Day 11: Classic Sugar Cookies with Icing

The first time I experienced snowfall was on my 20th birthday, early spring in Yosemite National Park. Light little fluffs, drifting in the wind. Light little cotton puffs, falling on my skin. The first and only time, thus far, that I've seen freshly fallen snow. It was magical.

Someday, I hope to encounter specks large enough to see the unique lines of real snowflakes. In the meantime, these snowflake sugar cookies will have to do. Just like my first snowfall, these are my very first sugar cookies and also my first time decorating. So take it easy on me; it's definitely going to take awhile get the hang of it. I don't really know what real snowflakes look like. My imagination can only stretch so far.

Day 10: Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Twirly, swirly, cinnamon spun

I am now ready for some holiday fun

Hump day is over, and I am already ready for the weekend, per my usual banter. I can't wait to watch cheesy Christmas movies, drink hot chocolate, and eat, eat, eat cookies, cakes, and tamales.

Okay, I take that back...I may take it easy on the cookies this time around because, as you can assume, I've been eating cookies everyday for the past week and a half. Just need to cut back on the sugar a tad bit. I've never had such a constant flow of sweets at home before and it's been a bit overwhelming. I usually keep it out of the house to prevent from overeating. As of late, the majority of the time I'm trying to finish as much of the cookies as I can just so they don't become stale. Those aren't fun to eat. Actually, a couple of stale cookies might be salvageable with a good cup of coffee.

Day 9: Andes Crème de Menthe Cookies

Do you remember the other day when I talked about being surprised that my friend didn't like chocolate? Well, in related news, I've never heard anyone refer to the feeling of eating mint flavored goods (pastries, candies, ice cream, etc.) as feeling like you're eating toothpaste. Well, The Dude has and that's how he feels. I'd like to believe that mint is a generally enjoyed flavor, but I guess for some it's not.

Day 8: Oatmeal Cranberry Raisin Cookies

Surprises can be quite awesome sometimes. But other times, they can be pretty terrible.

Like when I got this Polly Pocket Magical Mansion playset for Christmas. Awesome.

This thing lights up! The dance floor. It. Lights. Up. Can you believe this thing? Then I found out my cousin got the same playset too. So whenever I went over to her place, I still got to play with this truly magical mansion. I was never without my Polly Pocket.

Then there was a time when I was running around at school and I slipped and fell. I thought my ankle was sprained when I couldn't walk right after I got up. Turns out I had actually fractured it. Terrible.

And not only that, but I had to hobble around with crutches for about 2 months, close to the start of summer.

Day 7: Homemade Berry Newtons

Another wet and wintry day, another reason to stay cooped up indoors again. Thus, I am so glad I did not have work today and got all my errands done yesterday.

I've been lacking sleep for this past week and unfortunately did not get the opportunity to catch up on it this weekend. That state between dreamland and reality is a funny feeling. I can hear and respond when I am being spoken to but for the life of me, cannot get up and get moving. When I finally do, every movement is without thought and focus.

Day 6: Melt-In-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Chocolate Cookies

I have a friend I met back in college that once told me something I thought was interesting. He told me that he didn't like chocolate. This news kind of took me by surprise. I mean, I understand that not everyone can like the same kinds of things, obviously. But I guess I just assumed that everyone liked chocolate, and those that stayed away from it were either: 1. allergic to it, 2. unhappy that they broke out with acne from it, or 3. afraid of putting on an unhealthy amount of weight from eating too much of it. He just didn't like it because it wasn't sweet, as opposed to vanilla.

Day 5: Melt-In-Your-Mouth Soft Almond Cookies

Freaky Friday is finally here! Alright, alright, more like Frumpy Friday is happening right now. At this point, all I want to do is change into something comfortable and lounge-y, and start getting to work with the sugars and flour. So today will be short and sweet.

Day 4: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Another cold and possibly rainy weekend coming up. Another reason to just stay in bed all day.

Last night's downpour and this morning's drizzle made me think of how much I used to love the rain as a kid. Thunderstorms were the best and if there was lots of lightning, even better. Those were the perfect times to huddle in your blanket fort and read ghost stories.

However, the on-again-off-again scatter of rain these past few weeks were more of an inconvenience. Driving in heavy rain, at night, on the freeway, with my less-than-great eyesight (I do have up-to-date contacts/glasses! But this astigmatism is just killing me...) is one of the scariest feats ever. I am forever grateful whenever I manage to get home in one piece. I know, my exaggeration is ridiculous, but somewhat recently it was really scary when the rain was coming down in sheets and I realized then that I really needed to get my windshield wipers replaced. From that point, I didn't like the rain that much anymore. It slows everything and everyone down. I then end up not being able to do things as efficiently. I guess that totally makes me an adult now.

Day 3: Butter Pecan Cookies

What a special day in history. Like most everyone else has already noted, Happy 12/12/12! And also, Happy Hump Day! Hooray for Wednesdays! But with this day now over, I definitely can't wait to roll into the weekend.

The only thing I'm not looking forward to for the weekend, though, is my dentist appointment. Usually, going in for a regular check-up is a non-issue. Sometimes I actually enjoy it, getting to leave with a mouth full of extra squeaky clean pearly whites. This time, however, I know I have a cavity that needs to be filled. A cavity. I have never had a cavity before as an adult. Never. And I've only had one cavity in my lifetime; I was 5 years old, if I remember correctly. It just feels daunting having to go in and get a filling. I can only hope I never get another cavity, ever again.

