Christmas

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Storm Clouds

The storm passed through yesterday, and the atmosphere was thick. It was so humid that everything felt clammy – even with air conditioning.  Unfortunately, I forgot that such heaviness takes a toll on baking. My concoctions weren’t up to snuff. Then the storm clouds hung over my attitude! I wanted to make cinnamon buns, but I didn’t feel like making dough to rise. That laziness may have been my first mistake. Instead, I used puff pastry to make it easier. I spread out the square and rolled it a little to elongate it. I spread some butter over it and sprinkled on brown sugar and cinnamon. Rolling it up took a lot of patience because one-handed rolling is difficult. I cut them into eight segments and followed suit with the second sheet of pastry. I spread melted butter in a 9x13 baking dish and sprinkled more brown sugar. The little buns were carefully placed on top, and I baked them for twenty minutes. At first sight, the finished product looked great, but after a few minutes, they deflated. Pfft – gone! They looked like cookies. Grrrr – enter storm clouds.

Next, I wanted to make a layered dessert that I’ve made before, but this time, I wanted short  cuts. Another failure is looming. Instead of making dough for the crust, I ground up Pecan Sandies [cookies] in the Cuisinart, and I added melted butter to make the crumbs adhere. After ten minutes in the oven, I had a nice first layer. Then I mixed cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a half tub of Cool Whip. That became the second layer. Chocolate pudding goes on top of that for layer number three. The toppings are the last of the Cool Whip, some caramel drizzle, and toffee bits. When done correctly, it’s a decadent dessert. Mine, on the other hand, was not. It just wouldn’t firm up, so I put it in the freezer. As my endeavors seemed to be crashing around me, I skipped making the zucchini bread I had planned.

My boys came for dinner, but we didn’t travel to far-away places. I made pretzel chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The frozen dessert got sliced and served. The boys said it still tasted great, even if it did look a little droopy. They really do boost my spirits and help me to chase away the clouds!

My sister is coming tomorrow for a short visit, and I wanted both of those items for her stay. That’s all right – we’ll still have them anyway. I’m planning a nice dinner of poached salmon, couscous, zucchini/squash medley, and watermelon arugula salad. After that, the messy dessert might not seem so bad! My two little guys are coming for a sleepover on Saturday, so our dinner will be quick and easy. By Sunday, they’ll all be gone, and I’ll have lots of leftovers to tide me over.

The storm has departed, leaving beautiful blue skies and cooler temps. I copied the weather and let my attitudinal clouds drift away. It’s only a minor incident, and I won’t let ruined baked goods destroy my mood.

Peace,

Muff

7 comments:

  1. ooooooh muff, my meatballs and sauce kinda sucked. the meatballs were awesome after i browned them, i ate 3, they were so good. one at a time, declaring each time, that was that. after they sat in the sauce all day, they were not nearly as good and seemed almost dry. sauce was only ok. it must have been the weather.

    it's cool, dry and beautiful here as well!!!

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    1. Aren't we lucky that we can blame it on the weather? I've had times when my meatballs got that way, too. Hope you were able to get out and enjoy yesterday's weather! Even today is looking good!

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  2. Boy oh boy, some days are like that...everything goes ka-flu-ey I'm sure the sunshine will brighten everything up again!!!

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    1. Yesterday's beautiful weather really made me feel great -- no heat, no humidity, no rain, just gorgeous blue skies and gentle breezes!

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  3. I love that chocolate dessert.

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    1. It really is yummy, but I only indulge once in a while!

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  4. I can't believe I had not commented on or read this post. I guess I had my own storms brewing. Your stories about family life are, as always, wonderful

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