Okay, so I'm trying to follow a slower paced life--kinda a 'stop and smell the roses'-type thing. Oh, by the way I am finally reading Eat Pray Love on the recommendation of about every female friend I have. I am devouring this book and it seems to go along with what I am trying to find in my life. Oh, and Elizabeth Gilbert is 34 while experiencing these self-discoveries. That is the age I will be turning in less than 3 weeks. I am finding some similiarities in our thoughts but hers, of course, is on a much grander scale. In this quest to find a slower pace I have decided to give up TV at night for a little while. The hubs and I have decided to cancel cable and I am happy with that decision. I have started writing--on here and privately. I've also been thinking of baking. Now, this may not sound very profound but to me it's like taking up the trapeze. I have been an avid non-baker for years. I dreaded it because I mismeasured, was impatient, and just hated the mess (go figure). Oh, and everything I made turned out horribly. I cursed the thought of making anything for the CF Bake Sales every year at Duke. What would I contribute? Trail mix. Every year. Well, things are changing are so are my thoughts on baking. I was invited to a cookie swap over the holidays and decided this was my time to shine. I studied recipes and found a simple shortbread cookie recipe. I decided to dunk the cookies in bittersweet chocolate and sprinkle a dusting of pink salt on them. I took my time and I followed every step thoroughly. I was proud when I put them out for consumption and to my surprise they were a hit! Now, sure I had tasted them prior to the swap and I thought they were good but I thought for sure I was just being biased. Even better my husband liked them. He is an honest person and I knew if he said he liked them then he really did. Now, I am going to dive into the baking world--I think this girl is ready. I haven't tried anything again since the swap, but I have a recipe ready to go for this weekend. I am ready to become a baker. Now I need a cool 50s style apron and a retro colored KitchenAid mixer and I will be official. I can't make this big leap without a little bit of shopping. Ha! Here is the cookie recipe I want to tackle:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/lemon-ricotta-cookies-with-lemon-glaze-recipe/index.html
I definitely want to try those cookies! I went through a baking phase and bought the KitchenAid mixer...but I've only used it twice. It's hard to care for and I prefer my hand mixer. At least it looks pretty ;-)
ReplyDeleteAaah Giada. Yes, I know her. I know her well. Let me clarify...I know her well enough to know that I'll never be her. But a girl can dream, can't she?
ReplyDeleteThough I can't bake, barbeque or even boil water to save my life, I'm a good taster if you need one ;-)
Stacey, I think the main reason I want a KitchenAid is because they look pretty. :) At any rate I need at least a new hand mixer. A friend (yes a friend, not I) recently used mine and discovered it was made in 1958! The thing started smoking and my kitchen smelled like gun metal! It was hilarious and mortifying. :)
ReplyDeleteYes PicklePits, I know Giada well, too. I am not crazy enough to think Dana+dough=Giada. :) I figure being the Southern gal that I am I better give baking at least a shot. I look most forward to the tasting myself!
ReplyDeleteIt's about time! Let me know how you like the book. Love my little baking cousin
ReplyDelete