Day 2: Peanut Butter Cookies

Today was one of those days. One of those that felt a bit off. Not to sound negative, but something wasn't sitting right with me today. I wasn't sure whether it was me or something in the air. I kept going over it in my head, whether I had forgotten to do something for work or whether I had forgotten something else important. Couldn't think of a thing.

Day 1: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, I know...what a shame that I've put on my invisibility cloak for the last few weeks once again. This time, however, I do have an unfortunate excuse. The weekend of Thanksgiving, I was all ready to share my new favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and talk about pies. And all the while in the frenzied midst of baking cookies the night after Thanksgiving, I accidentally spilled soda on my laptop.

*fizz*

*PEW!*

*silence*

My laptop shut down before I could even react.

Before I could even unplug it.

Before I could even do anything.

Before I could even process what had just happened.

Mango-Orange Upside Down Cake

My aunt came to visit over the weekend and our family celebrated the way we always do...potluck time!

I love potlucks! It's just a food-explosion-extravaganza-palooza. Very exciting. What was even more exciting was my uncle had donated a box of mangoes my way earlier in the week. They were perfect for this cake, and this cake is perfect for many events. It is light and fruity and great even after you accidentally overdo it with the food. Okay, I take that back. There is no such thing as overdoing it with the food.

Carmelitas

Hello friends! I apologize but this is going to be a very short post. I bet you're cheering, though. HAH!

At the start of my vacation I was craving something very sweet, and these carmelitas really hit the spot: caramel, chocolate, and some oatmeal for health (okay not really); you can't go wrong.

Valentine Sublime

Ahh Valentine's Day...whether you love it, dread it, or believe it to be a Hallmark-manufactured holiday, there surely is no avoiding the love that's in the air. Personally, I don't have any particular affinity nor qualms towards this holiday, but I do love having a great occasion for making heart-shaped desserts. Of course, my favorite thing about making these whoopie pies (besides eating them) was sharing them!

2011 Christmas Dessert

In a continuation of the Christmas cookies, I also made dessert for my family Christmas Eve potluck that we had. This will also be a quick post...I do apologize!

I was really glad that everyone enjoyed the Bundt cake, considering that most members of my family do not enjoy the taste or smell of cinnamon. (The spice isn't that strong in the cake. A lovely light aroma, really.) According to my aunt, she thinks cinnamon smells like...well, maybe I shouldn't write it here, because I honestly don't know where she got that idea. She's such a silly joker, all the time.

2011 Christmas Cookies

I sure do have "impeccable" timing, don't I? It's taken me nearly a week after Christmas to share the cookies I made before the holidays. It really doesn't help that I haven't been feeling well all of last week and the start of this week. Oh, but I do apologize, as that is a mediocre excuse.

I am just overall glad that I managed to get my baking done despite a mini crisis at the start of last week.

But my aunt so graciously lent her hand mixer so that I may finish making all of my Christmas desserts.

Alright, enough rambling about some nonsense. Well, 2 years ago I gave away a medley of cookies for Christmas. This year I will be doing the same, and am looking to make this a tradition. You really can't go wrong with cookies, or just food gifts in general.

2009 Christmas, L to R: Hazelnut Crinkle, Andes® Crème de Menthe, Oatmeal Raisin, Snickerdoodle

Oreo Cheesecake

What was one of the first things you've ever cooked or baked? Did it turn out the way you wanted it to? Did you get to share with your family and friends?

I started baking sometime during my last year in high school. The steady courtship of me and baking eventually blossomed into a fruitful love affair.

I remember my first major dessert was an Oreo cheesecake.

No, it wasn't for the sake of experimentation.

No, it wasn't for someone's birthday.

No, it wasn't for myself either.

The Thanksgiving Trio

Do you remember how you felt your first time doing something or going somewhere? Like your first day going into preschool/kindergarten. Or a first kiss. Or your first time going to Disneyland. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

This year was my first "official" Thanksgiving celebration. By official, I mean doing the whole cooking the turkey thing and making the stuffing and gravy and whatnot. And then everyone sitting down and eating together. Yes, in my more than 2 decades of existence, this was a first. Better late than never. Oh how excited I was; all that adrenaline pumping. like a kid with $5 standing in the candy aisle of the 99¢ store.

In all my excitement, I decided to make 3 pies...

Yes, THREE PIES. IN ONE DAY. This may not be a big deal for some of you out there, but I've never made a pie before. The crust always seemed like an elusive little thing; too fussy.

In all honesty, I intended to make the pies, or at least one, the night before. That way I could help out with the cooking of the main course and sides the next day. Procrastination sure is a tough habit to kick.

Cheesecake-Marbled Brownies

It's been almost A YEAR [sad face status] that I've been on a hiatus from baking. I can't really recount how exactly it happened and whether it was a subconscious choice, but it sure feels good to be back in the kitchen. Honestly, I was actually afraid to stir up the flour again because I've been away for so long, and I wasn't sure whether my abilities have diminished from a lack of practice. Well, you've heard of that age old phrase "use it or lose it." I guess I just didn't want to find out.

Like the Deserts Miss the Rain

I miss baking. I miss it a lot.

It's been almost a year since I last whipped something up in the sugar lab. And within that year, I've had to overcome a sort of personal tragedy and am still in the process of doing so. No, nobody passed on. Luckily, everyone is still in good health and good spirits. However, it does feel like a part of my soul, a part of myself died.

At this point, though, I think I just might be wallowing too much now. Maybe...

Time to get out of the funk, no?

Time to get back into business.