Great British Baking Show

The Great British Baking Show has become embedded in my TV watching, I can't remember how or when I first found it.  All I know is, it's been a lifesaver.

Whenever a new season is released, it's like Christmas, doesn't matter what time of year I watch.  Knowing there's more bakes and more Brits on the horizon makes my heart happy.  When I found out about this new season on Netflix in late 2020 during election season?  Manna from heaven.

Watching the show has inspired me to bake more (G is a big fan of this outcome).  A friend of mine gifted me a baking cookbook years ago but only a few pages have been dogeared.  The brownies, the muffins, some holiday quick breads.  I've seen the bakers on GBBS bake some of the items I've only read about in that book.  Florentines, fougasse, pavlova.

One of my new year's resolutions was to create some bakes I'd seen on the show.

I've tried jaffa cakes.  Fun with gelatin!

Bakewell tart. I always love an excuse to use my pie weights.

Millionaire's shortbread.  A definitive winner.  Tastes like the ultimate candy bar.

I'm not quite sure about the new host this season.  Only one kooky guy in the tent is enough and Noel fits that perfectly.  Noel as the straight man?  Not so much.  I am sure about the next bake in my kitchen though:  chocolate babka.

Anger Management

I've been so upset this week.  By headlines.  By the virus.  By people who do not do the right thing.

Tonight I had it and lost my temper.  Raged against the machine. 

Instead of moping about it and stewing about being so angry, I grabbed my apron and went to the kitchen.

I looked in the fridge and decided to make cottage pie topped with colcannon.

I took rage and turned it into dinner.  I think that's a step in the right direction.

Art Smith's Homecomin'

Gregg had to attend a work conference in Orlando.  Mid-January in Chicago.  I was not going to be left behind.  Tagalong has become my middle name.

I took the free shuttle from our hotel to Disney Springs almost everyday.  I walked and walked and soaked up the sun.  Occasionally, I stopped for some great eats.

My favorite stop was at Art Smith's Homecomin'.  I am a sucker for Southern cuisine.  However, I was still trying to eat somewhat healthy so I ordered the Harvest Salad without cheese.  I left on the hush puppies.  I mean, come on, I'm not going to pass up hush puppies.  I'm not crazy.

Mixed greens tossed with fire-roasted red peppers and corn, shredded white cheddar cheese, heirloom cherry tomatoes and house-made balsamic dressing. Topped with grilled chicken, avocado, and hushpuppies