Good morning! So I am sad to say there was no BakedAlaska Family dinner this Sunday. Two family members sick, one with the flu and another who had to be somewhere else. What's a girl to do when you've already bought the ice cream and plenty of it - as it turns out there's a little more room in my freezer right now ! I ate one of the Haagen Daz cherry vanilla and I am not sorry! Luckily I did not do most of my food shopping or prep before the cancellation happened and some of the stuff I did buy will keep. So all in all a disappointing weekend - how bout you all??
Theresa
Always sad to hear a family member is ill I hear the flu can be really bad this year especially if one is up in years I had to work both sat & sun That’s not all bad:) I think I’m starting to fail a bit—when I get home I can hardly keep my eyes open after only 3-4 hrs on my feet at work Probably the main reason is I don’t sleep soundly— but in 2-3 hr snatches I guess that’s what getting old is all about Watch out that cherry stuff will creep up & smack you in the middle! That’s why you should have shared it with me Since I don’t have any room in my fzr I would have had to eat right off:( LOL
Sorry you are so far away Kadeladi you could've helped me make room in my freezer! And maybe my pants wouldn't be so tight! I'm taking a short break from sweets, let's see how long that lasts... my day job causes me to stress eat!
More importantly I'm sure you need to figure out how to get more rest and get your strength up - I'm hoping so for you!
Sorry your plans failed, Theresaf. Disappointing, but tastey anyway. kakeladi, I hate to think about my sleeping habits getting any worse with age since I am a life long insomniac. Actually, most of the time, I sleep better now than when I was young. Still nothing to brag about.
I baked sourdough English muffins, sourdough soft pretzels, one loaf of potato flake starter sourdough bread and have a batch of sourdough pizza crust proving for baking tomorrow night. This is my first ever attempt at pizza crust. I love to bake breads.
theresaf....too bad about the cancellation. I would have most likely froze the ice cream as I have a good sized upright. I don’t buy ice cream very often, otherwise both hubby and I, like you, will eat it!!! I made one Russian loaf ( Sandra’s recipe) and a rye. Yesterday 2 loaves of sprouted organic whole wheat bread. Tomorrow.....egg bread!!!
kakeladi/lynne...somehow I was under the impression you were retired??? Lynne/Sandra...Can’t imagine functioning with so little sleep. The only time I ever had insomnia, was when I went through menopause. It was awful. I can remembering coming home from work with a headache from exhaustion and feeling so, so very tired. I would lie down for about an hour, hour and a half. Set my alarm so I wouldn’t sleep any longer. I do get the occasional night now where I can’t sleep. But they are few and far between.
Sandra you’re becoming a regular bakery!!!! I bake and freeze right away. Less temptation to cut and slather with butter. I did have some leftover bread dough from a too high rise of my rye. I cut off the sides and made a couple of rolls. Yum. Next week I’m going to make a batch of rolls. I love rolls and never think to make them. And there actually easier than bread.
And speaking of dessert, 2 weeks ago we celebrated my son’s bday. I made the most glorious pavlova. Everyone loved it. Whipped cream piled high on a lovely meringue shell, covered in lots of fresh fruit. It was devine. I didn’t realize I didn’t take a picture of the pavlova until we were finished!!!!! Dang....that just isn’t me. The grandkids were getting ansey, so I a just wanted to make some coffee and serve the pavlova quickly....... Oh well, next time.
Oh I lova pavolva too June! That's another dessert best served in the same location that you make it! I bet it was great.
All this bread talk is definitely interesting me too! I might need to put that on my weekend plan list! Although right now I have some vanilla NFSC with orange zest waiting to be decorated to look like conversation hearts and other Valentine's Day-like themes.
Yes theresaf You definitely have to serve pavlova right away, just like baked alaska. Although there was a small bit left, and I put in a large bowl, no lid. Was surprised that the meringue was still very crispy and tasted like the day before. I was going to make NFSC for valentines, but I always end up with too many cookies. And my family doesn’t want them. So will probably make a teeny cake or cuppies.
Yes theresaf You definitely have to serve pavlova right away, just like baked alaska. Although there was a small bit left, and I put in a large bowl, no lid. Was surprised that the meringue was still very crispy and tasted like the day before. I was going to make NFSC for valentines, but I always end up with too many cookies. And my family doesn’t want them. So will probably make a teeny cake or cuppies.
Calories...calories...calories... oh ladies you are lost!
I have enjoyed your chatting so very much that I did not dare to interrupt... until now.
I'm Venezuelan, I have no clue what football is about... just to let you know that since I now live in Kansas I bet for the Chiefs!
Yes, I'm trying to bump this post and U-turn your lovely chatting... bread, alaska, pavlovas...I'm getting hungry...Have MERCY!
Now, keep on chatting, love, Reggis!
June I make half a batch at a time of the NFSC. They also freeze well if wrapped after baking. They also defrost fast when you need a cookie - stat! Like during a commercial break during ThisIsUs!
