it even has the date marking my first ever blog post..985 posts ago..♥
I love wooden spoons..like rolling pins and cookie cutters and boots and ballerinas and flip flops.I hope you can feel how it felt opening it.
I had bought a Christmas one at Hobby Lobby while in Fl..(Oh do come to QC..HL..I would like that..)..but nothing compares to a personalized one.Coup de coeur.♥
And ..so I baked a couple of days..there are pre-requisites here..
Magic Bars and Nanaimo Bars..I have been making them for 40 yrs..I skipped nanaimos the last 2 yrs and Jacques..felt it;)
If you have never had a nanaimo bar..have one..do it..
I don't cut my bars when the chocolate is cold..chill your bars..but let the chocolate top come to room temp..afterwards..then cut..then store.. chilled..I have even frozen nanaimo bars..
that way your chocolate will not crack..also follow the tips on adding the beaten egg..I add the chocolate to the egg gently..it all works out..
So they are now safe and soundly put away.
How good does a home smell while baking is going on?
And what about the look of fresh boughs w/ mini twinkling lights?
Rod Stewart singing Old Lang Syne..Bing Crosby and White Christmas..André Gagnons instrumentals..James Taylor..Andrea Bocelli..
We are very very very lucky.
I also made Auntie Bernice's shortbreads..w/ my twist..I switch up some rice flour for reg.flour...experiment and find your spot~
You know..I missed Walkers..and bought some..what was I thinking..nothing beats home made.
There's a little added taste to Walkers it seems..and it seems off..
I made 2 of Sue's that I have been making quite regularly since I found them..these ..as I love the peanut butter addition.. and these.. as I like the espresso addition..I like shortbread variations..:)
Variations on a theme..Thanks Sue for being a part of my pre-requisites now..
and then..well ..Sprinkle Bakes..totally got me w/ her festive chocolate gingerbread..was it the wee bottles? You bet..ok and her decor..but I am new to piping and although I could have been a surgeon 5 yrs ago my hands were so steady..not so much now..but..it worked..
I don't know if I would have made them if the wee bottles weren't staring at me one day when I walked into a store..
but..they were..
I think they are super cute for a gentleman gift too..
or a lady..;)
I love using little bottles for small objects instead of piping bags..I am short on piping bags..and long on projects:)
There is an ease for me w/ a bottle..you can see it in photo 2..and they came from Amazon..a set of 3..2 smalls one large.
I still want to bake Linzers etc..
but I have to calm down..we are 2 now..and sure we share..but still..
I'd like to volunteer to make a Christmas Eve cake to go w/ my daughters desserts..that's how much I like baking.
I think my parents must be very very surprised..
Bon weekend!
I love bake for Christmas and love how smell.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Monique <3<3
Happy Holidays Gloria!
DeleteAll is calm, all is bright... Can't think of a thing that sounds better. i bet the Littles could finish off all the goodies. What are Nanaimos? I haven't bought those little bottles in a long time. Good idea. Your pictures are superb once again and the tree in the teapot or sugar pot is precious. We are going to celebrate my 50th ;) birthday this weekend so I can feel all the cake and goodies hanging on my backside. You have a good weekend too.
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th at your new City House.. !! :) You need a name..not Drogheda or anything..but a name..
DeleteOur backsides may not be what they used to..I know..geesh if we knew then what we know now..more pictures please:)
Marie..had Pinned a gorgeous teapot w/ a tree all decorated in it..mine does not compare..:) But a touch of Christmas in the dining room.I am married to father Christmas..he puts up a tree in his basement:)
Another great post. Sweet spoon too. I have been baking but no where as much as you. Those shortbread cookies caught my eye, I love shortbread top. I can't believe Christmas is around the corner, especially with temps near 60F! Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteAhh..the spoon..! So adorable..unique to say the least..
DeleteThe pb shortbread of Sue's are just terrific..and auntie B's..but sub w/ a bit of rice flour..just makes them flakier..
The weathe here..the same..we all doubt it will be a white Christmas..
I am sure you are baking up a storm:)Have fun.
I love those Gingerbread Men with their wee bottle! So cute!
ReplyDeleteI have not tried any other shortbread recipes..been making the same one for 40 years!
Perhaps it is time to try something new!
You enjoying your littles?♥️
What a dark gloomy day this is! Beautiful sunshine yesterday at the cottage!
