December Delights - 22 and 23 December 2015

[teddy_radiator]

Such busy days! I worked yesterday like mad so I could take today and the rest of the week off. I don't have to be back at work until next Tuesday - yay!!!

We finished up Christmas shopping  yesterday, and today was "Get The House Ready For Guests" day. TheHubs™ vacuumed and mopped the floors, while I baked. I always get very ambitious at Christmas, and usually bite off more than I can chew, and this year was no exception. However, for some scary reason, I got it all done. Since 9am this morning, I have made:

Mexican Chocolate Fudge
White Chocolate, Cranberrry and Pistaschio Fudge
hechicera's amazing Chocolate Pound Cake


Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake with Tangerine Mamalade Glaze


White Chocolate and Pistachio Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Triple Layer Brownie Truffle Fudge Bars
Mince Pie
Mini Mince Pies
Cheese Straws (Okay, these were left over pie dough from the mini minces)

The sad thing is that just as I was finishing up the very last task (the truffle bars), my Kitchenaid Mixer, which had been working like a working thing all day, gave a hideous CLUNK and froze. TheHubs™ took it apart, and a very important part that makes is all work had sheered off. Yes, it is dead. I cried; it is the nicest kitchen appliance I have ever owned, and it was a boon to us in the tea room. I can honestly say I've more than got my money's worth out of it - I've used the hell out of it, and I don't know when I'll ever be able to afford one again, but bless its gear-and-cog heart, it did wait until I was almost completely done with this bake-a-thon before giving up the ghost.

We have a small party coming over tomorrow, and I've planned an indoor scavenger hunt - I don't know if they'll enjoy it as much as I did putting it together, but at least I had a ball. It is still stupidly warm here - I had my A/C on today. It's also pouring down rain and has been non-stop all day. Deja Vu from last year, when we tried to launch Chinese wishing lanterns in the rain for Christmas eve - hence the indoor scavenger hunt. I really wanted to get the firepit going, but that's not to be, unfortunately.

I've not had much chance to be online today, but mywitch, thank you for all your comments - I will get to them all individually when I can take a breather. I hope I can get online tomorrow to wish everyone a happy Christmas Eve. It's probably my favourite Day of the year.

I think I'm going to clean out the dishwasher one more time (please, please don't YOU peg it tonight or I will be cattle-trucked), and see about crawling into the shower and then into bed for an early night - tomorrow's going to be crazy busy.

I hope you all have a lovely day tomorrow, if I don't get the chance to check in. I love you!

Comments

[nocturnus33]

Wow, you are good at the kitchen! Those look delicious.

[toblass.livejournal.com]

That's an impressive list of baked goods. Perhaps looking for someone who can fix the mixer would be worth it in this instance if it's just a part that needs replacing.

[gelsey.livejournal.com]

Poor kitchen aid. Bless its heart and rest in peace, it did its best. Hugs. Hopefully you can find something to help out bow that it's gone.

All the noms!

[mywitch.livejournal.com]

Wow, you are Baking Goddess! Very impressive!

Please don't feel like you need to respond to all my comments :) I just want you to know how much I'm enjoying all your work. You are Writing Goddess as well!

Also, I did a Boxing Day in the Forest of Dean drawing for you - I dunno, should I post it here or email it to you?

Happy Christmas!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Oh wow! Thank you so very much! I am thrilled to bits!

As far as posting - I would love to share it with the tribe, or you can email it to me, or however you like - whatever you are comfortable with. But I would truly love for you to share it here as well.

I have always said that receiving art is the greatest compliment you can give me. Thank you so much for this awesome gift! ♥ ♥

[dickgloucester.livejournal.com]

Adieu, KitchenAid. You were loved.

And OMG you put my meagre baking to shame.

[mimimanderly.livejournal.com]

Wow! Don't EVER tell me that you're lazy again! If I did that much cooking in one stretch, I'd be going circus elephant... and I ordinarily like to cook!

[stgulik.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I don't like it when she calls herself lazy--she's obviously the queen of desserts over there.

[stgulik.livejournal.com]

I can't believe you made all those desserts! I stand in awe of you, simply in awe. Shoot, no wonder you're ::ahem:: NEVER online anymore.

Your poor mixer, may it rest in peace. Something tells me if you put your need out into the universe, another mixer will find its way to you when you really need it. I mean, [points at all those delicious desserts again] your work is too important.