Sweet Mary

Holidays (Already)

I think I have a case of "senioritis" even though I am technically not a senior. No, it's not that I don't want to bake. I do. In fact, today, just when I thought I couldn't or shouldn't roll out any more puff pastry for fear of biting someone's head off if he/she turned the ovens behind me up too high while I was rolling out my buttery dough, I looked down at my dough and was excited. Yes, excited. I remember the first time I rolled out puff pastry in class last year. It wasn't pretty. In fact, it was pretty sloppy. And, we only did it twice, so it's not like I had a ton of practice. But, lately, my hands have just gotten it. My squares, layers, and folds have been lovely. Progress was definitely made. How nice for me. So, with one more day to go, my mind is now wandering elsewhere. Moving on. Moving forward. I am apartment hunting in Providence. I am headed down to Baltimore for a visit this weekend. I will be hanging with my family. Hooray. Hooray. Sleeping. Eating (healthier!). Resting up a bit. Baking a little. I am looking forward to having the time (and will) outside of work to bake. The past month has left me with little of either. Next week, my mom has put in a request for a good old fashioned pumpkin pie. Now, that sounds nice. And, simple. With the holidays already around the corner, I do want to give America's Test Kitchen a plug. If you are looking for a gift for someone who is very much into cooking or baking, he/she might really like a subscription to Cook's Country or Cook's Illustrated. Or, you can check out their numerous books. I took home a copy of The Best Light Recipe, The Best International Recipe, and The America's Test Kitchen Family CookBook (Revised Edition). I really like the Family CookBook. It includes all the great tips on products and techniques America's Test Kitchen is known for. I suggest you click here to check it all out. I am hitting the road and may or may not post until after Thanksgiving. I hope you all enjoy the holiday!

Baking Break

I was scolded by one of my housemates for making such great cookies (see below for recipe) and told to take a baking break lest she continue to gain weight! I gladly took a weekend off not because of her, though. Just because I needed it. I spent all day yesterday on the couch in front of the TV watching The Breakfast Club, episodes of Sex in the City, and Mean Girls. I cannot remember the last time I indulged in such laziness and/or mindlessness. I had good reason, though....I had a wisdom tooth yanked yesterday. And, it was the perfect day for such a thing. Crazy winds and tons of rain. I was actually quite content. So, I hope you all had a nice Halloween. I didn't make anything pumpkin-y this October. In fact, the month just flew by and, as I found myself hiding in the house with the lights off as trick-or-treaters buzzed at the door, I didn't even feel guilty. A little less sugar in their lives is a good thing, I think. I would have wanted to hand out dental floss or tooth brushes after the month I've had anyway! Now that it is November, I am just about finished with my internship...and culinary school. I have about two weeks to go. And, I am ready to move on. I think I've definitely hit a point where I feel I am not necessarily learning anything new. For me, that's always a bit frustrating. I still enjoy all the daily baking, though, and the people around me. Lately, I've been making doughs, cakes, lots of pastry cream, and pies. All good practice. My hope is to write a piece that kind of sums up this chapter of my life. That will take some time and thought. For now, I am just glad to leave the thought of being a full-time student behind. I am not sure what's next. I've been putting thought into it. I have been shopping around. Time will tell. And, that's just what I need. Some time. Without homework. Without the stress of working without being paid. And, surrounded by my own things and friends. So, I am headed back to Providence for a spell to work and figure it all out. It's all good.