Having dinner guests tonight...Rack of Lamb! Yummy!
Enjoy your evening Monique!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
You WILL enjoy yours..me too:) My little dinner guests arrive at 4..
DeleteShirley Temples....bought the grenadine and cherries LOL..
Or hot chocolates.. with snowmen marshmellows.I am going to email them to you..don't think I made the ms..she did on the blog..but I used ready made and food markers.I just think Miss V would get a kick out of them.
We had a few sunny breaks..but geesh doom and gloom since our return.
Rack of lamb sounds so good!
The request for advanced dinner menu was pizza..unanimous.:)
You are a busy baker, Monique! I just make a couple different batches of cookies and freeze them. (No grandkids live around me, sadly.) My daughter will be here and she loves Pastry Studio's vanilla and chocolate swirls and, because I don't like chocolate that much, I always make the cranberry rum shortbreads. Shortbreads are fabulous and so easy to make and store. I've never had a nanaimo bar, but use my mother's chocolate trick with her chocolate coated toffee bars, chill slightly, score in the shape you want, refrigerate, then where scored, cut. That way the chocolate doesn't crack when you cut.
ReplyDeleteLove your gingerbread boys with their bottles of booze. Such a cute idea!
It really is the fact that there are small ones involved..I guess we want to make everything shine for them..
DeleteI think I tend to go a bit overboard..but I think it's definitely because of losing my mom at 19..Christmas was not the same after that..I'll never forget that first Christmas..it was 2 weeks later and I thought I could never enjoy Christmas again..until..we started..with traditions..but she was never there to make it just right..Oh Barbara I think I just am still seeking her:)
Thanks for the choco tip!
The boozy bottle are adorb I know..these young creative minds on the net floor me..
Fantastic talents!
I just saw this comment--and entire post, somehow--I missed it in December--but am nodding while reading it, Monique. My friend Sommer's death had a similar effect on me. . .wanting to add as much love and enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to peoples' lives--because Sommer had done that and wasn't there anymore to do it--and also as a way of defiantly saying to the universe, "She may have left early, but she left her mark. You can't take that way too." Just being able to enjoy life--let alone help other people enjoy it--seems strong and defiant and GOOD in all the best ways.
DeleteI wish you could have had your mom decades and decades longer, though. Of course. ♥
Cutest gingerbread family ever with those mini bottles of booze.
ReplyDeleteThe wooden spoon is so creative!
I can't believe how long we have been blogging :-)
Your baking is coming along nicely.
I cannot believe how long we have been blogging too..but I tell ya..it's been wonderful hasn't it?
DeletePhotogenic :) 2008 was when it began for many of us. It's been a wonderful creative outlet and fun to share our little worlds of cooking, crafts and hobbies. The tiny bottles are adorable! I there really liqueur inside or are they liqueur-flavored chocolates? Ever since I discovered rice flour in shortbread there has been no turning back. I still have to make mine. Gingerbread - done. Candy Cane Cookies - done. Something new to share soon :) I have definitely cut back in the past few years. Even the girls don't want that many temptations around anymore. Thank goodness for hungry little boys :) I think of them now when I am deciding what to bake ♥ My mother would come home from work to find me in the kitchen with the Betty Crocker cookbook out and a batch of fudge or cream puffs on the counter :) The tea pot and Downton Abby Bordeaux! Is the tea pot a music box? So, so pretty. Everything is pretty that I see here ;)
ReplyDeleteI just visited Sprinkle Bakes and answered my own question :)
DeleteI think there is liquid in them..I didn't indulge..now maybe if it had been wine;)
DeleteSusan..TY for the gingerbread house idea..the boys did them this morning..that's me gleaning from you ..again..
yes all these years have been a great creative journey..Candy Cane cookies are YOU..will you make the pretty layeed tree cookies?
You must have been adorb w/ Betty ,Donna.
Just the feeling that Christmas will be... delicious ! Nice evening. Christine
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely Sunday Christine~
DeleteWhat a great gift - the spoon is wonderful and you're doing a great job of baking and decorating and giving a little laugh - very nice. Have a wonderful week :)
ReplyDeleteSpecial..very special! You too Tricia..
