BAKING ATTACK - a different look at baking problems.

I am currently having a baking attack - this is the only way I can describe it.  The first symptoms appeared on wednesday evening when I made a batch of sausage rolls and about 100 spiced pork in filo pastry bites.  I made the pork bites to freeze, I find it very useful to have a variety of uncooked savouries ready to bake at a moments notice. 

Then friday evening I realised there wasn't any bread in the house for toast in the morning.  Easy way - go to the garage and buy some, my way - to make the first bread for a year and it wasn't to bad.

Now to saturday, you can see why I have called this an attack, I had promised oat and sultana cookies (this was an attempt to use up some oats), then as I had some tea left in the pot I decided to make my version of a boiled fruitcake recipe using the tea instead of water,  and finally I had all the ingredients for making mincemeat so I thought I would get that done as well.  
The recipe I use for mincemeat is one I have used over and over.  This time I didn't have any blanched or flaked almonds so I decided to blanch my own.  Can't be that hard I thought, no it is not that hard but it is fiddly and time consuming - very time consuming - now I know the reason why blanched almonds cost more.

This is where my 'problem' starts to rear it's head, while cooking and looking forward to the eating my mind is thinking of all the other things I could be baking . . . I have had this problem before when it is not enough to bake a cake I want to bake all the cakes NOW!!!! Last time it took inviting lots of people to tea to help resolve the situation.  There are not enough people in my house to cope with the amount of baking I want to do during one of these 'attacks'. 

Is this just me or do others have this problem as well? 

BREAD PUDDING and APPLE CAKE

OVER THE WEEKEND among many other things we went to the Food Festival at Broadstairs, Kent.  Now I am not the best person to go to these events (I have the same problem at craft fairs) because instead of buying everything in sight I go away inspired to bake, preserve and create.  So Sunday was baking day ........ with me making a DORSET APPLE CAKE, some LEMON CURD (I have seen this in the supermarkets priced at 29p it cannot even have seen a lemon if it can be sold at that price), LEMONADE and a BREAD PUDDING for a couple of addicts that I know.

from the GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BOOK OF HOME PRESERVING

FOR LEMON CURD YOU WILL NEED
grated rind and juice of 4 lemons
4 eggs
4 ounces butter
12 ounces Castor sugar

Place all ingredients in a bowl standing over a pan of simmering water.
Stir until the sugar disolves and continue heating gently for about 20 minutes until the curd thickens.
Pour into jars and cover in the usual way. 

MEASURED, WEIGHED AND READY TO COOK

 SIMMER GENTLY OVER A BAIN MARIE, BE CAREFUL NOT TO LET THE BOTTOM OF THE BOWL TOUCH THE WATER OR THE EGG COOKS IN LUMPS.

THICKENED  AND READY TO JAR

home made lemon curd should be made in small quantities as it only keeps for about one month 

Bread Pudding is such a good way to use up left over bread, I don't like it but my Mother loves it.  This is a DELIA SMITH RECIPE FROM 1978 you cannot go wrong with DELIA.

bread soaking in milk

8 ounces bread (doesnt matter if this is white or brown but cut off crusts)
1/2 pint milk
2 ounces melted butter
3 ounces soft brown sugar
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 egg beaten
6 ounces mixed dried fruit
grated rind of half an orange
freshly grated nutmeg

BEGIN BY breaking the bread into suitable size pieces.  Pour over the milk, stir well and leave to soak for 30 minutes.

NOW ADD THE melted butter,sugar,mixed spice and egg.  Using a fork beat the mixture well to make sure there are no lumps.  Then stir in the mixed fruit and orange rind.  Spead the mixture into prepared 2pint dish and sprinkle with grated nutmeg.

