Today is my last day of work for the year and I can't wait to spend the next couple of days leading up to Christmas simply taking some time out to just be.
Dare I admit I was up until midnight last night baking? But it was so worth it. The eggnog macarons and mousse verines were to die for!
However my nougat that yes indeed 'looked like nougat' when it went into the pan, certainly did not behave like nougat should when I took it out. Who knows what went wrong…perhaps some more in depth research needs to be done before I attempt a second batch.
Also, a little word of warning on the apple cider caramels…they are VERY soft. If you are after a firm, chewy, toffee like caramel, then the recipe link in my earlier post is possibly not for you. They did taste lovely though!
https://hellonicabella.com/nicabella/2011/12/success-and-a-little-failure.html
The smell of Christmas baking
Each Christmas I bake ‘take home’ treats for my work colleagues. Usually I have a back log of ideas of what to make, but this year was proving difficult. Until I came across a post for Apple Cider Caramels here.
I decided to make them yesterday and if the divine smell of warm apple cider bubbling away was anything to go by, I just know they are going to taste amazing! I have to wrap them tonight, so surely no one will notice if a few pieces go missing!
I also had my first attempt at making nougat – cranberry, pistachio & almond. So far so good. It looked just like nougat should look, but I'm determined to allow it plenty of time to set before trying to cut it.
Tonight I will be busy in the kitchen again as tomorrow we’re celebrating an office get together and exchange of secret santa gifts. I’m making chocolate mousse verines with hazelnut toffee and if I have time, eggnog macarons. Fingers crossed everything turns out OK…
watercolour love
This is just one of my favourite watercolour paintings from the very talented DIMDI.
Happy Birthday
RALPH
Everyone, meet Ralph.
Ralph loves….
- sitting on laps, whenever & wherever possible
- Boney (his stuffed toy in the shape of a dog bone, although he’s partial to pulling the stuffing out)
- his blanket (a dog & bone print – so appropriate)
- getting in to bed with whoever is last to wake up
- running around outside
- play dates with Misty on a Saturday (she’s a sweet black short haired kelpie, three times his size!)
- sitting in under my feet in the bathroom while I get ready for work in the morning
Of course we think he’s the cutest.
Enjoying small comforts
I was up quite late last night working on the laptop, and I was being kept company by little Ralph. He likes to curl up on my lap a certain way, which unbeknown to him of course, makes my arm ache. I could move him, but I don’t.
It’s these small comforts or should I say discomforts, that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
So guilty
of loving my new perfume – Gucci Guilty. It's rather heavenly.
A reflection on thanks
Thanksgiving was as wonderful as I’d imagined it would be – the juiciest turkey, green beans, mashed potato, homemade cranberry sauce and the best stuffing EVER. And one cannot forget the pumpkin pie!
More importantly though was the reflection on what I am truly thankful for. My family, my friends, and my own personal strength.
Over the past couple of months, I have received such unconditional love and support from them, that it has without question made the impossible, possible. Thank you.
And, more exciting news….sister A and husband became Godparents to their dear friend's gorgeous little boy Felix!