The Season continues

Posted on by ghotiindustries

Our tree is up, much to the amusement of the feline members of the household. They can’t get enough of the train (it sings). So it had to be moved to higher ground for it’s own safety!

tree train

Carols are allowed for just a few songs a day, and acceptable renditions are cover versions done by Twisted Sister. I discovered their xmas album by fluke just days ago and bought it instantly! In more traditional music; The Nutcracker Suite seems to not provoke, and therefore has been on reasonably high rotation in an attempt to prolong Himself’s sanity.

tree ornaments

This week I made fudge to go with the gingerbread. Again, assembling all the ingredients first …

fudge ingredients

I don’t have any “making shots” owing to all hands being needed at all times, but here’s the finished product.

fudge

And here’s the finished product!!!

edible gifts

I hope all your seasonal cooking is going successfully too!

December already?

Posted on by ghotiindustries

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

Posted on by ghotiindustries

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

Expedition

Posted on by ghotiindustries

This morning I headed up the street to two of my favourite shops.

Beginning at Herbies; I bought a small jar of cloves for some planned gluhwein (I love winter!), and found a pre-mixed packet of “Itallian Herbs” which I bought to inspire me later in the week.

herbs and spices at Herbies

Herbies  makes the often intimidating world of spices not just approachable, but easy. They have an immense selection of individual spices for when you know what you want; and their pre-mixed packets that assist when you know what you want, but not how to get there, or if you’re just after a new taste sensation and don’t know where to begin. Then there’s the gift packs!

Spice boxes at Herbies

After tearing ourselves away from the heady scent from the large vase of cinnamon quills by the door, we wandered up the road to The Essential Ingredient.

Essential Ingredient

Your one stop shop for anything you need in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredient

Walking through this store reminds me of my childhood. Growing up with someone who loves to cook, instilled in me a fascination, and respect for the magic that can occur at the hands of a master chef.

The have so many wonderful tools, implements, and gadgets! I’m sure I could find a use for them all in my kitchen!

And did I mention they also carry ingredients?

Essential Ingredient

I may not have been entirely successful in keeping my wallet ensconced in the depths of my bag!