I exchanged Christmas gifts with my husband's family a few days ago. I love my husband's family. They're sweet, generous, funny, and just... family. I love family.
And, omg, do they spoil me rotten.
There was a definite theme to the gifts this year. I've always been an avid baker - baking relaxes me. During finals time at law school, I was always showing up to the library with baked goods. It calmed me. Or maybe I was just procrastinating.
In addition to my usual baking, Mr. EWP and I have really been cooking up a storm. I really enjoy it, and with my gluten-free self, it helps me control what ingredients go into my food.
Something that's always gluten-free are vegetables. Nice, fresh vegetables. We're going in on a farmer's market box share or something with our friends Emily and Justin, and will be getting fresh produce every week starting in the spring. But you get whatever's fresh, be it brussel sprouts or fennel. And I really have no idea how to make those things.
Good thing my sister-in-law got me this wonderful book by Alice Waters. Alice is the best.
Now I will have no excuse for not knowing how to prepare any vegetable.
Look, I can make bunches of recipes no matter if what I have on hand are fava beans or fennel.
And, omg, do they spoil me rotten.
There was a definite theme to the gifts this year. I've always been an avid baker - baking relaxes me. During finals time at law school, I was always showing up to the library with baked goods. It calmed me. Or maybe I was just procrastinating.
In addition to my usual baking, Mr. EWP and I have really been cooking up a storm. I really enjoy it, and with my gluten-free self, it helps me control what ingredients go into my food.
Something that's always gluten-free are vegetables. Nice, fresh vegetables. We're going in on a farmer's market box share or something with our friends Emily and Justin, and will be getting fresh produce every week starting in the spring. But you get whatever's fresh, be it brussel sprouts or fennel. And I really have no idea how to make those things.
Good thing my sister-in-law got me this wonderful book by Alice Waters. Alice is the best.
Now I will have no excuse for not knowing how to prepare any vegetable.
Look, I can make bunches of recipes no matter if what I have on hand are fava beans or fennel.
This guy will come in handy for all the vegetable chopping I will be doing this year. Mmm... santoku knife. I really love santoku knives. Totally my fave. Tied with my tomato knife. I just like the tomato knife because it's cute.
And, wowee, did Mr. EWP's parents make my day with this - a Le Creuset stockpot.
Except I had always just imagined something in the 8 quart range. My in-laws made sure I could never again complain about one of my pots being too small and got me a 16 quart pot. SIXTEEN QUARTS.
Here, let me help you with the scale. Look at that itty bitty can next to the giant pot.
And I'll move him inside the pot now. He's so little. "Hello!!!" hello hello.... *echo* *echo*
Here, let me help you with the scale. Look at that itty bitty can next to the giant pot.
And I'll move him inside the pot now. He's so little. "Hello!!!" hello hello.... *echo* *echo*
It's time for Mr. Stockpot to join his Le Creuset brethren, and show them he's the biggest pot in town. Poor little dutch oven and braiser are probably going to get bullied around by this big guy. Don't worry, I still love you too!
Better protect my couture from any splashing sauces with my new apron, courtesy of Lauren and Dave. I especially like the bows.
And now it's time for me to get my baking on. Look at this! A decorator set!
Each bottle has a different tip for wonderful icing fun.
And now it's time for me to get my baking on. Look at this! A decorator set!
Each bottle has a different tip for wonderful icing fun.
And oh so easy to squeeze! Let me demonstrate... [Please marvel at my ability to both manually focus and then take a picture one-handed. I amaze myself sometimes :)]
And whatever shall I decorate?
And whatever shall I decorate?
Hmmm.... this looks promising....
Oh dear me, this is an entire case of gluten-free baking delight!
What's inside, you ask? Well, delicious, yummy, and wonderfully gluten-free brownies, that's what!
And that is not the end of the gluten-free baked wonders.
Oh dear me, this is an entire case of gluten-free baking delight!
What's inside, you ask? Well, delicious, yummy, and wonderfully gluten-free brownies, that's what!
And that is not the end of the gluten-free baked wonders.
There was also the entire Betty Crocker gluten-free line.
And Pamela's Products mixes!
I really love Pamela's.
And Pamela's Products mixes!
I really love Pamela's.
Now how am I going to bake all these? I can't possible have enough pans.
Oh me oh my, take a look at this! The cutest cake pan (and lid) that ever did exist.
I better bake something immediately! Mmmmm.... if no one told you, I swear you wouldn't have a clue these brownies were gluten-free.
Oh and Mr. EWP didn't go empty-handed. He got a blu-ray player and Tiger Woods Golf for his Wii. I may never get him away from the TV ever again. He played the golf game until 4 AM last night. Should I be worried?
Happy new year, everyone!
And then there was the best gift of all... an MSU Snuggie! Yes, even fashionistas need snuggies. How else will I keep my arms warm while curled up on the couch and blogging?
Happy new year, everyone!
