Tis the Season to be Baking...

December 31, 2008 10:39 am

As the temperature outside drops, all the lights are hung on the lampposts and the department store windows and I see passersby bundled up with scarves, thick mittens and cozy hats, I think to myself, the way to warm me up is in my kitchen.

I love the holidays and the best thing to me about the holidays is the food. There is food everywhere. At your local supermarket, they are giving away free samples. Gift baskets and other goodies are being delivered to your house from well-wishers of the season. Your office Christmas parties seem to never end and the constant flow of comfort food extends from every department. It's overwhelming but it's definitely a reminder of the impending holiday season.

Every year, my daughter and I do some serious baking in our own kitchen and provide goodie bags for all of our loved ones (and also, sneak a few for ourselves). On the menu this year, traditional cut-out cookies, peanut butter kiss cookies, five layer squares, peppermint chocolate fudge and homemade truffles. So after a mad dash to the supermarket which was swarming due to the impending snow storm, we hunkered down and pulled out our warmest PINK sweats and fuzzy slippers and dedicated ourselves to an afternoon of warmth, comfort and baking. As soon as the first batch of cookies get going, the smell and heat from the oven warms the entire house.

It was our first time working with chocolate for the truffles so I was a little nervous. But I remembered some of the tips, tricks and techniques from Behind the Burner and assured myself that I could do it too. I made sure to use a double boiler and after the truffles were chilled, I left them to warm to room temperature before serving them with some nice red wine. Oh, what a night! Cookies, chocolate and wine.

After spending five hours in the kitchen, I was ready to settle in but I couldn't help but feel a small bit of sadness that my baking for the holiday season was over. So, I spent the next week baking pies and cakes for my family's Christmas parties. So, the new year has arrived and I look forward to my baking again in 11 months!

Jennifer Ambrose