It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

We’re finally getting winter weather! That means it’s knitting time again! Now, that is not to say I’m going crazy with starting new projects – I’m not. As a matter of fact, I haven’t started anything lately but I have been knitting… finally.

The 10 stitch blanket has finally been seeing some progress. I now have 10 rounds completed with, I think, another four or 5 to go. Once I’ve done another few rounds I’ll ask John how big he’d like to see it. I’ve been working on this in the evenings while listening to “The Hunger Games” on my iPod (which I’m enjoying, by the way).

Other than that, there’s been very little other knitting. To be honest, right now I’m finding the endless rows of garter stitch rather soothing. I’ll ride that wave as long as I can.

And, knowing me as you do, you know I’ve been baking up a storm again. Yesterday was no different. I even asked John this week if he had any requests. For once, he did. White bread! You don’t have to ask me twice; I love baking bread. And, I must admit, I especially love baking bread now that I have a KitchenAid stand mixer (I LOVE that thing!).

Generally speaking, I happy with how the loaves came out but I did let them rise just a little too much. I guess that’s what happens when you’re knitting and getting lost in an audio book. The scent of this bread is amazing, so fresh and yeasty! And it tastes great. John is happy!

I also made a couple of batches of cookies for the upcoming holiday. We will be having another quiet Christmas, but we’ll definitely be inviting a couple of friends to share Christmas dinner with us.

I don’t often make shortbread but I did attempt it this year. They look pretty but I don’t know if I’m thrilled with the recipe. Do any of you have a good, never fail, shortbread recipe? Would you care to share?

When I put the first tray of cookies in the oven I didn’t prick the tops and they came out looking almost like ravioli, with a bubble puffed up in the middle of the cookies. Subsequent batches were pricked with a fork and they stayed nice and flat.

Interestingly, just as the first batch came out of the oven, John came home from doing the grocery shopping (I love that he does the shopping!) and, in one of the bags was a box of… you guessed it, shortbread. He decided to to a taste comparison. That was a little unfair, though. How doe you compare basic homemade shortbread to store bought Glenfiddich shortbread? How did I fare? Well, let’s just put it this way: There are only four of the Glenfiddich shortbread cookies remaining (out of a package of 9) and he’s only eaten one of my shortbread cookies. I guess we know which cookies won, huh?

Oh well. In addition to the shortbread, I also made a batch of Mexican Wedding Cookies. These always turn out well.

Hmm… I think a cup of tea may be in order.