Happy New Year!

Is it really the end of another year?!?  Each January, I wonder where the last year went and how I will survive the longest month of the year. Then, it's February and not long after that it's Thanksgiving again!

2012 will see the youngest Hinkelgruber graduate from college, and the oldest one (that would be me!) vowing to finish at least five sweaters I have begun.  (I bet you thought I would say something like lose 10 pounds or exercise more - hah! - if I were going to do that, I'd have started before now.)

To all of you, Happy New Year and here's to Mr. Hinkelgruber continuing to keep us well fed!

As one year comes to an end....

We survived Christmas (and I have a truly clean house!), 2012 approaches (think it really will be the end of the world?), and some things have been accomplished.

The mancave is complete and I'm thinking about the next project.  (It's not like there aren't enough to last through 2022!)  I'm thinking ceilings next....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the neighborhood, although in the Hinkelgruber household, the decorating will have to wait until Wednesday.  In whose mind was I when I was asked if workers could measure our windows December 20 for inside storm windows? And I said yes?  I have to have an insanity gene.

So, from Wednesday until Saturday, we'll have a "blitz-decorating and planning" session for the holidays.  Monday will be occupied with cleaning so that the 'measurers' can get to the windows.  And, did you know that Goodwill accept old books?  I just learned that, and boy, have I made a dent in my book shelves and donated to a great non-profit!

Oh, in case you were wondering - yep - the "Mancave" is finished! WOOHOO!

Oldies, but goodies....

A quick look at this week's menu shows that Mr. Hinkelgruber went to the old family standby recipe book.  And, I couldn't be happier!

The man-cave is nearly complete (ahh, the smell of oil-base paint in the morning!) and the younger Hinkelgruber boy will be home from college at the end of the week.  Holidays are coming!

I've been sharing baking hints with the baker down the street (not to mention samples of each other's baked goods) and I can tell you from experience there's nothing like the smell of cookies and brownies baking to make you happy for winter!

Ahh, bread...the staff of life...

I've said before, I love to bake.  This past week, I baked rolls for Thanksgiving, then made my first brioche. Oh, Julia Child was right - there's nothing like brioche when it comes to bread!  Soft, sweet, crunchy crust - all the textures one could ask for.

I also did something I try to do once a year - I actually cooked a full dinner.  Yes, sports fans, me, Mrs. Hinkelgruber prepared Friday's dinner.  The turkey breast, the potatoes, the sweet potatoes, the vegetables, the pumpkin pie - all of it. (Ok, ok, ok, Mr. Hinkelgruber actually made the mashed potatoes, but those of you who have had  his mashed potatoes knows that no one makes them like he makes them!)

Mr. Hinkelgruber has a birthday this Sunday - and the man-cave (his birthday gift) should be finished by this next weekend.  Oh, how the boys will be pleased!

Oh, and just in case you were wondering:  28 days until Christmas!

It's beginning to smell a lot like...baked goods!

Oh, I love baking season - and this week I've baked or prepared for baking lots! Jacques Torres' chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pound cake, whoopie pies - and that's just this week!

I've gone back to the gym - I know, baking and the gym - somehow they are two opposite ends of the spectrum, but it just seemed right.

Heading for Lost Wages - oh, the debauchery.  And then, the holidays. It's a typical foxtrot tempo:  slow, slow, quick, quick!

Baby needs new shoes!

In case you all were wondering, Mr. Hinkelgruber and the elder Hinkelgruber son took off to "Lost Wages" for three days of drinking and debauchery. That leaves me on my own.  Ho, hum....what's a girl to do? Dine out, of course! Oh, and not to be outdone - I'll leave for "Sin City" in about ten days for five days with the best bud.

I started my plan for the holidays and have mixed up the first two batches of the most terrific chocolate chip cookies for holiday gift giving. I'm so excited - it's baking season!