Day 1175 Baking season

 

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend…

So we’re still doing Daylight Savings? Didn’t I hear a rumor that this madness would finally end? Looks like I’m rolling into winter weather whether I like it or not. Dark by 4:30—ugh!

Winter, at least, is good for baking. Nothing warms the soul on a cold, dark day like the smell of baked goods and the cozy warmth of a kitchen. I’ve had the same mixer for 38… maybe 39 years now, and I can’t imagine ever being without it. If you’ve never owned a KitchenAid mixer, there’s absolutely no substitute—it’s a must for any baker....might even convert someone into one! 

No, not all mixers are the same. And this beauty is on sale right now at Walmart for $279. After nearly forty years, that works out to about six dollars per year to own the best darn mixer on the planet—so why wait? My friend has lived her whole life without one; I can’t imagine it!

As a rule, women don’t usually want kitchen appliances for Christmas, but I’d dare say this mixer is the exception to that rule… just saying.

Over the weekend, I was whipping up coffee cake for Tim—one batch one day, then trying a different recipe the next. Delicious! No wonder we pack on a few extra pounds during the winter months. Baking, early bedtimes, and lazy days of winter are officially upon us.

I’ve always been more of a morning gal anyway, but now I’m a super early gal—watching the sunrise daily and enjoying the peaceful quiet before the sun peeks through. I try not to wake Tim up too early, but figured the smell of bacon might do the trick once it was a reasonable hour...yes, he's spoiled. 

A quick update on my “dining dog” rant: Tim did a little digging for me, and it looks like I’m not entirely crazy after all—it’s actually against Rhode Island law to have any dog inside a restaurant, other than service dogs. Take that, Fido!

As we settle into the darker days ahead, I’ll be leaning into the small comforts—warm kitchens, delicious homemade treats, and maybe one more slice of coffee cake...or two.  Here’s to finding light in the little things this winter... embracing the beautiful sunrises, nesting at home and embracing baking season...one homemade treat at a time.