Mmmm ... The Smell Of Christmas ...

Hi There !!

Guess what .... I've been baking !!! Chicky and I went through a multitude of cookbooks that I have collected over the years, and chose a few not-so-hard goodies to make for Christmas. It was great fun, as we haven't ever done a big Christmas baking session like this before. I used to do a lot of baking, but for some reason, the last few years I haven't done ANY !! As we went from one project to the next, I tried to teach her about cleaning up as we go (she conveniently disappeared at washing up time ... although she loved the mixing and tasting !!!).

Anyway, firstly we made Chocolate Rum Balls (minus the rum !!), in two different coatings ... coconut and chocolate sprinkles !

Next we made Shortbread Jewels ...

Then we made Christmas Biscuits that I found in a microwave cookbook (hence their paleness), and then Cinnamon Stars (from a German Dr. Oetker cookbook) ...

We also made Coconut Ice, but that is still setting in the fridge, so I haven't taken any photographs of it yet !!

Now, the quality of my baking (and the photography thereof) leaves alot to be desired, as does the presentation. However, it all tastes pretty yummy, if I do say so myself !!

There is something so wonderful about the smell of Christmas baking, or any sort of baking for that matter. The house smells amazing, and it sure does put you in the Christmas spirit. We even played Christmas music to start off with (then Chicky decided she wanted "her" music playing !!!). Right now, though, my poor back is killing me, from standing at the kitchen bench for such a long time !!! (That's right, I'm a sook !!!)

The past few days have been fairly quiet on my part, although I did get the majority of my Christmas shopping finished. I'm very pleased about that. Now I just need to wrap it all ... I'll do that next week, whilst Chicky is at school and Hubby is at work.

I had to take my Bambi kitty to the vet yesterday. On Thursday night the poor thing kept us awake all night, with her going back and forward to her litter tray (which is in the laundry, within hearing of the bedroom !!) to try and do wees !! Seems she has a urinary infection, and is on anti-biotics for a week. She's much better now, and didn't visit her tray once last night (thank goodness).

Our weather has taken a turn for the better at the moment, regarding the bushfires. It is quite mild, and the wind is minimal. They are hoping to get much of it under control by the end of the weekend. Finger crossed. Unfortunately, there has now been some properties lost, and one man was killed in the fire. Hopefully there won't be any more losses, of life or property.

Hubby has headed up to Bonnie Doon for the weekend, to do some maintenance on our bathroom up there. We were going to go too, but decided to stay home to keep an eye on the cat. I didn't want to further stress her out, by dumping her in her carrier basket, and taking her to the boarding cattery, after having to take her to the vet yesterday... poor thing, she doesn't really like to travel in the car (or her carry basket ... not that I blame her !!). Anyway, Hubby rang earlier, saying that it is very smokey there (it is only about 45 minutes drive ... if that ... from the fires). Apparently this is a good day up there, smoke wise, but it is worse than what we were experiencing here ... I imagine it must be awful, I'm kinda glad we didn't go. I prefer the smell of Christmas baking to that of smoke !!!

Oh well, I guess that's enough from me for now.

I hope you are all well and truly on top of your Christmas preparations ... if not, it's gonna be a big week for you !!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Take care,

MEOW