Now about ThisIsUs...are you watching? My two sisters, one of my sisters-in-law and I have a group text video bookclub thing going about this show. Some of us watch in real time and comment and some chime in the next day when they've watched on DVR. And another friend of mine texts with me separately during or after the show. It's really the best part of the show to me is this group effect. There is a lot to comment on and sometimes random crying because it hits too close to home on some issues. Sniff!
PS Regina, we are all hungry!!
jchuck said: kakeladi/lynne...somehow I was under the impression you were retired??? Well YES, I retired from decorating/the sweet life but now I work at a wholesale/club store (Costco) part time as a demonstrator...….handing out samples of (usually) food to encourage people to buy it. My shift is 4 hours or less plus driving time of about 20 minutes each way usually just 2 - 4 days per pay period. I'm limited to the 4 hrs by drs orders :(
Lately I have been baking sweet bread......yesterday's was cinnamon squash. I have some green tomatoes to make into bread/cake too. Last week it was persimmon cake...….boy is that moist! I'm anxious to try some grapefruit cake next :)
Reggie this is exactly what I miss on this site...…..our ability to chat about anything and everything even if it's not cake/baking related!! :( Sandra I have not watch ThisIsUs……..I think I watched a small part of one show & didn't see/like anything what would make me return. Maybe I'll try again.
Ha Ha ReginaColeiB...glad you’re enjoying the thread!!
theresaf....yes, it’s true I could make a 1/2 batch of nfsc. And I was a avid watcher of This is us, but I haven’t watched an episode since well before Christmas. All episodes pvr’d or dvr where you are. I kinda got sick of the drama. Be nice to see a full episode with nothing but happy stuff. I’m also tapping for my daughter. Come end of March, when the reruns start, I’ll probably start watching the taped episodes.
kakeladi/lynne...those sweet breads sound delish. I literally just came home from Costco!!! Actually buying Madagascar vanilla beans. I was there on Friday, bought 1 pkg of vanilla beans, and thought, shoot, at that price, should have bought 2. My Costco hasn’t carried the beans since the summer. Wanted to get some before they were gone. I love, love the sample ladies. Gotten to know several over shopping there for years.
And as far as This is us...it’s kinda one of those shows that if you haven’t watched the show from the very, very beginning, you can’t grasp the complexities of what’s going on in the family. I have a friend, who like me, got tired of T is U. She is now watching called The Village. Similarities....residents in a large apartment that interact with each other. One of these days, I’ll check it out....
I think I forgot to mention that I made pavola for the first time a few months ago. I made mini, individual sized ones because I wanted to share them with the neighbors. We all thought they were divine and the left overs were just fine the next day.
kekeladi, sweet breads like you are making are some of my very favorite treats, much more than decorated cake. I think decorated sugar cookies are the coolest thing ever, but I never make them because I don't like sugar cookies. Much prefer oatmeal, chocolate chip, peanut butters, etc.
I've never heard of This Is Us. My favorite things to watch, all on Netflix, are Heartland, Crown, The Great British Baking Show (favorite), and Heart of Dixie. All except Crown are feel good, family shows.
I guess, since we are the only people still visiting this site, we can discuss anything we like. Who is going to stop us, lol!
Yes Sandra, I remember you saying you made mini pavlovas. Think on Christmas Eve or day? And I also watch some of those shows on Netflix. Heartland is 100% Canadian. Filmed in Alberta by the CBC. I binged watched The Crown 3rd season. Really wasn’t keen on the new cast. But as always, learned some interesting facts about the people of the period. Like PM Harold Wilson. I always google to separate facts from fiction. And I would KILL to see the GBBO!!! You were fortunate that Netflix USA signed a contract with UK tv 4 to show GBBO a few days after airing in the UK. We weren’t so fortunate with Netflix Canada. Didn’t get that opportunity. Both PBS and CBC would show GBBO here in Canada about 6 months later. But PBS/CBC had contracts with the BBC to air the show. Now that the show is no longer on the BBC, PBS/CBC obviously haven’t been able to secure a contract with UK tv 4. I really miss seeing it. With Netflix USA having the rights, highly doubtful PBS will air it. Not sure CBC is actively trying for the rights. Gotta wait and see.
I was late to the party of the Great British Baking Show and I do love it! First of all do you notice their oven doors DISAPPEAR into the frame of the oven when they open the doors ! Why don't we have that here in America?? Although they do make odd (to me) combinations and don't make a lot of things Americans make. The judges, though are supportive so much more so than the American baking counterparts. The only exception to that are the judges on Kids Baking Championship, Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli who are sweet even though they are critiquing.
Zulilly offers a tee shirt occasionally that I've been so tempted to buy, "Bake like you are in the tent and Paul is watching". I just may have to order it one day.
