Kara & Michael’s Blog

Folks, it’s nearly December which means I’ve been looking over my wish-list of Xmas baking and getting realistic about the time, skills and supplies I have. Not to mention the dieting WoDM and I are undergoing, which means limits must be imposed on the sweets I let into the household – they might not tempt WoDM, but I will eat them all before xmas if they are left in sight.

1. Gingerbread cookies. I will make these, probably a half batch though. We do not need gingerbread cookies out the wazoo, but I do have fun decorating them. If my mom doesn’t make any this year, I’ll make a full batch. If she does, I’ll stick to half a batch.

2. Caramel popcorn. WoDM and I already bought the corn syrup to do this. I like caramel popcorn, not sure if it’s traditional, but it’s tasty and it’s good for snacking mindlessly. WoDM has a good recipe, too, and it’s something I think he enjoys making.

3. Candied orange peel. I don’t care what you say. This stuff is good. It is a treat unto itself. Plus, I’ve been eating (and buying) oranges like crazy – they are soooo good right now. This would give me something to do with the peel. And it will be used in part to make number 4.

4. Florentine cookies with chocolate. I think my mom made these once. They are crispy and thin and they just look pretty.

5. Chocolate covered pretzels. Simple, and inexpensive, so I don’t really have an excuse NOT to do them.

6. Biscotti. I like the idea of something not too sweet to eat with coffee.

7. Cordial cherries. We’ve got brandy and WoDM has sworn off brandy as the result of what sounded like the worst hangover ever.

Possibles: fudge (with walnuts, yummmy), vegetarian marshmallows (if the supplies are relatively cheap, as an experiment), truffles (if I don’t make fudge, will have to look through recipes).

I’m sitting on the petit four idea. I think it would take a lot more time than I’m willing to give it right now. But I will try them eventually. The same applies to the maple cream candy – it would just take too much time. I’m actively choosing not to make chocolate chip shortbread cut-outs just because they’re so rich and I make them every year. I’m also not making the vegan lemon cut -outs, just because I made them last year and I’d like to try something new with my time.

If anyone has any good deals on dark chocolate chips, please let me know. I’ll be using them on pretzels, florentines, cordial cherries, etc.

K.