She Bakes, He Bakes, We Bake

Marty & I spent a good portion of our weekend shopping for baking supplies and baking. This is all in preparation for the 2007 Republic of Dogs Annual Holiday Bake-Off. Ok, not all in preparation for the bake-off, as I'm baking for Christmas presents this year as well.

I have a Scottish shortbread recipe that is, by far, the most requested thing I bake. I decided to try adding dried fruits, nuts, etc. and altering the recipe a bit. In the past, I've dipped the shortbread in chocolate or drizzled chocolate on top, but it doesn't keep well - after a day or so they end up soggy. The following varieties were baked, in order of outcome (from best to worst):

• Cranberry Oatmeal
• Dark Chocolate Pecan
• Walnut Oatmeal
• Cranberry Walnut
• Cherry Macadamia Nut
• Raisin Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Mocha

I learned some valuable lessons, and got used to baking with Marty's oven. I'm mulling over adding peanut butter or nutella to the dough, and seeing what happens. That'll have to wait for next weekend though. If anyone has a suggestion they'd like me to try, let me know. I'm also working on getting a friend's mother's recipe for molasses cookies that have earned the nickname of "crack cookies"- they're that good.

My other teammember, Von, spent a good portion of her weekend baking. We're so totally going to win this bake-off.

The rest of my weekend was fairly busy and very fun. Had dinner at Beat Kitchen and saw Lost Love at Stage Left Theatre on Friday night. Went to a 30th birthday party for my friend Andrea on Saturday night at J. Patrick's in the midst of an ice storm. Attended my co-worker's going away party on Sunday night at Chief O'Neil's. Marty met my boss and all of my favorite co-workers. He was a big hit. As he always is amongst my friends & family.