June, I knew Heartland was Canadian. Did you know that the actress who plays Amy really is a horse person and lives on a ranch? Unless they have an awfully good stunt double, she does most of her riding on the show.
I meant to say "Hart of Dixie", not Heart. It is a person's name.
Duff Goldman is a super human being. He is always kind, no matter which show he is hosting. Not only are the judges on the GBBS a lot more kind than in the US, I love how the contestants help, encourage and support each other, even though each of them would love to win. To me, it is the most unscripted reality show on TV.
Yes, yes, yes Theresa! I spotted those disappearing doors on their ovens right away! The only think I do not like about them is that they are so tiny, but I am sure that is just for the show. My oven is large and, with the door open, I can barely reach the shelves. Sometimes Mike has to help me.
Sooooo true about the food theresaf. My Mom being Scottish, we had food, desserts that many Canadians never had. But since Canada was part of the Commonwealth, many, many British people emigrated here, so there were lots of influences in the cooking/ baking. Even so, I can tell you, there are many desserts/breads etc they make on the GBBO that are supposed to be quintessential British, that I never heard of.
And I never watch the cooking/baking competition shows. And there are sooooooo many!!!!! Just don’t like the nastiness. Like you the only one I did watch was the Kids Baking Championship. Just love Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli. Always so kind, understanding and helpful. Unfortunately, we changed our tv package cause had a lot of channels we didn’t watch. Food Network unfortunately was in the package. We could pay for just for Food Network separately each month, but we don’t watch it enough to bother.
Ha Ha Sandra....love the sound of that T-shirt!!! Actually I would say the average Brit home doesn’t have the large ovens/refrigerators we have in Canada/USA. Kitchens are pretty small. Now the newer homes built in the last 20 years, yes, because they’ve been modelled after Canada/USA. Older homes, 50’s/60’s would have to be reno’d to accommodate larger appliances.
Actually Sandra, I’ve new seen an episode of Heartland!!!! So I don’t know the young lady you speak of. But I can guarantee she is probably a great horse person and a exceptional rider.
And I agree about Duff, being a kind critic. He is never intentionally rude. That just isn’t his nature. Not like Gordon Ramsey...Uggggggg....can’t stand the rudeness and theatrics. Because it is genuinely a “act”. Gordon is quite quite and unassuming in real life. Don’t know why he’s so vile on tv!!!! And I do love Jamie Oliver. Another sweet fella. My girlfriend just met him at a book signing. In actual fact, literally bumped into him wandering in the bookstore afterwards. She said he was kind, polite and funny. Chatted for several minutes with him.
A lot of the cooking shows are just too goofy for me. I really want to watch "Nailed It", which is amatures trying to replicate a professional baker's creation, but I don't either the contestants have never seen a kitchen or it is all fake. A program we watch a lot is "Beat Bobby Flay". Bobby is an Iron Chef with a bunch of restaurants and about a dozen television shows. The people who compete are all professionals and at least it appears to be a straight up cooking competition. Sometimes Bobby wins, sometimes he loses, but all of the food is fantastic.
I find "Nailed It" embarrassing to watch - no one can replicate it! I love Jaques Torres and his chocolates. Saturday Night Live did a hilarious take off on that one week. I mostly watch the Food Network as a form of relaxation. But they use the same "contestants" from show to show in competition and that seems like they chose from a very small pool. I love "The Kitchen" and if you really want to see something relaxing and enjoyable, find Giada's short series on cooking in Capri. The background was so beautiful (and not just bc I'm Italian!) and the food simply prepared and shopped for.
The ‘Great British Baking Show’ (original) was on Amazon . com and I did binge watch it. All the seasons from beginning to end. Then watched the ‘Master Class’ with Paul & Mary. It was a unusually enjoyable show, and I learned a few things.
Have been baking rolls this week. I've made lots of them over the years and tried
something new this time. Sandwich rolls
with potato flakes. The recipe calls for
½ cup instant potato flakes to about 3 cups of flour. It made very nice soft rolls.
Well I can’t watch anything on the Food Network as I no longer have it in my tv pkg. MBalaska your so fortunate to have been able to watch the GBBS on Netflix. We can’t here in Canada. Keep hoping Netflix Canada will eventually show the 2019 GBBS. My Mom made rolls, bread with both potato flakes, and left over mashed potatoes. Rolls were soft and lovely. Mom even made potato scones.
I have a sourdough starter (well, it's not really sour!) that is made with potato flakes, sugar and water, that has been in my family for over 40 years. It is not as dependable as regular sourdough made with flour and water, but it is soooo delicious. At Thanksgiving I made roles which used real mashed potatoes and they tasted similar. Soft and yummy.
@jchuck I don't have Netflix, just used the Amazon website 'prime video' programming & watched it on my computer.
Isn't it amazing that after so many decades of baking...…...there are still new things for me to try out. Potato's in bread. I couldn't have made that one up. Funny that Everything Old is new to someone.
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