to find a way to bring it back for the ol' anniversary celebration.

Gathering up a mix of favorite and/or interesting things, I sent a package to my friend Jasmine, formerly of Cardamom Addict.

Some rather appropriate cardamom-pistachio biscotti, one of the darling and essential mini-liquid measuring cups, gorgeously vanilla-scented candle, and a little USB-powered 'rug' to keep her tea warm.

Speaking of tea, there's a tin of my own Smoke on the Water blend, a few cookie cutters, and edible glitter.

Nutmeg ice cream perfume oil!

And brownie brittle.  

This made me happy.  It took me back to the 'old days', and I got to surprise a friend with a little bit of foodie goodness. 

Ants Not Included

 Happy National Picnic Day!!

(Picnic is one of those word, btw, that if looked at too long, ceases to be an actual word. Picnic. Picnic. Picnic.  Like summing Beetlejuice, only not like that even a little bit.)

Despite the pleasant weather in our part of the world, we held our picnic indoors. I respect all living creatures, but I prefer to enjoy my food without flies and mosquitoes joining in.

Deviled eggs, which never last long around here (looking at you, Matt), a garlicky roasted potato salad, an Earth Fare-like smoked Gouda pasta salad, plant-based barbecue chipped ham sandwiches (holla to Western PA), and, at Alex's request, Snickerdoodles. And a cool glass of lemonade. 

The only thing missing was a checkered, plastic tablecloth.

IT IS DONE

 
I have baked and baked and baked.

And now I am done!

Grin

 

As much I enjoy cooking, what I really love is baking. 

 

And as much as I love baking, what I haaaaaaate is decorating cakes and cookies.
Like, hate hate hate. 

I mean, I don't hate looking at it. Admiring like 'whoa' anyone with the talent, skills, and patience to do it.

But me? Not so much.

Every year at this time, I promise myself 'No sugar cookies next year'. 

And every year, I bake the darn things. 

But this year, when I saw Laurie A. Conley's (@Busydrawing on Twitter) week 1 #spookyholidaychallenge drawing of the most adorable and creepy trees, I knew I had to give them a try.

 

Please keep in mind that I did all my decorating using sandwich bags and a skewer, because I did not have the energy to fill and clean a bunch of pastry bags and tips, and could not locate my scribe tool.

 

So there you have it: One adorable and creepy holiday tree!

 

 

It was a good (baking) day

 

I got a much later start on Merry Cookie Season this year, but managed to make up some time Sunday. 

I already had two kinds of biscotti made, as well as sugar cookies (still waiting to be decorated), but now the kolachy, giant spice, chocolate dulce de leche, mini chocolate chips and the (now with final touches) pistachio fingers have been finished as well.

There's dough in the fridge for the chocolate rugelach and the thin mint clones, so they'll be baked off tomorrow, as well as the sugar cookies getting fancied up. 

The smoked peanuts will get ground for peanut butter and turned into peanut butter blossoms, with tempered chocolate buttons or discs (depending on how they turn out), and finally, the Cookie of My People will follow.  Should be finished by Wednesday - yay, me!

Still Here. Honest.

 

Happy September!

The suffocating heat and humidity appear to be on the way out, Halloween decorations are going up, and it's almost my birthday.

I baked these Smoked Pistachio Shortbreads for Matt last night, which he loves. 

Hope you're all doing as well as you can manage.  Can't really ask for more, can we?

IT’S BAAAAAACK! (for now)

BLOG PARTY!

I miss you guys. I miss Blog Party.

So I’m bringing it back...as a sort of test run.  We’ll see how it goes.

(We kind of skipped #43 because of reasons, but I’m still counting it.)

BLOG PARTY #44: Tea Party!

I love tea. I love everything about it. The scones and crumpets and finger sandwiches and cakes and cookies and soups and SO MANY TINY FOODS!

And yes, the tea.  And other fun drinks associated with it.

So I’m opening up the house and inviting you all to a tea party. A BLOG PARTY TEA PARTY!

Since it’s been a while, I’ll sum up BP for you (of course, there’s a handy guide right here, too).

Blog Party is the original virtual cocktail party.  It’s friends - old and new! - coming together to share drinks and small and bite-sized treats.  

I ‘decorate’ with themed party accessories, get the tunes playing and introduce everyone as they arrive (translation: I find cool stuff and music that ties in with the party, and do a short recap of every entry).  We hang out, we chat, we eat! It’s fun.

And this time? It’s all about tea!  

Want to join in? Send me a link to your post (and for those who don’t use Blogger, etc but still want to come, Tumblr, Instagram...whatever. Take pics, write about what you’re ‘bringing’ and send that! I’ll make it work.) any time between now and Friday evening, 21 April. I’ll post the round-up on the 22nd.  (My email address is located below ‘Links’ and above ‘100 Things About Me’.)

I know Blog Party has been quiet for a very long time, but I hope you’ll remember the way!

MERRY COOKIE SEASON!!

Best to you all - eat lots of cookies!

Baking for Batgirl

Not long ago, Gail Simone was asked what Barbara Gordon's favorite cookie/baked good would be. The answer?

Snickerdoodles.

Yeah. You just know my food geek over-achiever-y-ness was going to kick in.




Snickerdoodles are good. But what about Snickerdoodle cupcakes?

I mean, cupcakes are (were?) the rage for a reason. Who doesn't like cupcakes?



Not Babs, I hope!



Lovely cake batter with just enough cinnamon to evoke that wonderful cookie.



I opted for a basic powdered sugar frosting in lieu of the Italian meringue (which tends to leave me a bit punchy).





On top of that, sift cinnamon sugar and there you have it. Snickerdoodle cupcakes! Perfect after a hard night of crime-fighting. ...or, you know, not.

'Tis the Season

Before...



...and after.

Birthday Pizza

Wednesday is Alex's 9th birthday.

...I know. I'm having a hard time believing it, myself.

Instead of a cake, he asked for a cookie pizza to take to school tomorrow.

And that's what he's getting.

Sugar cookie, baked in a pizza pan. Covered with red frosting for sauce, candy melts as mozzarella & candy toppings: Dots as red, green, orange & yellow peppers, black licorice for olives & Swedish fish subbing for smoked salmon.

NINE. I know!!