BAKE IN preheated oven gas mark 4 for 11/4 hours

ALL MIXED UP

PUT INTO PERPARED TIN AND BAKE

I usually sprinkle a little sugar on top

DORSET APPLE CAKE
RUBBING THE BUTTER INTO THE FLOUR 

SOME OF THIS YEARS APPLES  JUST PICKED FROM THE GARDEN

ROUGHLY CHOP APPLES

DORSET APPLE CAKE
8 ounces self raising flour
pinch cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
3-4 ounces caster sugar
8 ounces butter
8 ounces apples - roughly chopped
2 beaten eggs
2 tablespoons soft brown sugar

SIEVE flour and cinnemon into a bowl and rub in butter.  Add castor sugar,eggs and apples.
Stir into stiff dough.  Spread into prepared 9inch tin.  Mix brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnemon together and sprinkle on top of cake.  Bake at gas reg 5 for 30 minutes cover with foil and bake for a further 30 minutes.
test that cake is cooked right through.

LEARNING AT MY MOTHERS KNEE

This is in praise of my Mother - one of my best friends.  

She taught me to sew and cook, And tried to teach me to knit and crochet.  

http://www.zoopla.co.uk/property-history/swiss-cottage/prices-avenue/ramsgate/ct11-0an/2914265
 The first crafting I can remember was on holidays to Ramsgate.  As soon as we had got to our cottage We went to a wonderful toy shop in George Street to buy some cheap plastic dolls then next door to the Fabric shop for a couple of bags of scraps.  Then I could glue (with copydex) various outfits to my dolls.  Hours of fun.

Just before my younger sister was born I started (with Mother's help) to knit a pair of pale green booties for her.  This was not a success. Although I am not sure why I did not finish them, I think they only needed sewing up.  But when I was 18 I saw a pattern for a willow pattern jumper.                                                                                                                       http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Sirdar-Ladies-Chinese-Willow-Pattern-Sweater-DK-Knitting-Pattern-6225-/350575076050?pt=UK_Crafts_Knitting_Crochet_EH&hash=item519fe722d2
I had to have this jumper, more than anything.  So the only thing to do was learn to knit.  The first thing I knitted was a Jean Greenhowe footballer, followed by a grey V necked jumper for myself and then I made my Willow Pattern jumper.   All through this while others were saying I should be starting with smaller projects my Mother was encouraging.

Crafts at school were not a success I do not remember ever finishing anything - kettle holder in the first year, PE bag in the second year, bias edged apron in the third year to the GONK in the forth year.  Since then I have sewn toys, clothes - including coats, cushions, in fact anything that took my fancy.  Always knowing that I had my Mother in the background to give advice and sort things out if I had a problem.

This meant that once I had taken the dressmaking plunge I could be as unique as I wanted.  She thought nothing of taking bits from this pattern or that pattern and showing me how to piece them together to achieve the effect I was after.  

Her talents do not just cover basic sewing.  There was the camp blanket she made my Father with badges sewn on it.  I have the delicate embroidery of the Heraldry Society Arms that she made.  Most importantly she helped my sister and I with the cutting and sewing of my sisters wedding dress and three bridesmaid dresses.

The other gift she has given me is a love of cooking and baking.  When we were children she made bread.  The most wonderful Delicious bread ever (I wish I could make it as well).  She used to try to bake enough to freeze but had to fight for every roll that made it to the freezer.  She baked her sisters wedding cake and had a range of roughly 60 varieties of small cakes to choose from for the other cakes at the wedding.  I also did the catering for my sisters wedding - I am hoping I had my mothers talent while doing it.  I can remember a cake she made for friends who wanted Micky and Minnie mouse coming out of a castle in the clouds - she baked meringues clouds and made hundreds of small flowers for the meadow.  
From quite an early age she was letting me try my hand at cooking dinner (she wasn't as happy with the amount of washing up I left her, I was never as keen about that bit). Far enough away so it was all my own work - close enough to help if I got stuck.  In fact she taught all of her children to cook - some of my brothers went through a multi- coloured phase - something we are all grateful for.

So this is my thank you to you Mum.   Without your help, guidence and support I would not be able to cook, sew or quite frankly just be ME.
 

