The December 2009 Daring Bakers’ challenge was brought to you by Anna of Very Small Anna and Y of Lemonpi. They chose to challenge Daring Bakers’ everywhere to bake and assemble a gingerbread house from scratch. They chose recipes from Good Housekeeping and from The Great Scandinavian Baking Book as the challenge recipes.
In October, I tried to make a Halloween gingerbread house with my niece when I was visiting my family in Illinois. It did not turn out well at all, and in fact we ended up with gigantic gingerbread cookies and no house. So, when I read that the December challenge was a gingerbread house I immediately decided that I would do something alternative--who wants a baking failure right before the holidays. I made a gingerbread Christmas tree and decorated it with royal icing and candy. Amazingly it held together well, though I could not get it to stay vertical and had to rely on propping it up against a baking pan. Still, it turned out pretty cute and I'm glad that I didn't pass on this challenge.
The very talented Daring Bakers created some gorgeous gingerbread houses, so please take a look.
Dave and I had a wonderful holiday season. I was able to visit my family in Chicago for a few days, and then Dave had a couple days off in between Christmas and New Year, so we were able to spend some time together. Typically, during a regular week, we only get to see each other a couple of week-nights, and 3 weekends each month.
One of the Christmas gifts I received was this adorable pepper/salt mill from my niece. She knows that I love pink kitchen stuff (and pink food), so this was just the perfect gift. Thanks Miss Marisa!
One of the Christmas gifts I received was this adorable pepper/salt mill from my niece. She knows that I love pink kitchen stuff (and pink food), so this was just the perfect gift. Thanks Miss Marisa!
I also received this amazing handmade caramel. It is just the best caramel I've ever tasted--it's flavored with Earl Grey Tea. If you'd like to buy some you can find it here.
I gave Dave this popcorn maker since he loves his popcorn and we do not have a microwave--it works perfectly and makes delicious popcorn. It also roasts nuts! How cool is that.
My very wonderful friend from Australia sent me a goodie box that included just picked vanilla beans. They are so soft and moist you can tie them in knots. I am so looking forward to using these. She also sent me this cutie-pie cat purse that she bought in Malaysia.
Looks like you got some great gifts. Glad that your holidays were good and that you got to Chicago for a visit. Happy New Year to you also. Hope it is a great year!
ReplyDeleteWow - you certainly received some great gifts!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Michele, your gingerbread tree is really cute! I like the big star on top!
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of nice gifts. I've never seen a rolling pin like that. Happy new year! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your great cooking and baking this year.
I love your recap! That rolling pin has me very interested...my back has been acting up for months and I keep reinjuring it.
ReplyDeleteMarisa was very excited that you want a pink kitchen like hers. She loved trying to find pink utensils which is not as easy as I thought it would be. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThat rolling pin is AWESOME! I need to find one of those! Your tree is beautiful and so festive - I miss Xmas already!
ReplyDeleteWonderful gifts!! Very cool.
ReplyDeleteI like that you made a gingerbread tree. I groaned when I saw the challenge was gingerbread house. I don't like them. I didn't even think about making an alternative.
What a lovely recap, Michele. Thanks for sharing. My hubby also gave me a rolling pin, a French pin, without the rolling dowels, something I've wanted for a while now.
ReplyDeleteAnd that kitty purse looks like my Giacomo!
Thanks so much for commenting!
ReplyDelete