Sunday, November 13, 2011

Cooking, Baking - Jump Start on the Holidays

We've been laying low.
I've been feeling pretty crummy the past week or so and can't wait to move on from all of it.
Even so, we've spent a lot of time in the kitchen.
Last weekend we got a jump start on the LSU vs. Bama game by cooking a 'healthy' jambalaya.
 Brad cooked it the night before the game and used brown rice and turkey sausage.
 It's the first time we've tried this and definitely doesn't cook the same as it does with regular white rice.
 In fact, it took TWICE the time to cook.
I think we ate at nearly 10pm that night.
Good Times.
 It was yummy though and that's all that counts.
BTW -- how about my LSU Tigers!?
No words..
Pure awesomeness.
 This weekend, after a suggestion by a friend I decided to get a jump start on my holiday baking.
My friend makes all of her holiday cookie dough in advance making it easier and less messy on baking day.
We had an extra day off for Veterans Day so I made 4 types of cookie dough to freeze.
 The first was an oatmeal with cranberries, nuts, white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chips.
 I forgot to take pictures through the whole process but I also made peppermint cookies.
These will be super easy come December to thaw out and just slice and bake!
Quick and easy!
 Sugar cookie dough.
The recipe I used for these was weird.
I hope they turn out when it comes time.
 The last batch of dough I made was a cookie with chocolate chips, coconut and I can't remember what else.
 I love to bake during the holidays but I think this is going to make it a lot easier and save time.
My friend does this annually and I'm thinking I'm going to do the same.
Great idea or what?
 As if I didn't do enough baking Saturday today I decided to make pumpkin muffins.
 I should be posting all the recipes but I'm just too tired to dig them up.
 And, because I was bored I packaged a few of them up for neighbors and friends.
 Then..........
Brad mentioned he wanted some cookies to actually eat tonight.
So, I put my apron back on and made him some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.
 Just what we need.
Right?
 It was dessert for the tortilla soup I made today though.
Pretty tasty.
 And, with all that, I hung my apron up until another day.
It was a low-key, quiet holiday weekend.
Something we haven't had in a while.
We're ready to take on the week which is set-up to be a big one.
Keep us in your prayers!
Tootles.

17 comments:

MyInnerCheerleader said...

I've started baking in preparation for the holidays too. I made pumpkin cookies and might need to try pumpkin muffins after seeing yours.

Anonymous said...

Glad you had such a fun time. That's quite a lot of baking! I'm sure everyone enjoyed it!
xo E + J

Nikki said...

Wow! That's a good idea to freeze it. Too bad our freezer is full of cow.

I almost made pumpkin bread today but I mixed all the dry ingredients and realized I didn't have enough eggs...

Dee said...

The white chocolate macadamia cookies?? Love those things. Too much lol. I hope you're feeling better boo!

I Do Declare said...

So impressed that you did all that!!!!

Annie said...

Wow you go girl. That's a great idea to get the dough made ahead of time. I did that one year with pie crusts and it was so nice to have it done.

Hope everything is okay --

donatelli98 said...

Man Dee that's a lot of baking ... the tortilla soup looks fab!! Where is the recipe from?

nomo wino daph said...

Oh sista!!!! You need to post these recipes to my next recipe swap!! (or else invite me over to dine!)

Looks like a great time:)
Happy Monday-
Xo

Mandy said...

Thinking of you! Btw- totally need you tortilla.a soup recipe!

Ashley said...

Wow you made a ton! I'll take some of those oatmeal cookies with the cranberries! Those sound yummy! I was thrilled LSU beat Bama too! I was cheering on the Tigers from Savannah! And THANK YOU so much for all the sweet comments you leave on my blog. Makes my day!!

Impulsive Addict said...

You were BUSY girl! I love the idea of making it and then freezing it. Do you think it will taste the same?

I love how you made muffins and wrapped them up so cute for neighbors and friends. That's a great idea!

FROGGITY! said...

I have to say, I forsook my Rebel heart and donned Purple and Gold for the LSU game! It was so exciting. GEAUX! Your baking looks amazing. So ready for the holidays!!

Deviled Megs said...

SUCH a smart idea to freeze the dough ahead of time!

The Lenzers said...

holy moly ms. baker!!!! what a great idea though. I kind of like it in the moment though. Thinking of you this week (and always). hang in there my friend

MCW said...

Yum, yum, yum!

And praying for you during this week!!!

Leigh Powell Hines said...

Wow. Everything looks great.

Loved the packages. You're quite the baker.

Lyns said...

Look at you!! That is IMPRESSIVE.