BAKING FOR BIRTHDAYS

Its my partners birthday next week so he needs cakes for work this coming Friday. 

Because I love baking I have been looking forward to choosing the selection of goodies with him.

I am, however, a little worried as after his birthday last year I had a severe attack of needing to bake.  I wanted bake cakes all the time - not  the odd cake now and then I wanted to bake large numbers of different types of cake.  As there are only the two of us this quantity of cooking would have been impractical to say the least.

In the end we had to have lots of people to a brunch to get the urge out of my system.  And now it is birthday time again.

I have made the sausage rolls up tonight and tested a couple to make sure they are ok.  Luckily there are some bacon puffs in the freezer ready to bake so they will not take to long tomorrow.  Just tried the sausage rolls (quality control) very scrummy!

I have also baked the mincemeat squares tonight.  This is such a quick and easy  cut and come again cake.

MINCEMEAT SQUARES
125grams butter (softened)
125grams soft brown sugar
250grams self raising flower
1 level teaspoon of baking powder
3 eggs
400grams mincemeat

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well
Put the mixture into a prepared 28x18cm shallow tin
Bake at gas reg 3/160 degrees Centigrade for one hour or until firm
Cool slightly and turn out and cut into fifteen squares


I am also baking chocolate brownies and maybe a lemon drizzle cake. But that can be done tomorrow.


  

End of year review

one of my two new ornaments for this year

This year (not quite sure how) I got all I wanted done in time for Christmas eve with less stress than previous years.  I still need to be much much better organised, so I may start making next years cards as soon as I can - that was last years plan as well. I even got some peanut brittle made on evenig of the 23rd. Did not manage to find my christmas music.

next year better decoration

All the baked and  handcrafted presents were received well.  I made my gingerbread sleigh on christmas day and kind of decorated it a couple of days later. I changed the recipe that I found slightly - partly because I didn't have any ground cloves and partly because I thought the gingerbread would taste better without it.

I got given a copy of SERIF CRAFT ARTIST  for christmas, I had the compact version which was quite good but this is so much better.  It came with a manual that I am working my way through, a nice thick detailed easy to use manual.  I will be able to do so much more than I ever dreamed of.  It may sound a bit odd raving about an instruction manual above all other things but eighteen months ago my partener brought me a CRAFT ROBO (which has since changed its name) which came with information on how to turn it on and change the blades.  I had to join a forum and wait for a month before I could access their site properly before begining to get to grips with it.  Second plan - use craft robo more often and learn more about it.

 Bruce opening his present.

I really hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas and New year as much as I did and that we all have a good 2012.

it is just tooooo much

Getting closer to being ready

As we are spending Christmas just us two (and Bruce) you would think the preparations would be easier - not the case.  We only decided what we would like for dinner on Christmas day today, we have two puddings because we both fancied different ones (next year I am going to make my grandmothers recipe it will be easier) and there is still all the homemade presents to make (as usual).

bacon puffs

sausage rolls

mix for spicy pork rolls

All my pastry savouries are now made and in the freezer, the christmas cakes have the marizpan on them and are to be iced tonight, I got some emergency sausage meat today just in case we run out, the chilli jelly is straining as I write as is the cranberry sauce, only a few more cards to make and write ( all the ones that needed posting are done) I still have to finish my neices bag and the lavendar sachets for my mother, and when thats all done I can get the sweets made but they are really a last minute thing to do.

spicy pork rolls ready to bake

I want to get the mince pies made and in the freezer.  I find it so much easier if everything is prepared and frozen ready to bake.  I  still really want to do the gingerbread thing, not sure how long it keeps though.

All the presents that I have brought need to be wrapped but there is still a week to go. All I need to do to be ready is to keep off PINTEREST.

Our spend the day alone Christmas has turned into a three day event - visiting my sister on Christmas eve and his sister on Boxing day.  I am looking foward to it.  And I am really looking forward to the present I know that I am getting SERIF CRAFT ARTIST  I have the compact version but cannot wait to get my mitts on the complete package.  Who knows it may make me a bit more organised with my cardmaking. 

