We Have A Date...

Vintage Baking Image via Internet

I baked yesterday to stock up for later this month. I made bread and tried a new recipe for molasses cookies - all while I was busy answering the phone all day with upcoming appointment dates.

Seems I have a surgery date - pending clearance from the cardiologist. Tomorrow is my echocardiogram. Then, I have a new pre-op physical therapy appointment; an appointment with the cardiologist to go over the echo results (and hopefully be cleared for surgery); another pre-op consult with the surgeon's office; all leading up to my surgery date the week of July 21st. It's going to get a little busy around here.

In the meantime, I'm going to be doing more baking; making a few "thaw, heat ,and serve" meals for the freezer; and a little more home prepping for when I'm recuperating. I'm not forgetting about my bluebirds, either. Working on the fence embroidery will keep my mind occupied as I get closer to the day of the operation. It's okay, though. I'm getting anxious to get this over with to let the healing begin. Waiting is the hardest part, I think.

Lots to do today, so I'm going to enjoy my morning cuppa and then set about my tasks. Have a great day, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

A Different Kind Of Commission...

I got an order this week, but not for anything even remotely related to needlework. I got an order for some of my baked goods. Granted it was for a relative, but still. It's a paying gig. The order is for two four-packs of cinnamon rolls, ten strawberry scones, and two loaves of bread.

I figured I'd do a little prepping because I don't know exactly when my surgery will be scheduled, but I likely won't be baking for a little while. So, I made four trays of cinnamon rolls instead of just the two ordered. They freeze well and I can frost them later. 

I also made extra bread, trying a couple loaves in round form. Then, I tackled the scones. I have to freeze them for at least ten minutes prior to baking, but they can be frozen longer, which was perfect. I made sixteen strawberry scones, which will leave some for us after I fulfill the order for ten. I also made white chocolate/raspberry scones (shown frozen in the photograph), and then I made an experiment...fresh rhubarb scones. I took two out of the freezer and baked those for Handsome and me to test after dinner last night. They got a raving thumbs up from my resident taste-tester. I'm glad I have six more of those, too.

Believe me when I say I was pooped by dinner time. I've had more than a few requests for my scone recipe, too. Now that I'm selling the baked product, I've decided to create a pdf file of the recipe and make it available in my Etsy shop for a minimal fee. I've been fine-tuning the recipe, so it will be ready some time next week - with photographs. Once I list it, I'll let folks know in case anyone wants to purchase it.

I'm frosting the cinnamon rolls and strawberry scones first thing this morning, and then I'll be driving out to deliver them. I work at four today, so I'll get back home toot sweet and put my feet up to relax and rest my knees until it's time to dress and report for duty. I can't believe it's already Friday again. Can someone please tell me where the heck this week went?

I Couldn't Help Myself...

I started my day hand mixing a double batch of farmhouse bread, and during it's first and second rise, I packaged my homemade brownie, cookie and corn muffin mixes. I was feeling quite accomplished already, and then I decided to make cinnamon rolls.

I made a double batch of rolls, and believe me, they're not all staying here! I'm going to surprise my overworked boss, Kim with some this afternoon adding a few extras for people I know will be at work when I drop by. (I don't work again until tomorrow.) I'm also taking some to Andy and Shelly when I drop off their bread, too.

The nicest part is that when I bake bread, I also make hamburger buns (believe me, they're not as big as they look in the photo!), and when the kitchen is finally closed after a full day, I can make a simple meal for Handsome and me using those rolls. Last night it was homemade hamburgers and American fries. 

All in all, it was a very productive and satisfying day. Even so, I never got to sit down to work on my bluebirds, so that's my plan for today. Sit and stitch. Period. Well, except that I'll take a break early afternoon to deliver cinnamon rolls to my favorite boss. I'll need to stretch my legs by then anyway. 

Happy May Day!!

 

We woke up to overcast and cool weather yesterday, so I knew it was a perfect day to spend baking. I began with farmhouse bread, and while the loaves went through the process of rising, folding, repeat, I made the dough for the cinnamon rolls.

No. These aren't all for us. I definitely know my boundaries, so we share. Some will go up the hill, and this time I'm also sharing with a couple friends from work. One of the gals bartered venison and halibut for some of our canned delights. I'm adding baked goods when I see her today. I do love bartering!

I work from 10-7 today, so I'll be away most of the day while Handsome and the girls hold down the fort. This weekend, I'll be setting up the last of the frog brooches to make into scissor fobs and brooches. It's time to send them hopping to their new homes. I'll probably set them up on Saturday so I can start on them right away.

Did you notice the fresh lilacs in the background of my picture? The blossoms are just beginning to open up. I think that means there will be lilac jelly in the near future, too! If you've never tried it, you don't know what you're missing. I don't make it "perfume" strong, so it only has a lilac hint, but served on pound cake with a little whipped cream is heavenly. Yes. I'm sure there will be lilac jelly again this year.

Are you ready for the weekend? Do you have plans for Mother's Day? Are you creating something fun right now? I'd love to hear about it!

My Long Day...

I hadn't baked in weeks, and we were overdue for fresh farmhouse bread. I also was in the mood to bake a couple apple pies for us - and to send up to Andy and Shelly. 

I began the day with egg bake muffins for us for breakfast. They're easy, just sauteing mushrooms, green peppers, bacon and onions. Once cooled, I mixed in beaten eggs, salt and pepper. I sprayed muffin pans with Pam™, and then filled each cup half full of the mixture. Into a 425º oven for about 20 minutes. Gluten-free and tasty.

I spent most of five hours on my feet baking the bread and making the pies, but it was so worth it. Two loaves and a pie went up the hill, and we again have fresh bread for toast or sandwiches. I admit, I was pretty tired by the time I finished up. I actually didn't realize it while I was busy, but I was ready to sit down and relax by the time I was finished.

I'm scheduled to work for a few hours today, and again tomorrow night. I'm taking this morning easy and should be fine for those few hours. I'll be back home by 4 pm today, so I'll have a nice quiet evening with Handsome and the critters. I won't work tomorrow until 4 pm, just working through the dinner hour, so I'll be back home by 7. 

Don't worry. I'm being extra careful to take care of myself and not overdo it. I'll be back to my needlework by the weekend. How can it nearly be the weekend again already? sheesh!