It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or, at least, the most wonderful time in our kitchens. Andrea and Stefin are in the full swing of holiday baking and using their ovens to keep warm in the frigid temperatures of the Puget Sound (aka 30 degrees). First up, a short sidebar into the movie theaters, where both Stefin and Andrea gave Arrival two thumbs up. If you’re looking for a touching movie with a strong female lead, put this one on your list.
Andrea reviewed Stefin’s Almond Butter Blossom cookies and questioned whether “big chocolate” is involved in another baking conspiracy…are holiday wrapped candies fresher than the regular ones? Andrea loved Stefin’s cookies but learned they need to cool if you’re going to stack them. Both recommend keeping the cookie to Kiss ratio just about even – you want the cookie to be one bite! Stefin tried Andrea’s Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice cookie recipe, and decided they are going to be replacing her traditional Joe Froggers, as they are much easier to bake and deliver the same spicy flavor. Both recommend dark molasses and dark brown sugar!
Next up was the holiday baking wish list. Andrea is hoping for a whipped cream dispenser while Stefin is hoping for some new pie weights and a food scale. Lastly, Stefin is enamored with the “pasta maker in a box” and is wondering if it really works.
Listeners, have any of you ever tried using an automated pasta maker? Would you recommend it?
Coming up, our next baking challenge: Snack Mix! Andrea is mustering up her courage to bake and try eating Chex Mix, despite her fear of undefined portion sizes. Stefin is the true expert when it comes to snack mixes and will be rolling out two delicious recipes. She has fond memories of her Grandpa Bill visiting and eating Chex cereal. On the Caramel Churro Snack Mix recipe, remember to be careful – you’re dealing with hot, boiling sugar. Make sure to use a large saucepan that can accommodate the bubbling that will occur when you add the baking soda. Thanks to Confessions of Cookbook Queen for that delicious recipe! In the Chocolate Caramel Party Mix, you’ll be using bagged caramels, so the only danger you’ll face is polishing off the bag of leftover caramels. Happy baking!
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I am always on the quest for the perfect ginger cookie; these are now on my list to try! I’m curious about the Joe Frogger recipe too though!
On the pasta front since I think you said you have a Kitchen Aid, my pasta-lover husband got me a Kitchen Aid Mixer attachment for Christmas one year. SUPER fun but I don’t know if it really justifies $150. You can buy a lot of fancy pasta at the grocery store for that! 🙂 At least it’s much smaller to store than a full “one trick pony” appliance.
KitchenAid KSMPEXTA Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment with 6 Interchangeable Pasta Plates, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENK4UV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hwPwybXPQSAT6
I have an attachment too, someone gave it to me and I use it a lot!