I love making Christmas goodies, cards, presents etc and I think the people receiving them are happy to have them.  Pretty much I just love everything about Christmas - getting/making presents, wrapping presents, catching up with friends, entertaining, the spirit of Christmas, decorating the tree, EVERYTHING!  The only thing thats a little sad is that Dad no longer wants to go on the morris tour on Boxing day, I shall miss that.

Christmas cards, gingerbread, and christmas crafting

Still in major Christmas preparation mode, nearly all the cards are made now. Just in time to meet the postal deadlines for New Zealand.  It is so important for me to get non-perisables out of the way early to leave time for sweets and other goodies. http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_a_gingerbread_house/
To start with I wanted to make a carousel but I feel for a first try a sleigh might be wiser, I have also seen a gingerbread AT AT.  There are some very talented people in this world.

Made some delicious mincemeat squares durring the
week and even managed to get some photos before we ate it all.  Something I haven't managed with the scone, apple snickerdoodles or banana bread.  Still there is always next time.

The recipe for mincemeat squares is so easy as its an "all in one".









125grams butter softened

125grams soft brown sugar                              250grams self raising flour
1 level teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
400grams mincemeat

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well
Put into a prepared 28" x 18" shallow cake tin
Bake at reg 3/ 160degrees for one hour or until firm.
Cool slightly, turn out and cut into fifteen squares.

I now have a two thirds done Union Jack cigar box for Etsy.  A set of  Manchester United coasters for my nephew and the mirror I was making for my niece has the modge podge drying.  The worries I had about the mirror have sorted themselves and I am pleased with how it has turned out.

Have justed listed the bronze ribbon bracelet on etsy                                                         http://www.etsy.com/listing/87785083/chunky-bronze-bracelet-upcycled

I have been busy busy busy making christmas cards this week - it has felt gloriously christmassy sitting in front of a log fire cat sitting on a chair next to me (if he doesnt have his own chair pulled out so he can enjoy the fire he steals my one as soon as I move, and sometimes before I move) and lots of paper, glitter and ribbon.  I am about halfway through now,  I have already made my favourite card for this year, I keep putting it up on the shelf so I can admire it, now to work out who to send it to.

I will have to get in touch with Wingham wildlife park to see how they got on with the christmas cards I gave them and if they would like more.  We have some fantastic pictures of the tigers now that should make nice cards.  I hope the cards sold as they are fundraising for the lions at the moment.  .http://www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk

I have been having a lovely time on ETSY making a treasury lists.  What a beautiful way to get noticed - admiring the talent and work of others.  I have had a lot more views for my items since I stared doing the treasury lists, got some more admirers for my work ( no sales as yet but it is coming up to christmas) and found some things to give as presents.  http://www.etsy.com/people/dreamtimemakes
  This is one of my treasury lists  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTUzMTc1OTV8MTIzMDU5NzI0NQ/purple-deep-and-rich?ref=pr_treasury     Nearly half the items on one of my earlier lists have vanished I suppose they have been sold.

Today I must carry on getting the cards made and carry on making my neices bag.  And there all the ideas that are bouncing around in my head that might work on Etsy.  (note to self do not go to PINTEREST till you have completed targets)  I had a very busy start to the day - making snickerdoodles, scones and lemonade before breakfast. 

Took advantage of yet another bright sunny day and unpacked the last of the wood we were given from a piece of local woodland, unfortuantly the wood had worm in it so we are burning it first so it doesn't spread to the rest of the stored wood.  I also cleared, sorted and then refilled the log rack by the fire so we don't have to go rushing out to get wood as soon as we get home from work.

 A new bangle..... its hard to see in the picture but there is a bronze like look to this bangle that means its lightness is a shock.


I have just got some red ribbon and black lace for the next one. 

Today I brought some felt flowers which with a few beads of buttons will work really well.  There were several different sizes in the pack.