2011 christmas cookies

I sure do have "impeccable" timing, don't I? It's taken me nearly a week after Christmas to share the cookies I made before the holidays. It really doesn't help that I haven't been feeling well all of last week and the start of this week. Oh, but I do apologize, as that is a mediocre excuse.

I am just overall glad that I managed to get my baking done despite a mini crisis at the start of last week.

But my aunt so graciously lent her hand mixer so that I may finish making all of my Christmas desserts.

Alright, enough rambling about some nonsense. Well, 2 years ago I gave away a medley of cookies for Christmas. This year I will be doing the same, and am looking to make this a tradition. You really can't go wrong with cookies, or just food gifts in general.

2009 Christmas, L to R: Hazelnut Crinkle, Andes® Crème de Menthe, Oatmeal Raisin, Snickerdoodle

cheesecake-marbled brownies

It's been almost A YEAR [sad face status] that I've been on a hiatus from baking. I can't really recount how exactly it happened and whether it was a subconscious choice, but it sure feels good to be back in the kitchen. Honestly, I was actually afraid to stir up the flour again because I've been away for so long, and I wasn't sure whether my abilities have diminished from a lack of practice. Well, you've heard of that age old phrase "use it or lose it." I guess I just didn't want to find out.