Baking Potatoes

Sometimes a girl needs a big breakfast.

Like the greasy kind you get in a restaurant with a steaming cup of tea to wash it all down.

So sometimes a girls go to do what a girls got to do

and go all out!

 I've been working on this potato idea for a while.

I knew what I wanted but I didn't know how to get there.

I think I may have figured it out!

I thought they should be fried.

Like in a skillet or a nice big cast iron pan.

When I tried that though, they weren't exactly what I wanted.

So this time I got the super bright idea to roast them.

You know like in an oven,

like most people would do right away.

Well guess what-it worked!

I felt kind of dumb because it took me so long to figure out the simple way of doing things,

but sometimes you have to take the long way round.

Baking with my Bestie!

A long time ago,

a day after I made a ton

(pretty much literally a ton)

of cookies for Dad's birthday,

Allie came for a visit and we did what we always do.

BAKE!

Everything but cookies.

So this is the late update on the goodies I made with a life-long friend,

who I'm missing today.

We made some fresh strawberry scones.

I lost the one recipe I had that used mascarpone cheese,

but this one is almost as good!

Then Allie made Scotch-a-roos.

I've never made them and only eaten them once or twice.

I was pleasantly surprised at how simple they were

and how fast we had a finished product we could dig into!

Allie's spending the summer in a different state taking summer classes.

I will miss her silly stories and amazing giggle,

but I will see her again before the summer is out.

Perhaps then we can make some lava cake!

Getting Started

Summer is just getting started and I have just started my summer baking craze.

I wanted to try infusing water so I bought some oranges and used a lemon mom had floating around.

It's refreshing and healthy!

How exciting!!

But really it was super simple and I think I'll be trying new combinations all summer!

It's my dad's birthday today!

So Happy Birthday Dad!

Instead of making him a card this year

I made him about 16.5 dozen cookies for his students and fellow teachers.

WOW.

That's a lot of cookies.

Despite the overhaul in cookie making I have Claire's Birthday key lime cheesecake in the oven now,

and Allie's coming over to make some strawberry scone.

And I haven't even touched the rhubarb this year!

To shame!

Well rest assured I'll be back.

With all kinds of yummy goodness!

May . . . So Far

This month is when all of the things happen!

Today is Monday of my finals week

and I'm taking a break to tell you what I've been doing.

Earlier this month I had some birthdays.

(There are some later too!)

Fred's was first.

I might not be old enough to get him the real stuff,

but I can provide the vessel.

(Links in the captions)

From a cute little Etsy shop I love!

I also made Fred a black and white angel food cake.

I want to try it again this summer,

with the right pan.

(I made it in a bunt pan.)

Claire's birthday was next.

I didn't get any pictures of her opening the present

but I promise I didn't keep it.

My new favorite tea shop!

 I've promised Claire a key lime pie cheesecake when school's out.

So stay tuned for that!

 Since the birthdays I've been making notecards.

Eating left-over sushi and sipping sparkling juice.

Consuming tons of tea and fruit.

And discovering Mad Men.

I know I'm behind the curve,

but it is pretty good stuff.

What I haven't been doing is watching Sherlock.

Why?

I don't know.

I should get on that!

You should too if you haven't seen it yet.

Season one is available on Netflix.

Masterpiece is in the middle of season three.

So I'll see you later.

After this week.

Part II

I knew you were holding your breath.

But really you shouldn't have,

first off because it took a few weeks and

secondly because it's just a birthday card silly!

But really.

I really like this one.

I tried to go in about five different directions and ended here.

I hope you enjoy!

As Promised Part I

Remember how I promised cards?

This is card number one!

I've been waiting for the right card to use these letters.

This was it!

I started with a neutral background,

the card is for a boy,

and I don't want to get too bright and girly for boys,

but thats my style so . . .

it got bright and girly.

Coming Soon

I've been working on a few cards.

And homework!

Don't worry mom!

But I can't show them to you.

I'm really excited about them-but people apparently read this blog. . . 

and I don't want to ruin birthday surprises.

I do promise that after said birthdays have passed I will let you see my handy work.

I just wanted to drop in and let you know I'm doing things!