Last Week and Peppermint Marshmallows

Last week was exhausting.  Here is what worked:

Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - Phenomenal. Not just as in "we both know I'm a phenomenal dancer."  The best cookie I've made in a long time. Better than World Peace Cookies. Seriously. When I made those I couldn't stop eating the dough, but these are better.

Lebkuchen were wonderful as well, but very complicated. It cemented its status as something that is the quintessential Christmas cookie (say that twelve times fast). Using all kinds of holiday spices, it is finicky enough that you're a better woman than me if you're willing to make them for just any old weekday. And we all know I'm willing to make just about anything for any old weekday. One of my taste testers said they reminded him of German stollen, but in cookie form. Another, who lived in Germany and has had The Real Deal, was impressed by them, knowing the work that they require.

Fudge was great, a little on the skinny side.

I was happy with just about everything I made. Especially the mexican crinkle cookies. Wow. Look for that recipe here sometime soon - as soon as I bake some more and have them pose for me. 

The marshmallows had a great flavor, but their texture was a little funny. Because I added actual pumpkin puree to the meringue-candy base, they were wetter and less springy than a person expects from a marshmallow.  They got consumed, no worries there. My brain began to wander... how to make hot chocolate's perfect companion a little fancier. With peppermint.

For Unto Us An Oven Is Born!

For unto us an oven is given.

Unto us, an oven is born!

And the government shall be upon its shouuuuuulders!

And its name shall be called WONDERFUL!  OOOOOOVEN!!!

And this is where the analogy of my new oven to the Baby Jesus (haps to the bday dude!) ends.

Goodbye Old Oven, we don't miss you at all.

Things I am Baking Today

I don't work today, thanks "flexible schedule" (don't worry, I'll be working on boxing day). Instead I got up at the crack of 10 and got to grocery shopping for my Holiday Baking Session (sorry sister, these all require the use of an oven. Some also require a stove). Here is what I'm attempting:

1. Mexican chocolate crinkles (chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, chile powder)
2. Marshmallows (sugar and more sugar, and gelatin)
3. Fudge (chocolate, sugar, butter, delicious)
4. Lebkuchen (all kinds of fanciness)
5. Linzer cookies (almond, raspberry, C Fierce's favorite) 

I think I have every base covered, including sugar coma. What's the over under on Stomachache Onset Hour?

When your oven breaks ...

You feel really sad.

Then you turn off the gas and open the windows so you don't die. 

Then you order Chinese.  And hope your landlord reads your blog and buys you a new oven.

Quick Cast Iron Chicken Wings

At Casi di Fierce, we watch a lot of football.  Plans are made from September to February well in advance.  Saturdays & Sundays = football = chicken wings. (And beer, but that's another story.  But it might explain why these photos are not that focused.)