We were out the door at a reasonable hour and scooted around town getting some errands done first. Then it was off to do some Christmas shopping. I was really happy with some of the bargains I found. Of course we had to check out the new bookstore! We've been lost since Borders closed its doors in the summer and now we're so happy that Books-a-Million has moved into the location. Today was their second day open. My knitting group is overjoyed... but that's a post for another day.
We ate lunch at the food court of the mall and while we were there we played a little trick on our friend Robbie from knitxcore. You see, we were eating our lunch when we spied him coming into the food court, so we tweeted him and asked him what he was getting for lunch. Then we watched as he looked at his phone and then looked around for us. We could see him, but he couldn't see us. It was mean and creepy, I know, but we did reveal ourselves soon enough. Sorry Robbie!
While we were out, we picked up some ingredients for the baking I had planned and then we were headed home. By 5:00 we had Christmas music playing, I had my apron on and I was working away in the kitchen. First I made a pot of the Yarn Harlot's Emergency Soup. Mine is just a little bit different than hers. I didn't have leeks on hand, so added onion and celery instead. This soup is easy to make, tastes sooooo good, and as a bonus it's really good for you. Mine looks a little different than the Harlot's because I think I didn't puree enough of it.
While the soup was simmering, I started on the baking. I did a test run of these cute mini pies. I want to give these as gifts. There are five of us from different departments at work who have become close friends and exchange a token little gift each year. Just something inexpensive like a candle or ornament or something yummy from our kitchen. It's fun to see what each of us will come up with each year.
Last year Bonnie gave us these cute little snowman statues. Each of them were a little different. I keep mine on my desk all year round. I think we all do.
But, back to the pies... I decided to make Apple Cranberry Pies with my favorite crust recipe. It's been a while since I've made pies so I was a little rust working with the dough. I think I need some practice making them look good. At 7:00 the pies were popped into the oven.
The cranberries gave them a very tart taste and I liked them that way, but I'm not sure everyone will. When I make them again, I'll either add more sugar or leave out the cranberries.
By 8:00 I was snuggled up in the living room with doggie, crocheting, and a magazine on my lap...
...while I watched White Christmas.
AND, I was able to get the blog post done before the night was over. Now that's progress!
