Life Gets in the Way

Once again, I am on the Activities Committee. I rather like this calling, as I enjoy organizing social events and executing them well. I've learned that it's best to create a solid plan, don't be afraid to ask for - and give - lots of help, and prep-prep-prep in advance.

This week I got together to stuff Easter eggs with a few of the ladies. 2 hours and 600 eggs later we were done, and the question of cookies arose. One person stated she would make hers on Friday night so they would be fresh. I announced that I was done, and that mine were residing in the freezer. I received this in response:

"Ugh, I don't freeze my cookies. Don't you want them to be FRESH for the kids?"

Ummmm... well, sure. I love fresh cookies.

But here's the thing:

First, we're each making 6 dozen. That's not an insignificant amount, and it takes a good chunk of time to get it done. I had the time & the cookie dough, so I got it done.

Second, I didn't bake them 3 months ago. It's only been a few days, and they are properly sealed in the appropriate freezer-safe packaging.

Finally, THEY ARE KIDS. I have no illusions that I could have gone to the dollar store and bought pre-made sugar cookies that are 9 months past their expiration date and those bottomless pits with pigtails & polos wouldn't know the difference.

My point - and I do have one - is that despite feeling a little shamed by the fact that my cookies will clearly be inferior to all others, I still stand firm in my belief that the more you get done in advance, the better things seem to work out.

Because sometimes this happens:

Believe me, the last thing I feel like doing today is trying to roll, cut, and bake 6 dozen cookies in the aftermath of 8 hours of nighttime vomiting by both kiddos. Instead, I think we're going to watch a movie & take a well-deserved nap.

Post-script: Ms. Cookie Snob ended up buying her cookies. HA!

Bummer

I tried another new recipe today, and it was ANOTHER flop. It was a Crockpot Cake Recipe, and it totally burned. The entire house smells like acrid, smoky, burnt chocolate. So Gross.

I don't know what's going on. Am I losing my touch? Did I mis-read the recipe? Do I own the world's hottest crock pot? I cooked it on the 10 hour setting, so I'm not sure what else I could have done to turn the heat down.

Does anyone out there have a sure-fire, kick-a recipe they can share with me and help rebuild my cooking confidence?

Blech. I don't even think a Yankee Candle is going to kill that smell. Good thing it's been cool enough to keep the windows open all night and try to air things out. I gotta go wash that smell right outta my hair......

Another Food Snob in the Family?

Big Daddy and I have been talking about making peach jam for a while, and I finally picked up some gorgeous looking peaches at Costco. The plan was to make freezer jam, as I wanted something quick and easy. At his urging, I started the process tonight - peeling these bad boys, slicing them and pureeing in the food processor. I had a little left over, and gave it a taste - delicious! Being that it was almost bath time & I hadn't fed Big J any solids today, I thought it couldn't hurt to try a spoonful. He LOVED it. After a tentative couple of bites, he gobbled down about 4 tablespoons of pureed peaches. This is about as much as he's eaten in the last 6 weeks of sampling solids.

It totally changed his attitude. He had a good bath, with no fussing at the end. I wrestled him into his PJ's with a minimum of fighting back, and he was even mellow while he waited for me to finish up my stuff and settle him down for the night. Maybe he's been fighting solids because he wanted the fresh stuff all along. The fresh peach puree was definitely tastier than the baby food version. I may be spending this week pureeing and freezing various fruits & veggies for baby food. Anything to get him to move towards eating solids (or at least to stop the battle over breakfast). And PS - the jam is awesome!!
This is what he looked like after eating dinner tonight.
The reason I call him Colonel Doctor.

Customize a Cookbook

I was poking around Food Network the other day and found a link to a great website called Tastebook. You can customize your own cookbook. Choose recipes from a number of online sites, or add your own. Pick the cover graphic, title it whatever you want, and the cost depends on the number of pages you want. The interior pages are in binder form, so you can add or rearrange at will. What a great idea! I have so many random recipes floating around, and I have always wanted a way to keep and organize them. And what a great gift idea, especially for family, or for someone getting married. Check it out. I was impressed and hope you are too.