Monday 19 December 2011

Motivation to do: mmmm, baking

Well, I don't do much baking per se, because I'm not great at it. I do a lot of cooking, but the cakes and breads aren't my forte. Turns out Miss Dunnit is the baker in our family; I can't get the oven to behave in the same way that she can. However,Miss Dunnit has more of a life than me of course, and so there are times when I'm happy to bake. And no better a time than when there's a new Mason Cash mixing bowl to be christened (my secret Santa gift from our Kelly of The Coven) and a recipe from The Pioneer Woman cookbook (my Birthday bunny gift from our Laura of The Coven). So I made the chocolate sheet cake. It wasn't difficult, and the motivation to start my festive baking and cooking was simple; an invitation with the request to bring a chocolatey pud. Similar then, to my motivation for getting the wrapping done.


So now I'm in the groove a bit, today I even planned a couple of menus and checked stock for shopping purposes - gracious my beloved Mother's efficiency and role modelling may well be paying off! There has been a horrible lack of mince pies in this house considering the season, so I really need to correct that too, they're almost the way to Mr Dunnit's heart, so I never mind making them. I need a couple of puddings and some nibbles for a couple of occasions...Nigella will help me with those. And that will be me done with cooking. Just to make you less jealous of the sudden smugness that you may feel is appearing, there's a pile of laundry waiting to be ironed that frankly looks as if I haven't done any for about six months, and I still, STILL have a present to make. all in good time. Ahem!

16 comments:

Jacqueline said...

Please Miss Dunnit ... can I lick the bowl lol!

I don't 'do' baking! I can't lol absolutely hopeless at it!!

Hope everything turns out ok

Jackie x

The Crafty Elf said...

What a lovely bowl Julia and good for you putting the laundry aside to bake. I'm thinking that this time of year you can iron as you wear it, can't you? Just think of the brownie points you're getting for baking - so worth it!

Hettie said...

Sounds like we both could do with another week before the big day! I am thinking of making a chocolate log later this week as well as ice and decorate my cake!! Yikes!! Still trying to catch up with woyww too!!

Simple homemade living said...

Guess what my mum bought me today?...... well I hope it's the right bowl knowing my mum it's a melamine one from wilkos!!! You know I had to get one as the jealousy is eating me up it doesn't help with the photos!!

Have a wonderful christmas my lovely speak soon x x x

Helen said...

Love the bowl! And anything chocolatey must be a winner.... don't go a bundle on mince pies personally, so I never make them (or buy them!) I say, never mind the ironing pile. Tell 'em crumpled is the new pressed!

Carmen said...

Same in this house. Young Devvie makes lemon drizzle cake, cheesey & fruit scones to salivate over. She's so good. One thing I make every year without fail is rock cakes - my Dad would never forgive me if I didn't :P

Di said...

So funny Julia - I was becoming a bit frantic by the end of your post as you seemed so organised. Yay! Then I read about the ironing and did a little jig of joy here - I have two humungous baskets of 'washed but not ironed' laundry leering at me from the futility room. At least on that we are united :)) And I'm in the queue as well to lick the bowl. Di xx

Annie said...

You are so organised Julia. Love the sound of all the baking and I've joined the queue to lick the bowl but doubt there will be much left by now. Hope you helped yourself to one of my buns :-)
A x

Charlie said...

Thanks for your comment. The joke with the ant is that Myrrh in Danish sounds like Myre which is the Danish word for an ant. And as my DH always comments on our cards by saying - room for an ant isn't there?? DD decided to play on this joke. As organized as we all try to be I am with you on the ahem... bit - I am a bit behind too - but it will be xmas even if I end up with the tree in the oven and the turkey dressed with ornaments and candles. =0)

Kirsty.A said...

I did my first bit o9f festive baking as well. Similar motivation to your - friends coming for dinner means I NEED to make mince pies!

misteejay said...

That is a super bowl and I'm sure the choccy cake was super too.

I love baking I just don't like the mess - so I don't.

Toni xx

Dragon said...

All in WHAT time, madame?? I still have my pies to do so here's to us cooking and baking stuff!! Cheers
Love and light
Frankie
xx

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, your bowl looks very festive - unlike my green and cream, red is just right for getting you in the mood for festive baking. I've burned my fingers making Lisa's golden pudding - makes typing a real trial :) Elizabeth x

SandeeNC said...

you iron? I'm more impressed with that than the baking! lol

Neet said...

What a great mixing bowl. Must be honest I hardly ever bake these days and used to get such pleasure from it. Sadly now get "lbs" from it too!

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