King Arthur Flour

Last month I finally lived my dream of going to King Arthur Flour in Norwich Vermont. I felt like a kid in a candy store-if you'll pardon the overused expression-going around the store with my little cart (not big enough!) and choosing new baking accessories and ingredients.

Later we spent two hours at a class in the education center on portable pies. It was taught by guest instructor Sarah Copeland who works at the Food Network and has a cookbook coming out next year.

She was great, the company was great (thanks Terrie and Camille!), and it was definitely worth the drive. More on the day's activities later, including the general store that has everything. If they don't have it, you don't need it. Really.

Does This Make Me a Professional?

So I've recently acquired a KitchenAid Professional 600 series mixer, and I couldn't be happier with it. Sometimes as I pass by I have to reach out and give it a little pat - feel the sleek, shiny exterior and remove any stray specks of flour.

Does this mean that I can consider myself a professional baker? Oh wait, I think I have to make money for that. For now I'll have to be content with the knowledge that I can mix up larger batches of baked goods. More posts to come on the particulars.

New Year's Resolution

New Year's Resolution: Improve my blog. How? By actually putting something on it.

Of course, I'm already behind since I'm posting this on March 18th, but it's either that, or wait until 2012 to improve...

Birthday/Christmas List

Yes, it's that time of year again, time to buy me a birthday present. Unfortunately, as each year goes by I dread this special day more and more, so my birthday gifts have to increase in awesomeness in order to compensate. If they don't then I will be wallowing in self-pity and buying wrinkle cream by the five gallon bucket. So my mental health is completely in your hands - no pressure.

Good & Plenty
Pretzel M&Ms
BN or Borders gift card
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
Desk calendar pad
Cool cooking stuff (like a scone pan,
not cast iron and yes, I'm picky)
Pandora beads (click for example)
Rat merchandise (click for example)
Look Ma New Hands
(from Bath & Body Works)
Slatkin & Co. candle (ditto)
acceptable scents:
Winter Candy Apple
Vanilla Caramel
Vanilla Shortbread
Frosted Cranberry
Peppermint

Now of course, these are just examples. If you have a fantastic idea all on your own, then go for it! If you just won the lottery, then I'd like an iPad, a MacBook Pro, or possible a MacBook Air.

Now get shopping! You have ten days.

I'm a Winner!

I have a major muscle spasm in my neck, my house is a disaster, and no one in my family has had real food for the last few days. But I'm a winner! I made it to 50,000 words in 30 days.
Now I'm going to have a nap.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Here's another book recommendation if anyone's looking for something to read! I checked it out because of the odd title and I really liked it. It's about a girl who suddenly begins to feel the emotions of the person who prepared her food, starting with a lemon cake made by her mother. Unusual premise, really good book.

NaNoWriMo

This month, for the second year running, I'm participating in National Novel Writing Month. This involves writing 50,000 words in 30 days. Fortunately quality doesn't count, only quantity, and anyone who hits 50,000 words is a winner! It's like a Participaction award.
I'm posting a widget to track my progress and shame me into writing something every day. Here's hoping I end the month with a shred of mental health intact!