orange item of the week

It has been freezing here.  Like a high of 14 degrees freezing.  My orange item this week is the wonderful hat my mom knit for me.  Considering she does not like orange or her along with Stanley, really it is nice she humors me.

mom's birthday

This is the first time I am updating on my phone-- let's see how it goes.I spent my day baking for joann and making her a wonderful onion soup.  After many hours of toil I got the call "I made reservations." Clearly I was not happy and it took all I had to not lock her out in the cold.  Here is what I made: lemon squares and ginger cookies.  Need I mention I am still waiting for my birthday cake?  I didn't think so.

Cookies up the wazoo.

Yes, that is right, I have been making cookies like they are going out of style.  For some odd reason I have also been feeling a little adventurous.  I made chocolate chip cookies with sea salt on top, dark chocolate cookies with chili powder and lavender short bread.  I am not sure what is going on, I am working a lot less and I am kind of bored.  Plus it is really cold out so I can not really walk. 

Sea Salt Chocolate Chip cookies.  My father is still confused.

Dark Chocolate Chili powder.  I did not even try with him.  But they were really good.

SaraBeth's Chocolate Chip clouds.  I liked them, my mother did not. 

Orange Item of the Week

I am finally getting my feet under me from the whole first Christmas in retail thing.  I have been baking up a storm :)  My mom got me these gloves for Christmas.  After all, who would not want three quarter length italian leather gloves in orange?  The only problem is that I have no idea what jacket to wear with them and not look like I should be trick or treating.  I took these after watching Kung Fu Panda.  I felt like Po.

Orange Item of the Week

This week's orange item is the fox on my new sweater.  I have managed to give myself a huge muffin top with my jeans.  Please ignore that part of the picture.  Thanks. 

Million Dollar Cookies

In an effort to get back on the baking train, I made these from Thomas Keller's Bouchon cookbook.  I actually went metric for them.  A food scale really is easier than measuring cups!  It takes a little getting used to, but Europe might be right on this one.  The chocolate chips cookies involve about fifty steps: measuring eggs, cooling, heating, whipping tucking them in for the night, but they are super delish. The only drawback is that you get six.  Yes, six.  Six damn cookies.  I'll say it again, six. 

Orange item of the month, last month

My Christmas season was hijacked by target.  I had two days off last month, one being Christmas Day.  I have not done my baking, or sent out my cards.  All I did was work, sleep and laundry.  On top of it all, a flu broke out at work.  I needed to dig deep into my bag of tricks and think of a way to relax and protect myself from illness.  I did what any one would do, develop a signature cocktail.  So here it is, the High Alert.  A wonderful mix of champagne, an Emergen C packet, and a splash of orange juice.  I am pretty sure it is what got Santa though the season as well.