DeleteWhat a beautiful and unique gift, will you display it? My Mom was baking with my niece, she lasted through making one batch and that was enough for her. Mom sent me a photo -- a huge smile and the blur of a cookie platter in motion. I live vicariously through your baking adventures.
ReplyDeleteRight now it's in my mom's blue and white jar..not sure where it will be..:) But aways in sight.Must have been a sweet photo:)
DeleteLove wooden spoons, and this one is a beauty. You will enjoy baking with this thoughtful gift.
ReplyDeleteThe gingerbread men are adorable, and perhaps getting a bit tipsy? '-) So cute! Haven't done any baking here as yet. Unlike you, I will want to eat all the goodies. Not good! '-)
Merry Christmas! Enjoy all the activities.
We baked yesterday and I left the baking at my daughter's home:) Enough..Happy Holidays to you too Sarah..
DeleteThe personalized wooden spoon is a lovely gift. You are such an awesome baker, it must be so much fun at your house. Love the variety of tools, decoratione, etc. The gingerbread people are darling. I also bake magic cookie bars and Nanaimo bars. Thanks for the tip about cutting.
ReplyDeleteI guess they are my grown up toys;)
DeleteWished I lived next door to you for lots of reasons! :) Hope you had a great weekend and I can't wait until you post your Christmas cake
ReplyDeleteLooks like the Christmas Cake is on hold..we discussed Xmas eve desserts and we feel w/ all her little desserts an added piece would be too much.I agree.I hate seeing food go to waste..:) And waist;)
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift and so perfect for you! I love to bake, though I don't do decorative cookies unless they are easy. I do have Hanukkah cookies down pat, but I'm more a chocolate girl myself. It sure is hard to scale baking down to two! Luckily my neighbors are easily pleased!
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard to scale baking to two;) I agree!
DeleteSuch fun you've been having in the kitchen Monique! I'm crazy about shortbread too and don't go long without having to make some in one form or another. Love your new toy, you definitely put it to use! So fun that it has so much significance too!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteEnjoy every holiday moment this special season~
I would love to drop by your house before Xmas to have some of those cookies... it must smell like heaven there!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great holiday
Would be nice!
DeleteI did actually say at least twice.."smells so good in here!":)
Cold weather and the holidays equal baking and a wonderful aroma wafting through the house! We are two also and sometimes I do get a bit carried away. I have been making shortbread each year since you shared your pan a few years back...and, of course, I had to have it. :-) I try to cut back but it just doesn't feel right if I don't bake! I have never had Nanaimo Bars but I intend to remedy that. Enjoy the goodies and the season!
ReplyDeleteWe sound alike:) Happy Baking Kate!
DeleteI had an older gentleman friend..he loved a tin of cookies..he's gone now and my friend Donella has moved and is not well :(
Went on a mad search for GINGERBREAD in Paris and it does exist but fortunately far away and probably very $$$ since an American is making them. Easy to resist.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR THE LOVELY XMAS CARD M!!!
I was too shy to paint you one..Happy Holidays..thanks for everything you share with us dear Carol.
DeleteLoving those tipsy Gingerbread men Monique. You inventiveness is just brilliant. Hoping you get many more pieces of personalised baking equipment for Christmas... just so we can see what you make with them on here :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane...Happy Holidays to you and your family:)
DeleteMonique, j'ai reçu aujourd'hui une très, très jolie carte ! Ai-je besoin de te dire combien elle m'a fait plaisir ? La voilà accrochée sur mon "fil à cartes" ! :-) C'est assurément la plus belle ! Plein de bises
ReplyDeleteHélène
J'espérais qu'elle soit accrochée sur ta corde:) Toi,tu viens de me faire plaisir!!
DeleteTu es un amour Hélène.
Oh Monique, such cuteness. Love the little bottles. They are so perfect! I love your wooden spoon also! How lovely!! When there is lovin' in the oven, the house smells like home I think! I have not made Nanaimo bars in forever, or magic cookie bars. I wonder if I date open myself to such temptation! Hmmm . . . Love and hugs. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI adore the drink-happy gingerbread men.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Love all of this..how beautiful, the little wooden spoon.
ReplyDeleteThe little bottles are adorable with the gingerbread cookies.
Enjoy and thank you so much for all your inspiration.
xx
OMG, I love a little people with bottles-)) Priceless!!-))
ReplyDelete