TWD-Gingersnaps

Seriously not so Snappy

I loved gingersnaps as a kid.  There isn't much I don't like when it comes to ginger. (Except these.)

I have never made gingersnaps.  To be fair, I haven't made a lot of things when it comes to 'Baking with Julia' and I am so glad for the experiences (good and bad) that I've had baking out of this book.  I have learned a lot during this time in TWD land. 

Gingersnaps....that was one of the gangs in Westside Story, right?  I may be wrong.  But can't you picture a gang of Gingers snapping their way towards you!  I wasn't allowed in the gang, due to a condition known as 'not being able to snap my fingers'. (True story.)

Velvet Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Olive Oil and Fleur de Sel

First you get the fluff...then you get the fudge

I've never made fudge before; and I'm a little anxious about it.  I'm not a huge fan of fudge as it just seems like a sugar packed candy.  Give me a cookie any day.  But I am going to try this recipe.  Hold on, just re-read the recipe....I have to make my own marshmallow cream?!  Gulp.  That involves a candy thermometer (as does this fudge)...which never seems to end well for me.  But I do have a new candy thermometer and I believe it will help to keep things 'non burnt'. (Fingers crossed as extra precaution...toes on standby.)

Now before I get started, can I just say I'm a bit flabbergasted that we are already 8 days into December!  How in the holy name of fudge did that happen??!!  Where is that damn pause button when you need it! (Sorry, Santa....I meant darn.) 
Granted, if I did find that remote, I wouldn't know how to use it and with my luck would hit the fast forward button!  I swear I had visions of being all Martha Stewarty this month.  Now my visions are filled with Martha Stewart types running around in a panic and screaming.  You don't want to know what they're screaming....suffice it to say it isn't PG.  I think some of them got into the peppermint schnapps! 

TWD-Challah

Challah!  I'm making Challah!  I seriously love baking in this group, as this is something I probably wouldn't try on my own.  (Much like croissants, pita or Danish pastries.)  I don't want to jinx this, but I'm super excited to make this bread, because I totally want to make French toast with it!  Challah makes great French toast. 

Yep, I'm picturing a baked French toast.  And now I'm googling a perfect baked French toast recipe!  I think I've found the recipe.  Overnight French Toast from Epicurious.  I don't think I could mentally handle it, if this challah recipe doesn't turn out now. (Not after searching for the perfect baked french toast recipe.)  It was probably not a good idea to look up French toast recipes BEFORE I actually made the challah.  Am now forming back up plan (putting challah on shopping list).  Oh, oh...just found another recipe that looks amazing for French toast.  Drunken Caramel French Toast. 


Okay, time to focus on this recipe; seems pretty darn easy.  Am hoping there is a video I can watch on the making of it...before I actually start making it.