December already?

Oh my goodness! It’s already December! I guess that means it’s time for some baking! Today I decided to make gingerbread biscuits to take to some parties I’ve been invited to as hostess gifts. So I dusted off Mum’s old recipe, assembled my tools,

baking equipment

pulled together my ingredients,

ingredients

and combined them all together.

cookie dough

Once the dough had been mixed it goes into the fridge to firm up for rolling and kneading, this is the perfect time to wash up everything you’ve used so far, and sit down to enjoy your favourite cup of tea. Today I chose White Christmas by T2; I thought it was apt. *grins*

tea

Out of the fridge and it’s time to make a really big and tasty mess!

cutting cookies

In that special way that only I can, I ran out of baking paper after 2 trays and there were 4 trays of biscuits.

cookie sheet

Out of the oven and left to cool,

gingerbread

it’s time to assemble more tools in preparation for icing the biscuits.

icing ingredients

I use a disposable, zip lock bag in an attempt to stop the sticky sweet mess from spreading too far around the room!

icing the biscuits

And finally, the finished biscuits. All ready to be packaged up and tied with pretty ribbon, ready to be gifted.

cookies

I’ve decided that my rusty piping skills give the biscuits a “rustic” look. *grins*

An elegant tea

I was about to say that you have no idea how much fun I had setting this up; but those of you that know me will have a pretty good idea actually! (I marinated cucumber!!!)

Let’s see, it was; an excuse to show off all my pretty lacey things,

 

Elegant Tableware

My beautiful china and furniture,

 

Garden Set-up

Then there was the food!

 

Savoury

Everything seemed to go down really well, and everyone was very impressed! Now I can’t wait to do it all again!

 

Sweets

Then there was fish

Himself and I hosted a small soiree of familial proportions recently. We were aiming for relaxed gathering that was a little different to what we normally do. I think we achieved our goal admirably!

We began by heading down the road to the Sydney Fish Markets, where, as the name suggests, you can buy fish.

 

Fish Markets - Fish
Fish Markets – Fish

Did I mention fish?

 

Fish Markets - Fillets
Fish Markets – Fillets

And marine life?

 

Fish Markets- Oysters
Fish Markets- Oysters

And fillets! (of fish)

 

Fish Markets- Fillets
Fish Markets- Fillets

And marine life!

 

Fish Markets - Prawns
Fish Markets – Prawns

But there’s so much more to the Fish Markets! On any visit you can buy everything you need for a large party, or small gathering. From the wine,

 

Fish Markets - Wine Shop
Fish Markets – Wine Shop

To the deli selection of cheeses, cured meats, and sauces.

 

Fish Markets- Deli
Fish Markets- Deli

If you’re inclined towards a romantic encounter, you can also purchase a good start on the way to any woman’s heart; flowers

 

Fish Markets - Flower Shop
Fish Markets – Flower Shop

Followed by a mountain of chocolate!

 

Fish Markets- Deli Chocolate
Fish Markets- Deli Chocolate